🇩🇪 Scholarship in Germany 🎓 DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme: Master's Scholarships for Public Policy & Good Governance 2027 🌍 (Fully funded, €992/month)

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