The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme is one of Germany’s most respected scholarship schemes for future leaders in public policy and governance. Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), it gives strong graduates from developing countries the chance to earn a Master’s degree in fields that matter for the social, political, and economic development of their home countries.
For African applicants, the appeal is direct: full funding, study at well-regarded German institutions, and degree programmes built around governance, development, peace studies, and social protection. The next intake begins in September/October 2027, and applications run through the participating universities rather than DAAD itself.
Candidates choose from selected Master’s courses at eight German higher education institutions, including Social Protection at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, Development and Governance at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Public Policy at the Willy Brandt School (University of Erfurt), Peace and Conflict Studies at Universität Magdeburg, Management in Non-Profit Organisations at Hochschule Osnabrück, and Development Studies plus Governance and Public Policy at the University of Passau. The courses have an international orientation and are taught in German and/or English.
Scholarship benefits
- Exemption from tuition fees at the host German university.
- A monthly scholarship of currently €992.
- Contributions toward health insurance in Germany.
- An appropriate travel allowance.
- A study and research subsidy.
- Rent subsidies and/or allowances for spouses and children where applicable.
- A mandatory four-month German language course before the start of studies.
Eligibility checklist
- ✔ You are a graduate from a developing country holding a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- ✔ Your first university degree is, as a rule, in social and political sciences, law, economics, public policy, or administration.
- ✔ You are willing to actively contribute to the social, political, and economic development of your home country or region.
- ✔ You have already gained relevant practical experience — professional work, internships, or political/social commitment.
- ✔ You come from one of the eligible regions, including Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- ✔ You meet the specific language requirements and selection criteria of your chosen Master’s course (these vary by programme).
Application tips for African students
- Check the language requirement for your specific course early. Some programmes are taught in English and others in German, so confirm whether you need IELTS, TOEFL, or a German certificate, and book your test well ahead of the July deadline.
- Get your transcripts and degree certificates certified, and arrange official translations into English or German if your documents are in another language — this often takes longer than students expect.
- Write a focused statement that clearly links your background and practical experience to development in your home country; the programme is explicitly looking for people committed to that goal.
- Highlight your practical experience — jobs, internships, NGO work, or community and political engagement — because this is a stated selection factor.
- Line up strong recommenders early, ideally people who can speak to both your academic ability and your commitment to public service.
- Read each university’s own admission criteria carefully, since every course sets additional requirements for grades, language, and work experience on top of DAAD’s.
- Apply to the university well before the 31 July deadline and clearly indicate you are applying for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted directly to the respective universities — not to DAAD — for both the Master’s course and the scholarship. You must state explicitly that you are applying for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme (Master’s scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance). The application period at all eight universities runs from 1 June to 31 July 2026. Read the 2027 Announcement and review the official page for the application form and full details: official scholarship website.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for this scholarship?
Graduates from developing countries who hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, usually in social and political sciences, law, economics, public policy, or administration, and who have relevant practical experience. The scheme is open to candidates from several regions, including Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
What does the scholarship cover?
It exempts you from tuition fees and pays a monthly rate of currently €992, plus health insurance contributions, a travel allowance, a study and research subsidy, and possible rent and family allowances. A mandatory four-month German language course is also included before studies begin.
What is the language requirement?
It depends on your chosen course. The programmes are taught in German and/or English, and each Master’s course sets its own language requirements and required certificates. Check the specific course details before applying.
When is the deadline?
The annual deadline is 31 July 2026, with the application period running from 1 June to 31 July 2026. The next course intake starts in September/October 2027.
Where do I submit my application?
You apply directly to the university offering your chosen Master’s course — not to DAAD — and you must indicate that you are applying for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme.