DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Masters Scholarships in Public Policy and Good Governance

DAAD runs the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme Masters Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance. The programme pays for a Master's degree in Germany in subjects tied to the social, political and economic growth of your home country. It targets strong graduates from developing countries. The scholarship covers tuition and living costs, and you apply through the German university offering your chosen course.

• Host: DAAD
• Level: Masters Degree
• Study in: Germany
• Deadline: 31 July 2026 (annual)
• Starts: Next course starts Sept/Oct 2027
• Awards: Not specified
• Covered: Tuition exemption, monthly stipend, insurance, travel, study and research subsidy, rent subsidies, family allowances, 4-month German course

This scholarship suits graduates from developing countries who already hold a first university degree, usually in social and political sciences, law, economics, public policy or administration. You should have some practical experience, such as professional work, internships or political and social commitment, and you must be ready to use your studies to help develop your home country or region.

If you are from Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific, Western, Central or South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and South Caucasus, or the Middle East and North Africa, check the list of eligible countries to confirm you qualify.

The scholarships fund selected Master courses at these German institutions:

• Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg: Social Protection
• University of Duisburg-Essen: Development and Governance
• Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt: Public Policy
• Universität Magdeburg: Peace and Conflict Studies
• Hochschule Osnabrück: Management in Non-Profit Organisations
• Universität Passau: Development Studies
• University of Passau: Governance and Public Policy

The courses have an international focus and are taught in German, English, or both.

Not specified

The scholarship is open to candidates from Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa; Latin America; Asia and the Pacific, Western, Central, South-Eastern Europe; Eastern Europe, Central Asia & South Caucasus; and the Middle East and North Africa. Check the list of eligible countries.

DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme scholarship holders do not pay tuition fees. DAAD pays a monthly scholarship rate of currently 992 €. The scholarship also includes contributions to health insurance in Germany, an appropriate travel allowance, a study and research subsidy, and rent subsidies and/or allowances for spouses and/or children where applicable.

Before your study programme starts, you must complete a 4-month German language course. Attendance is mandatory.

You must be a graduate from a developing country with a bachelor's degree or equivalent:

• You should have a well-qualified first university degree, as a rule in social and political sciences, law, economics, public policy and administration.
• You must be willing to actively contribute to the social, political and economic development of your home country or region.
• You need practical experience relevant to the programme, such as professional experience, internships, or political and social commitment.

Language requirements and certificates vary by master's course. Each master's course has its own selection criteria (degree, grades, language skills, work experience, etc.) that you must meet in addition to DAAD's selection criteria.

Applications are currently closed.

Submit your applications for the selected master's courses and for the DAAD scholarship to the respective universities only (not to DAAD). You must state that you are applying for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Master's scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance). The application period at all 8 universities runs from 1 June to 31 July 2026.

Read the 2027 Announcement and check the official website (below) for the application form and detailed instructions on how to apply.

• Who can apply for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Masters Scholarships? Graduates from developing countries in Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific, Western, Central and South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and South Caucasus, and the Middle East and North Africa. You need a first university degree, usually in social and political sciences, law, economics, public policy or administration, and practical experience.
• What does the scholarship cover? Tuition exemption, a monthly stipend of 992 €, health insurance contributions, travel allowance, study and research subsidy, and rent subsidies and/or allowances for spouses and/or children where applicable. You also receive a mandatory 4-month German language course before your studies.
• When is the deadline? The application period at all 8 universities runs from 1 June to 31 July 2026. Applications are currently closed.
• How do I apply? Submit your application for the master's course and the DAAD scholarship directly to the respective university, not to DAAD. You must indicate that you are applying for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme.
• Are there English language requirements? Yes, language requirements and certificates vary by master's course. Each course has its own criteria, including language skills, that you must meet in addition to DAAD's criteria.

• Read the official announcement and the specific course page carefully before you start your application.
• Prepare your documents early, including degree certificates, transcripts, language test scores, and proof of practical experience.
• Check the language requirements for each course you consider, since they differ between German and English taught programmes.
• Make sure your application shows how your studies connect to the development of your home country, as this is a key part of the selection.
• Submit your application to the university, not to DAAD, and keep a copy of everything you send.