Funder: DAAD / Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), Germany
Host Country: Germany
Degree Level: Masters
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Deadline: 16 November 2026
Scholarship Value: €992/month stipend + €460 annual study allowance.
Germany is one of the best countries for African students to pursue studies. The education is of a higher quality, and there is a growing number of English programmes or courses.
If you hold a degree in economics or business administration and have been considering graduate study in Germany, the DAAD ERP Study Scholarships offer one of the most generous and well-structured funding packages available to international students. Applications for the 2027 intake are now open.
What Is the DAAD ERP Scholarship?
The ERP Study Scholarship is funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy and administered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It supports outstanding international graduates in economics and business administration to pursue a full master’s degree at a state-recognised German university.
The programme has a strong emphasis on academic excellence and professional development. It is designed for graduates who want to deepen their expertise in economics, finance, management, or international business within one of the world’s leading academic environments.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
This is a comprehensive funding package — not just tuition support. Scholars receive:
- A monthly stipend of €992 for the full duration of study
- An annual study allowance of €460
- Full health, accident, and liability insurance
- A travel allowance to and from Germany (upon application)
- An optional two-month German language course before studies begin — fully funded
The scholarship runs for 18 to 24 months depending on your programme length (three to four semesters), with renewal after the first year subject to satisfactory academic performance.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to graduates from all countries outside Germany. To be eligible, you must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, or a closely related field such as finance, management, or international business
- Have completed your most recent degree within the last six years of the application deadline
- Apply simultaneously to three German universities as part of your application
- Not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of the application deadline
- Demonstrate language proficiency in the language of instruction of your chosen programme — either German or English
Eligibility Checklist for African Students
- Bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, or related field
- Degree completed within the last six years (after November 2020)
- Not currently residing in Germany (or less than 15 months total)
- Identified three German universities to apply to simultaneously
- Language proof available — IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programmes, or Goethe/TestDaF for German
- One academic reference letter from a university professor available
Application Tips for African Students
Start with university selection. Before beginning the DAAD application, research three German universities offering your intended master’s programme. Many top German universities offer English-taught master’s in economics and business — including programmes at the University of Mannheim, Frankfurt School of Finance, and Freie Universität Berlin.
Your motivation letter is critical. Selection committees pay close attention to the quality of your study project and motivation letter. Be specific about why you chose Germany, which institution, and how the degree connects to your professional goals and the development of your home country.
Sort language proficiency early. If you are applying to English-taught programmes, an IELTS score of 6.5 or above is typically required. Book your test well in advance — results take time and you will need them before the November deadline.
Apply to all three universities early. Some German universities have their own application windows that close before the DAAD deadline. Start your university applications in September to avoid last-minute complications.
Prepare one complete application package. DAAD requires all documents to be submitted together as a single complete application. Missing documents are a common reason for disqualification.
How to Apply
- Visit the DAAD scholarship database and locate the ERP Study Scholarship (ID: 50015171)
- Register on the DAAD online portal and complete the application form
- Prepare and upload all required documents:
- CV (maximum 3 pages)
- Motivation letter (1–2 pages)
- University admission letter or proof of application from three German institutions
- Completed “Information about preferred Master’s programmes” form
- Degree certificate(s) and academic transcripts
- Proof of language proficiency
- One recommendation letter from a university professor
- School leaving certificate with grades
- Certified translations into German or English where required
- Submit the complete application before 16 November 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Can African students apply?
Yes. The scholarship is open to graduates from all countries outside Germany, which includes all 54 African nations.
Do I need to know German?
Not necessarily. Many German master’s programmes are taught entirely in English. If you apply to an English-taught programme, German proficiency is not required — but the optional pre-study language course is available to all scholars.
Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?
The scholarship targets first master’s degree studies. If you already hold a master’s, check the specific eligibility criteria on the DAAD portal before applying.
What GPA do I need?
DAAD does not publish a minimum GPA, but competitive applicants typically have strong academic records. The selection criteria emphasise both academic excellence and the quality of the study project.
Is the €992 stipend enough to live in Germany?
Germany’s cost of living varies by city. The stipend is designed to cover basic living expenses, and many German universities offer affordable student housing. Smaller university cities like Mannheim, Tübingen, or Göttingen are significantly cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt.
Application deadline: 16 November 2026