Start your leadership journey with a fully funded master’s degree tailored for future agents of change The Helmut‑Schmidt Programme by DAAD, in partnership with the German Federal Foreign Office, empowers outstanding graduates from developing nations to pursue public policy administration governance and development studies at top German institutions↚
Shape Tomorrow: DAAD Helmut‑Schmidt Master Scholarship in Germany
Details
The scholarship supports one‑ or two‑year master's programmes in Public Policy Good Governance International Relations Development Studies Social Protection Peace and Conflict Studies Public Administration and Non‑Profit Management These fully funded programmes take place at select German universities including Bonn‑Rhein‑Sieg University of Applied Sciences Duisburg‑Essen Erfurt (Willy Brandt School) Magdeburg Osnabrück and Passau Applicants may submit applications to up to two of these eligible courses directly through each university portal Preference ranking is required The application period runs from 1 June to 31 July 2025 and the academic session begins in September or October 2026↚
Eligibility
Open to nationals of developing and emerging countries recognized by the OECD DAC list Candidates must hold a first university degree in fields like political science law economics public administration social sciences or related disciplines Strong academic performance (top third of class) is expected Applicants should have at least several months of relevant practical or volunteer experience demonstrating commitment to public service English proficiency at C1 level or equivalent is required Some programme documentation may also be in German Knowledge of German is not necessary prior to arrivalBenefits
The scholarship fee waiver covers tuition at German public universities A monthly stipend of approximately €992 supports living expenses Health insurance travel allowances for flights between Germany and your home country study and research grants are also included For applicants with accompanying family members rent subsidies or family allowances may be available All recipients undertake a mandatory German language course in Germany lasting up to four months before their programme begins Note for the blended‐learning Social Protection course students receive a reduced stipend of €500 during the final online semester↚
How to Apply
Choose up to two eligible Master’s programmes and apply directly through the respective university portals between 1 June and 31 July 2025 Clearly indicate your intention to apply for the DAAD Helmut‑Schmidt Scholarship in your application Include a motivation letter addressing