Become a Future Leader with the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme 2026
Scholarship Overview
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme, also known as the “Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance,” is offered in cooperation with top German universities. The program fosters academic excellence, leadership skills, and practical experience in governance, preparing scholars to make a global impact.
Eligible Fields of Study (choose up to two programs):
- Social Protection
- Development and Governance
- Public Policy
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Management of Non-Profit Organizations
- Development Studies
- Governance and Public Policy
- Public Administration
Participating Universities:
- Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences
- University of Duisburg-Essen
- Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt
- Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg
- Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences
- University of Passau
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme Scholarship will receive:
- Full exemption from tuition fees
- Monthly stipend of €992 to cover living expenses
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Travel allowance to and from Germany
- Study and research grant
- Mandatory 4-month German language course prior to studies
- Additional allowances for accommodation or family, if applicable
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree with very good grades (top third of the class)
- Have graduated after January 1, 2019
- Possess relevant practical experience (internships, employment, social or political engagement)
- Provide proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL iBT 95+ or IELTS 7.0+)
- Reside in an eligible country and not have lived in a non-eligible country for more than 15 months prior to application
Non-Eligible Countries Include:
- Western Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, etc.)
- North America (USA, Canada)
- Advanced Eastern Europe (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia)
- Advanced Asia (Japan, South Korea, Singapore)
- Advanced Oceania (Australia, New Zealand)
Required Documents:
- Completed DAAD application form
- Motivation letter (max 2 pages)
- CV in Europass format
- Academic transcripts and certificates with translations if necessary
- Proof of relevant work or social engagement experience
- Proof of English proficiency
- Letter of recommendation from a professor or employer
Why Choose the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme?
Studying in Germany with the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme provides unparalleled access to high-quality education, mentorship from experienced faculty, and networking opportunities across public policy and governance sectors. This scholarship equips future leaders with the expertise and global perspective needed to make meaningful contributions in their home countries and internationally.