With the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme, the DAAD strives to promote good governance and civil society structures in developing and emerging countries. It offers future leaders fully funded, English-taught master's courses in fields relevant to social, political and economic development, preparing them for responsible positions in or for their home regions.
What's Funded
💶 A scholarship of currently €992 per month for master's courses at German higher education institutions
🩺 Health insurance cover in Germany
✈️ Fixed travel allowances (lump sums) between Germany and the home country
📚 A study and research grant
🏠 Rent subsidies and family supplements, as applicable
🇩🇪 A preceding German language course in Germany (up to 4 months, mandatory)
🎓 Exemption from tuition fees
ℹ️ Note: for the "Social Protection" course, a €500/month sur place rate applies in the 4th semester (mandatory online semester in the home/another developing country) instead of the usual rate
Who Can Apply
🎓 Graduates from developing and emerging countries (Bachelor's or equivalent) with above-average grades (upper third) in Social and Political Sciences, Law, Economics, Public Policy and Administration
🌍 Willing to actively contribute to the development of their home countries/regions
💼 With relevant practical experience (professional experience, internships, political/social commitment)
📅 Last university degree no more than six years old (issued no earlier than 1 January 2020)
🛂 Not eligible if you've spent more than the past 15 months in a country not on the DAC list
The Master's Courses
All are taught in English; you may apply for up to two:
🎓 Social Protection — Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (4 semesters, blended)
🎓 Development and Governance — University of Duisburg-Essen (2 semesters)
🎓 Public Policy — Willy Brandt School, University of Erfurt (4 semesters)
🎓 Peace and Conflict Studies — University of Magdeburg (4 semesters)
🎓 Management in Nonprofit Organisations — Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences (4 semesters)
🎓 Development Studies — University of Passau (4 semesters)
🎓 Governance and Public Policy — University of Passau (4 semesters)
Selection Criteria
🎯 A conclusive account of your academic, professional and personal motivation, clearly relating to the goals of the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme
💼 Practical experience relevant to the programme (work, internships, political activities or community service)
📈 A first degree completed with above-average grades (upper third)
📝 Those who already hold a master's must justify funding for another postgraduate degree
Application Process
📋 Read the DAAD checklist carefully and complete the DAAD application form once, indicating your chosen course(s)
✍️ If applying for two courses, rank them in a single motivation letter (the same letter goes to both)
📨 Submit your application directly to the master's course(s) of your choice, not to the DAAD
🗓️ Selection by committee in October/November 2026; nominated candidates then upload full documents to the DAAD portal; all applicants informed in December 2026/January 2027
Application Documents
📄 A signed checklist, the DAAD application form, a single motivation letter (max 2 pages), a Europass CV, degree certificates and transcripts (certified translations if not in German/English), proof of relevant experience, proof of English, and a current reference. Applicants from India and China also submit an APS Certificate
The Details
📍 Location: Germany (seven universities)
🎓 Programme: DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Master's Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance)
🗓️ Study start: September/October 2027
👥 For: graduates from developing/emerging (DAC-list) countries in relevant fields
💶 Funding: fully funded (€992/month scholarship, health insurance, travel, study grant, German course, tuition waived)
How to Apply
📨 Submit your application, with all required documents, directly to your chosen master's course(s) — maximum two:
📧 Social Protection: msc-socialprotection@h-brs.de
📧 Development and Governance: ma-devgov@uni-due.de
📧 Public Policy: admissions-mpp@uni-erfurt.de
📧 Peace and Conflict Studies: pacs@ovgu.de
📧 Management in Nonprofit Organisations: ppgg@hs-osnabrueck.de
📧 Development Studies: information.ppgg@uni-passau.de
📧 Governance and Public Policy: information.ppgg@uni-passau.de
Deadline
📅 31 July 2026 (application period: 1 June to 31 July 2026)
Links
📧 Apply: directly to the master's course email(s) above
