The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) runs one of the best-known funding schemes for professionals from developing and newly industrialised countries. If you already have a first degree, at least two years of relevant work experience, and a job connected to development work, this programme can move you to a state or state-recognised German university to earn a Master’s and, in exceptional cases, a PhD.
For many African applicants, the appeal is twofold: the courses are development-focused (economics, engineering, public health, urban planning, agriculture, environmental science and more), and the funding is designed so you can concentrate on your studies rather than on how to pay for them. The next intake starts in academic year 2027/2028.
Because applications go directly to each course, the exact deadline, documents and process depend on the programme you choose but deadlines generally fall between August and October 2026.
Scholarship benefits
- Monthly payment of 992 euros for graduate (Master’s) scholars, or 1,300 euros for doctoral candidates.
- Contributions toward health, accident and personal liability insurance cover.
- A travel allowance, unless these costs are already met by your home country or another funder.
- Under certain circumstances, a monthly rent subsidy and a monthly allowance for accompanying family members.
- For German-taught courses, a preparatory German language course in Germany of up to six months.
- Funding duration of 12 to 24 months for Masters (depending on the institution) and 42 months for PhD study.
Eligibility checklist
✔ You currently work for a public authority, or a state or private company in a developing country, on the planning or execution of development-related projects in technological, economic or social areas.
✔ You hold a Bachelor’s degree (normally four years) in a related subject.
✔ You completed your degree with far above average results (upper third) and have at least two years of related professional experience after your Bachelor’s at the time of applying.
✔ Your academic degrees are normally not more than six years old.
✔ You are a national of a country on the OECD-DAC list (the source excludes Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia including Kosovo, and Turkey).
✔ For German-taught courses: a current German certificate proving at least B1 level, no older than two years at application.
✔ For English-taught courses: proof of adequate English language skills as required by the specific course.
Application tips for African students
- Start with the course, not the scholarship. Open the official DAAD database, shortlist development-related programmes in your field, and read each one’s own deadline and document list carefully, they differ.
- Line up your English test (IELTS or TOEFL) early if you’re targeting an English-taught course; check the exact score each programme accepts before booking a test date.
- If a course is taught in German, get a recognised B1 certificate that is less than two years old at the time you apply. Remember the funded preparatory course later helps you reach DSH 2, TestDaF 4 or Telc C1.
- Have your transcripts and degree certificates officially certified and, where needed, translated into German or English well ahead of the deadline.
- Make your two years of professional experience explicit. This scholarship favours working professionals, so your CV and reference letters should show your role in real development projects.
- Write a focused statement that connects your current job, your chosen course, and how you’ll use the degree back home, vague ambition reads weakly against DAAD’s development mandate.
- Ask referees who know your work to write early, and give them your CV and course details so their letters are specific.
How to apply
There is no single central form. You apply directly to the German course you want to join, following that programme’s own procedure, deadline and document requirements. Use the official DAAD scholarship database to find eligible development-related postgraduate courses, and read the FAQs and the 2027/2028 brochure before you submit. Deadlines typically fall around August to October 2026. Start here: Official DAAD scholarship database.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this scholarship for?
It targets working professionals from developing and newly industrialised countries who are engaged in development-related planning or projects, hold a related Bachelor’s degree with strong results, and have at least two years of relevant experience.
What does the scholarship cover?
It provides a monthly stipend (992 euros for Masters scholars, 1,300 euros for doctoral candidates), insurance contributions and a travel allowance, plus possible rent and family allowances in certain cases. German-taught tracks include up to six months of language preparation.
Which degree levels are funded?
Mainly Masters (development-related postgraduate courses), and in exceptional cases a PhD. Masters funding runs 12 to 24 months; PhD funding runs 42 months.
Do I need to speak German?
Only if your course is taught in German, then you need at least a B1 certificate no older than two years at application. Many development-related courses are taught in English, which instead require proof of adequate English skills.
What is the deadline?
Deadlines vary by course but generally fall around August to October 2026 for the 2027/2028 intake. Always confirm the exact date on your chosen course’s page.
How do I apply?
Apply directly to your selected course through its own application process. Use the official DAAD database and the 2027/2028 brochure for full details.