The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is now accepting applications for the prestigious 2025 Helmut Schmidt Scholarship in Germany, aimed at future leaders from around the world. This fully funded master’s scholarship offers a unique opportunity to study in Germany, with no prior work experience required. International students from all disciplines are invited to apply for this program of excellence, which covers tuition fees, living expenses, and much more. Don’t miss this chance to develop your skills and network at top German universities.
DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship Program
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship Program offers a unique opportunity for future decision-makers from developing countries to pursue master’s studies in Germany.
Partner Universities:
- Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg
- Universität Duisburg-Essen
- Willy Brandt School of Public Policy (University of Erfurt)
- Universität Magdeburg
- Hochschule Osnabrück
- Universität Passau
- Universität Potsdam
Eligible Fields of Study:
- Development and Governance
- Social Protection Systems Analysis and Design
- Public Policy (MPP)
- Peace and Conflict Resolution
- Management of Non-Profit Organizations
- Development Studies
- Governance and Public Policy
- Public Management (MPM)
Scholarship Details:
- Funding: Covers tuition fees, health insurance, a monthly stipend, and travel allowance.
- Duration: Up to four semesters.
- Number of Scholarships: Not specified.
Benefits of the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Master’s Scholarship
In addition to the monthly stipend of 934€, the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship offers a range of benefits to ensure your success and well-being in Germany:
- Health and Safety: Full health insurance coverage and travel allowance for peace of mind.
- Financial Support: Grants for your studies and research, as well as for rent and your family if needed.
- Language and Cultural Immersion: Intensive 6-month German course before the start of the program, fully funded.
- Academic Support: Personalized tutoring at your host university and participation in networking events to broaden your horizons.
- Flexibility: One online semester in your home country or another developing country, with a 500€ allowance, to allow you to stay connected to your roots.
And of course, the tuition fee waiver allows you to fully focus on your studies and personal development.
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship is much more than financial aid, it’s a springboard for your future.
List of Countries Eligible for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Master’s Scholarship
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China (People’s Republic of), Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Swaziland, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Türkiye, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank and Gaza Strip, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Eligibility Requirements for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Master’s Scholarship Program
To be eligible for this prestigious scholarship, you must:
- Academic Excellence: Possess a university degree with significantly above-average results.
- Language Proficiency: Meet the specific language requirements of each chosen German university.
- Commitment to Development: Demonstrate a sincere willingness to actively contribute to the social, political, and economic progress of your home country or region.
- Clear Motivation: Submit a convincing letter of motivation detailing your personal and professional aspirations related to the study project in Germany, as well as the expected benefits for your home country upon your return.
- Recent Degree: Have obtained your last university degree within six years prior to your scholarship application.
- Limited Stay in Germany: Not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline.
How to Apply for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Master’s Scholarship Program
- Carefully Review the Selection Criteria: Read the DAAD eligibility criteria included in the checklist document. Check each item on the list and sign the document in original (no digital signature), indicating the place and date.
- Complete the DAAD Application Form: Fill out the DAAD application form for research grants and scholarships, specifying your first choice of program (you can also indicate a second choice if you wish).
- Write a Single Letter of Motivation: Write a single letter of motivation for the two university programs you have chosen, clearly justifying your first and second choices.
- Send Your Application to the Universities: Send the completed DAAD scholarship form, along with your letter of motivation and required documents, directly to the two universities of your choice. DO NOT send your application to DAAD.
