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DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded Master’s Programs in Germany for Future Leaders

Table of Content

  1. Overview of DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme
  2. Benefits
  3. Participating Universities
  4. Eligible Study Fields
  5. Eligibility Criteria
  6. Required Documents
  7. Application Process and Application Deadline

The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme, also known as the Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance, offers an exceptional opportunity for students from developing and emerging nations to pursue fully funded Master’s degrees in Germany. Sponsored by the German Federal Foreign Office, this prestigious program is tailored for individuals committed to advancing social justice, effective governance, and sustainable development in their home countries.

This scholarship is ideal for motivated graduates eager to strengthen civil society, improve governance structures, and lead positive change. Selected candidates benefit from specialized academic programs, interactive seminars, and interdisciplinary networking throughout their studies in top German universities. All courses are conducted in English and focus on topics related to public policy and governance.

With comprehensive financial support and access to world-class education and practical training, the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 is a launching pad for students passionate about global impact and institutional reform.

Key Program Information:

  • Host Country: Germany

  • Organizer: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

  • Program Level: Master’s Degree

  • Funding Type: Fully Funded

  • Eligibility: Open to international students from developing and emerging countries

Benefits 

  • Monthly stipend of €992

  • Full tuition fee coverage

  • Travel allowance (to/from Germany)

  • Health insurance in Germany

  • Rent subsidies and family support (if applicable)

  • Study and research grants

  • 4-month mandatory German language course in Germany

  • Invitations to exclusive seminars and professional networking events

Note: For the “Social Protection” master's course, the final semester is delivered online, and the stipend is reduced to €500/month during this period.

Participating Universities:

  1. Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg

  2. University of Duisburg-Essen

  3. University of Erfurt

  4. Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

  5. University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück

  6. University of Passau

  7. University of Potsdam

Eligible Study Fields

  • Public Policy

  • Development and Governance

  • Analysis & Design of Social Protection Systems

  • Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS)

  • Governance and Public Policy

  • Development Studies

  • Management in Nonprofit Organizations

  • Public Management (MPM)

Eligibility Criteria

  • A Bachelor’s degree with above-average academic results (top third)

  • Graduation after January 1, 2019

  • Relevant experience in professional, volunteer, or political roles

  • A strong commitment to contributing to the development of your home country

  • English language proficiency (requirements vary by course)

  • Applicants must not have resided in a non-DAC country for more than 15 months before applying

Required Documents:

  • Signed DAAD application form

  • Motivation letter (max. 2 pages covering both course choices)

  • Updated Europass CV

  • Bachelor’s degree certificate (translated, if required)

  • Official academic transcripts with grading scale

  • Valid language certificate (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS)

  • Proof of relevant professional or volunteer experience

  • Letter of recommendation (from university or employer)

  • APS certificate (mandatory for applicants from China)

  • Signed and dated application checklist

Application Process

  1. Select up to two eligible Master’s programs from the list.

  2. Complete the DAAD Application Form and Checklist.

  3. Write a single motivation letter for both course options.

  4. Submit your full application directly to the universities (not to DAAD).

  5. Only upload documents to the DAAD portal if nominated.

Application Deadline:

  • 31st July 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply

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