The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) invites applications for the 2026/2027 In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa. This prestigious scholarship aims to strengthen higher education systems in the region by providing funding for development-related Master’s and PhD studies. The programme supports individuals aspiring to build academic careers in teaching and research at universities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
With a focus on capacity building and sustainable development, the DAAD scholarship primarily targets university staff while also addressing the need for highly skilled professionals in the public sector.
SUMMARY:
- Scholarship Sponsor(s): DAAD
- Host Institution(s): Host Institutions in Africa
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Number of Awards: Several
- Study Level: Masters and PhD
- Nationality: Africans
Also Check: DAAD Scholarships 2026/2027: Step-By-Step Guide
What You Should Know
- The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships programme supports Master’s and PhD studies in selected development-related fields.
- Scholarships are available for studies in one’s home country (In-Country) or another Sub-Saharan African country (In-Region).
- Female applicants and candidates from less privileged backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
- For South African students, In-Country scholarships are managed separately in cooperation with the National Research Foundation (NRF).
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a graduate or postgraduate student from Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Hold a first academic degree (for Master’s applicants) or a Master’s degree (for PhD applicants).
- Apply for a Master’s or PhD programme in their home country (In-Country) or another Sub-Saharan African country (In-Region).
- Demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to contributing to higher education and research in the region.
Scholarship Benefits
The DAAD scholarship provides recipients with:
- A monthly stipend.
- Study and research allowance.
- Thesis publication costs.
- Tuition fee coverage.
- Additional benefits for In-Region scholarship holders, including travel allowance and health insurance.
Application Procedure
The application process varies depending on the chosen university and programme. Applicants must follow the specific call for applications for their selected degree programme.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is April 29, 2026.
Available Scholarships & Host Institutions
DAAD offers multiple scholarships across different regions. Below is a list of some currently open calls:
West and Central Africa
Nigeria
- Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta Nigeria (FUNAAB):
Southern Africa
South Africa
- University of Cape Town (UCT):
Master of Philosophy in Urban Studies – Southern Urbanism
- University of Pretoria (UP):
Master of Science in Mathematics
Further calls for applications (in other countries, institutions, and academic fields) that are not yet open will be published in the autumn of 2026.