The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarships 2026/2027 will soon be opened for applications starting from June 1. Successful applicants will receive fully funded support to study in Germany and are expected to return to their home countries after study to impact development with the training they have gathered.
The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (known as Public Policy and Good Governance) supports future leaders from developing countries. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, the scholarships offers a fully funded opportunity to acquire a Master’s degree in programmes of particular relevance for the social, political and economic development in the students’ countries of origin.
SUMMARY:
- Scholarship Sponsor(s): DAAD
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded Scholarships
- Host Institution(s): Selected Institutions in Germany
- Scholarship Worth: See Benefits (below)
- Number of Awards: Not Specified
- Study Level: Masters
- Nationality: Developing and Emerging Countries
Also Check: DAAD Leadership for Africa scholarship for Masters Study in Germany
Eligibility Criteria | DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme 2026
DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship Programme is open to graduates from developing countries (bachelor or equivalent);
- with a well-qualified first university degree and above-average
grades (upper third) in Social and Political Sciences, Law, Economics,
Public Policy and Administration - willing to actively contribute to the social, political and economic
development of their home countries/regions - who have already gained practical experience relevant for the
programme (professional experience, internships, political/social
commitment)
Scholarship Benefits
DAAD scholarship holders are exempt from paying tuition fees, in addition to the following other benefits;
- scholarships (of currently € 992 per month) for master’s courses at
German higher education institutions - health insurance cover in Germany
- fixed travel allowances (lump sum) for travel between Germany and the
respective developing and emerging countries - a study and research grant
- rent subsidies and family supplements, as applicable
- preceding German language course in Germany, lasting up to 4
months; participation is mandatory
Application Procedures
How to Apply: All applications must be submitted in English or German. Please refer to the call for applications for detailed application instructions. When applying for placement, please indicate clearly that you are applying for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme (Master’s scholarships in Public Policy and Good Governance).
Document Requirements:
- a ticked off checklist and list of criteria, signed by hand (print it out, sign it by hand, scan it and include it in your documents), indicating place and date of issue.
- the DAAD application form
- a single letter of motivation (even when applying for two master’s courses) including the date of issue and a precise account of your academic, professional and personal reasons for wishing to participate in the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme, as well as a detailed explanation of your choice of master’s course(s), indicating why your first choice of master’s course is your first choice, why your second choice is your second choice and how they will advance you academically and professionally, max. two pages long. You must provide the same letter of motivation to both courses you are applying for.
- a curriculum vitae in reverse chronological order including the date of issue (format: europass, please note: the europass template does not include a date, please add it yourself) with exact information about your studies and practical experience; gaps of three months or more must be explained.
- copies of your higher education degree certificates. Please provide a certified translation if the original is not in German or English and make sure these are clearly legible.
- a copy of your full set of transcript of records including an explanation of the grading system. Please provide a certified translation if the original is not in German or English and make sure these are clearly legible.
- confirmations of relevant professional experience or internships and/or proof of relevant political activities or service to your community, such as volunteering or work for charities or NGOs, on headed paper, including an original (not scanned) or code certified digital signature, the date of issue and a stamp. If necessary, please provide a certified translation
- proof of English language skills.
- a current written reference from your current employer or from a university lecturer only if you are a student at present, on headed paper, including an original (not scanned) or code certified digital signature, the date of issue and a stamp. If necessary, please provide a certified translation.
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
