Applications are open for selected DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programmes 2027, offering fully funded Master’s degree opportunities to qualified graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa, including West African countries. The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme supports individuals interested in pursuing careers in university teaching, research and development-related professions.
Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and administered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the programme enables scholars to study at selected African universities either in their home country or another eligible country within the region.
SUMMARY:
- Scholarship Sponsor(s): DAAD, funded by BMZ
- Host Institutions: Selected universities in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Scholarship Type: Fully funded
- Scholarship Worth: Tuition fees, monthly stipend, research allowances and additional benefits
- Number of Awards: Several, depending on participating institutions
- Study Level: Master’s degree (current 2027 calls)
- Eligible Nationalities: Sub-Saharan African countries, including West Africa
- Study Destination: Participating African countries
Also See: DAAD In-Country/In-Region Africa Scholarships 2027 (Master and PhD Studies)
Programme Overview
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme strengthens higher education and research capacity in Africa by supporting academically qualified graduates pursuing development-related postgraduate studies.
Under the programme, applicants may receive funding to study in their home country through an In-Country Scholarship or at an eligible institution in another Sub-Saharan African country through an In-Region Scholarship.
The 2027 application calls cover selected Master’s programmes, with scholarship commencement dates between January and July 2027. Doctoral scholarships remain part of the wider DAAD programme but should not be assumed to be included in every current call.
See Also: DAAD Scholarship | Application Guide
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships must generally meet the following requirements:
- Be nationals or eligible residents of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Possess a recognised first academic degree relevant to the selected Master’s programme.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and commitment to their chosen field.
- Meet the admission requirements of the participating host institution.
- Show an interest in contributing to research, higher education or sustainable development in Africa.
- Satisfy the language requirements of the chosen study programme.
- Meet any additional eligibility conditions specified in the individual scholarship call.
Female applicants, refugees and candidates from disadvantaged regions or underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
Scholarship Value and Benefits
Successful applicants generally receive:
- Full or covered tuition fees, subject to the programme’s funding provisions.
- Monthly scholarship payments.
- Study and research allowances.
- Thesis printing or publication allowance.
Additional benefits for In-Region scholarship holders may include:
- Travel allowance.
- Health insurance support.
Exact scholarship amounts and additional funding provisions depend on the participating institution and the applicable DAAD call.
See Also: Yale Young African Scholars Programme | Study in USA
Participating Institutions and Programmes
DAAD publishes individual scholarship calls for selected universities and development-related Master’s programmes across Sub-Saharan Africa.
West African applicants should consult the current programme listings to identify participating institutions, eligible degree courses and admission requirements.
Previous West African host institutions have included universities and specialist research centres in Ghana and Nigeria. However, applicants should rely on the current 2027 call listings rather than assume that every institution from an earlier intake is accepting applications.
Application Procedures
How to Apply: Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Visit the official DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme webpage and open the 2027 calls for applications.
- Select an eligible university and Master’s programme, then review its individual scholarship announcement.
- Prepare the required documents and apply through the DAAD application system or other submission channel specified in the call.
- Complete any separate admission application required by the host university before its deadline.
Applicants must follow the specific instructions and deadlines for their chosen programme.
Application Documents
Depending on the institution, applicants may need:
- Completed scholarship application.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Motivation letter.
- Recommendation letters.
- Proof of admission or application to the host institution.
- Evidence of language proficiency, where required.
- Other documents specified in the individual scholarship announcement.
Application Deadline
Varies by Programme
Deadlines differ by institution and programme. Applicants should check the current official scholarship database and individual calls for the exact closing date before applying.
