DRD Scholarships for Sub-Saharan Africans: Masters and PhD at UWC and Ruhr-University Bochum

Each year, DRD awards a limited number of DAAD merit scholarships to applicants from Sub-Saharan African countries. The scholarships support full-time Masters and PhD studies that focus on development-related fields. Selection is based on an excellent academic record.

• Host institutions: University of the Western Cape, South Africa and Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
• Level: Masters and PhD
• Study destination: South Africa and Germany
• Deadline: 20 June 2021 (annual)
• Awards: Limited number
• Coverage: Monthly allowance, travel allowance, tuition and registration fees

University of the Western Cape, South Africa / Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany

Scholarships are open to full-time students in these programmes:

• MA in Development Studies
• Master in Public Administration
• The different PhD options at the centre (PhD UWC)

Limited. The exact number is not specified.

The scholarships are intended for nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries.

Master candidates receive a monthly allowance of 650 Euro plus travel allowances. PhD candidates receive a monthly allowance of 900 Euro plus travel allowances. Tuition and registration fees are covered by the Scholarship Programme.

Before you apply, read the specific entry requirements and course application procedure for your chosen programme. These are available in the respective programme sections. In addition to programme requirements, all applicants must meet the following conditions:

• You must be from Sub-Saharan Africa.
• You must have an outstanding academic record, with at least a 70% average for your last degree.
• Your previous study must have been completed at an internationally recognised university.
• Your previous degree should be in an academic discipline related to Development Studies.
• South African students need an honours degree to be admitted to a Masters course. Other students need the equivalent of a 4-year undergraduate degree.
• You must show proficiency in English, both written and spoken. This can be a TOEFL test, a similar standard test, or a letter from an academic institution.
• Work and/or voluntary experience in your field of interest is a recommendation.
• There is no formal age restriction, but you should apply within three years of completing your previous degree, unless you have a good reason for having been academically inactive for a period.
• Women are encouraged to apply.
• South African students are encouraged to apply.
• You must be able to study full-time at UWC for the required period.

Find the "How to apply" information for the Master in Development Studies, the Master in Public Administration, and the respective PhD options in the "How to apply" sections of each programme. Applications can only be submitted by using the online application form, which is also available in those sections. Applications via hardcopy or email are not eligible. The deadline is 20 June 2021.

Visit the official website to access the electronic application form and for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

This scholarship suits students from Sub-Saharan African countries who have a strong academic record and want to study development-related subjects full-time. It is ideal if you are ready to begin a Masters or PhD at UWC or Ruhr-University Bochum and can show English proficiency.

Women and South African students are encouraged to apply. If you have work or voluntary experience in your field, that strengthens your application.

• Who can apply for the DRD Scholarships? Nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries who meet the academic and English requirements.
• What does the scholarship cover? Monthly allowances (650 Euro for Masters, 900 Euro for PhD), travel allowances, and tuition and registration fees.
• What is the deadline? 20 June 2021. Applications are only accepted through the online form.
• How do I apply? Use the online application form linked in the "How to apply" section of your chosen programme on the official website.
• Can I apply by email or hardcopy? No, applications via hardcopy or email are not eligible.
• Is there an age limit? No formal age restriction, but you should apply within three years of completing your previous degree unless you have a good reason for a period of academic inactivity.

• Read the official guidelines and programme entry requirements carefully before starting your application.
• Prepare your documents early, including academic transcripts, English test scores, and letters of recommendation.
• Check the English language requirement and register for TOEFL or a similar test well in advance if needed.
• Highlight any work or voluntary experience related to development studies in your application.
• Submit your application through the online form before the deadline; late or emailed applications will not be accepted.