DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 in Germany

The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme 2026 (Public Policy and Good Governance Scholarships) has officially opened for applications in Germany 🇩🇪. This highly prestigious international scholarship offers outstanding opportunities for students worldwide who aspire to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in Germany.

A key distinctive feature of this programme is that no prior professional experience is required, making it one of the most accessible high-level scholarships in its category. It is designed for talented international graduates who wish to advance their academic and professional ambitions in public policy, governance, and related fields.

Through this fully funded scholarship, successful applicants will be admitted to a Master’s programme at one of seven renowned German partner universities, all recognized for excellence in public administration, social sciences, and development studies. The Helmut Schmidt Scholarship remains one of Europe’s most comprehensive funding schemes for future leaders in governance and public affairs.

DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 – Key Figures

• €934 monthly stipend for living expenses
• 7 partner universities in Germany
• Up to 4 semesters (approximately 2 years of funding)
• 130+ countries eligible worldwide

About the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme

Named in honour of former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt (1974–1982), the programme reflects his commitment to international cooperation and sustainable development.

Its primary objective is to prepare future leaders, policy experts, and public administration professionals from developing and emerging countries. The programme is particularly notable for its inclusive design, especially the fact that no work experience is required, significantly broadening access for recent graduates.

This is a fully funded scholarship, providing a monthly allowance of €934 to support students throughout their studies in Germany.

Key Details of the 2026 Scholarship

• Host country: Germany
• Level of study: Master’s degree (Public Policy, Governance, and related fields)
• Funding duration: Up to 4 semesters (2 academic years)
• Work experience required: None
• Target group: Graduates from developing and emerging countries

Participating Universities

Scholarship recipients may study at one of the following prestigious German institutions:

• Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg – Development and Governance
• Universität Duisburg-Essen – Social protection systems analysis
• University of Erfurt (Willy Brandt School of Public Policy) – Master of Public Policy (MPP)
• Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg – Peace and Conflict Studies
• Hochschule Osnabrück – Non-profit management
• Universität Passau – Development Studies
• Universität Potsdam – Public Governance and Management

Applicants may select up to two universities when submitting their application.

Fields of Study Covered

The programme supports a wide range of specializations, including:

• Development and Governance
• Social Protection Systems
• Public Policy (MPP)
• Peace and Conflict Studies
• Non-Profit Management
• Development Economics
• Governance and Public Administration
• Public Management

Scholarship Benefits

Selected candidates receive a comprehensive financial and academic support package, including:

Financial Support

• €934 monthly stipend
• Full health insurance coverage
• Travel allowance (round-trip airfare)
• Study and research grants
• Possible family and housing allowances
• Full tuition fee exemption

Academic & Professional Support

• 6-month intensive German language course (fully funded)
• Online preparatory semester (if applicable)
• Academic tutoring and mentoring by DAAD
• Networking events with alumni and professionals

A major highlight is the pre-departure German language training, which ensures students are well-prepared for academic life and integration in Germany.

Eligible Countries

The scholarship is open to applicants from more than 130 developing and emerging countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.

Eligible Francophone African countries include:
Cameroon, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, DRC, Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo, Gabon, Chad, Niger, Republic of Congo, among others.

Other eligible countries include Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Strong academic performance (above-average results recommended)
• Clear commitment to development-related work in home country
• English proficiency (typically B2–C1 depending on programme)
• A well-defined academic and professional motivation
• Recent graduation (within the last 6 years)
• Limited stay in Germany (less than 15 months at application deadline)

Important: No prior professional experience is required, which makes this programme unique among major international scholarships.

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Review DAAD eligibility requirements and checklist (original signature required)
2. Complete the official DAAD application form and select two universities
3. Write a single motivation letter covering both chosen universities
4. Submit applications directly to the universities (not to DAAD)

Applications sent directly to DAAD are automatically rejected.

Deadline: 31 July 2026

Applicants are strongly advised to begin preparation early, as document verification, translations, recommendation letters, and language test results may take several weeks or months.

APPLY HERE

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