The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) invites applications for the 2025/2026 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 Leadership for Africa scholarship 2025/2026 (Fully Funded to Germany)
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 9, 2025.
Available Scholarships & Host Institutions
DAAD offers multiple scholarships across different regions. Below is a list of some currently open calls:
Southern Africa
- Malawi: Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) – Master’s in Aquaculture and Fisheries Science.
- Namibia: Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) – PhD in Computer Science.
- South Africa (In-Region scholarships only):
- Stellenbosch University (SUN) – Master’s in Molecular Biology and Human Genetics (MBHG).
- University of Cape Town (UCT) – Master’s in Urban Studies – Southern Urbanism.
- University of the Western Cape (UWC) – Master’s & PhD in Development Studies.
West and Central Africa
- Benin: University of Abomey – Calavi (UAC) – Master’s in Statistics (Biostatistics); PhD in Agronomic Sciences (Biometry).
- Cameroon: University of Dschang – PhD in Parasitology and Pharmacology.
- Ghana:
- University of Ghana (ISSER) – PhD in Development Studies.
- West African Center for Crop Improvement (WACCI) – Master’s in Seed Science and Technology.
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) – Master’s in Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases.
- Nigeria:
- Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) – Master’s & PhD in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.
- Benue State University Makurdi (BSUM) – Master’s & PhD in Food Chemistry.
Eastern Africa
- Kenya:
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) – Master’s in Energy Technology, Soil and Water Engineering; PhD in Soil and Water Engineering.
- Moi University – PhD in Biostatistics.
- Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT) – Master’s in Food Science and Technology.
- Pwani University – Master’s in Bioinformatics.
- Tanzania:
- Ardhi University – Master’s in Geomatics.
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) – Master’s in Embedded and Mobile Systems.
- Uganda:
- Busitema University – Master’s in Public Health.
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) – Master’s in Biology (Natural Resources Ecology, Management & Conservation; Microbiology & Parasitology).
Future Calls
Additional degree programmes will be announced in August 2025. For expired or upcoming calls, visit the official DAAD website for updates.