DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship in Germany

Great news for those interested in studying in Germany! The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 is one of Europe’s most prestigious programs designed for outstanding international students seeking to pursue a master’s degree in Germany. This scholarship supports young leaders committed to advancing democracy and social justice in their home countries. It offers opportunities to study in fields such as law, economics, political science, and public administration. Administered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Helmut Schmidt Scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for students from developing and emerging countries. If you’re planning to apply for the 2026 master’s scholarships in Public Policy and Good Governance, be sure to read on!

The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 targets highly qualified graduates from developing and emerging countries who are eager to pursue a master’s degree in Germany. This fully funded program welcomes students from disciplines including political science, law, economics, and public administration, with studies commencing in September or October 2026. Recipients of the DAAD scholarship are exempt from tuition fees and enjoy various additional benefits. The program focuses on developing leadership skills among young professionals, preparing them to make impactful decisions in the future. Scholars have the chance to study at top German universities and collaborate closely with peers, fostering meaningful dialogue and diverse strategies. This experience also encourages active participation in global development initiatives.

Germany is a country rich in diversity and has a long-standing tradition of intellectual excellence. Its multicultural environment fosters inclusivity and open-mindedness. The scholarship program includes discussions and projects focused on the development of the Global South, covering social, cultural, economic, and political issues. This fully funded two-year scholarship offers numerous benefits, including allowances for travel, food, and tuition fees. Additionally, recipients receive a monthly stipend and research grant to support their studies.

Germany remains a popular destination for students aspiring to pursue higher education, especially master’s degrees. The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship Programme 2026 provides an outstanding opportunity to study in Germany at no cost. Designed for students from developing countries, this scholarship enables international students to achieve their academic and professional ambitions in one of Europe’s leading educational hubs. Students interested in this opportunity should not miss the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026. More detailed information about the program is provided below. If you’re eager to learn how to study in Germany for free, be sure to check out our blog.

Scholarship details:

• Country: Germany
• Financial coverage: Fully Funded
• Eligible Regions: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Syrian Arab Republic, Algeria, Bhutan, Bolivia, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Eswatini, Ghana, Honduras, India, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Micronesia, Mongolia, Morocco, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tokelau, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe, Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, China (People’s Republic of), Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Gabon, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Indonesia, Iraq, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Montserrat, Namibia, Nauru, Niue, North Macedonia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, South Africa, Suriname, Thailand, Tonga, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank and Gaza Strip.
• Deadline: July 31, 2025

List of available Courses:

The DAAD Helmut Schmidt eligible courses are as follows:

• Social Protection
• Development and Governance
• Public Policy
• Peace and Conflict Studies
• Management in Non-Profit Organizations
• Development Studies
• Governance and Public Policy

Host Universities:

The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship is a collaborative initiative involving several academic institutions. A range of universities participate in the program, where students will pursue their two-year master’s studies. The participating host institutions include:

• University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg
• University of Duisburg-Essen
• Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt
• University of Magdeburg
• University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück
• University of Passau

Eligibility Criteria :

• To be eligible for the fully funded DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 in Germany, applicants must demonstrate an excellent academic record.
• The program is open to graduates with backgrounds in social and political sciences, law, economics, public policy, and public administration.
• In addition to academic qualifications, candidates should also have relevant practical experience, which may include professional employment, internships, or active involvement in political or social causes.
• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification and be nationals of developing or emerging countries as specified by the DAAD.
• The program particularly welcomes individuals who are passionate about contributing to economic and social development on a global scale.

Selection Criteria:

• Strong Academic Performance: Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic results in their previous studies.
• Language Proficiency: Proof of language skills (usually in English or German, depending on the program) is required.
• Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of one of the eligible developing or emerging countries.
• Motivation Letter: A well-articulated and convincing statement of purpose outlining personal motivation for studying in Germany and how the experience will benefit their home country upon return.
• Recency of Degree: The most recent university degree must have been obtained within the past six years at the time of application.
• Residency Restriction: Candidates who have lived in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of the application deadline are not eligible.
• Program-Specific Requirements: Each participating master’s program may have additional admission criteria that applicants must meet.

Scholarship Benefits:

• Monthly Stipend: Scholars will receive a monthly allowance of €992 throughout the master’s program.
• Tuition Fee Exemption: As a fully funded scholarship, all tuition fees are covered.
• Health Insurance Coverage: Contributions toward health insurance are included.
• Travel Allowance: Funding for round-trip travel between the scholar’s home country and Germany.
• Study and Research Grant: Financial support for academic and research-related expenses.
• Accommodation Subsidy: Monthly rental subsidy provided where applicable.
• Family Support: Additional allowances for spouses and/or children when relevant.
• Language Preparation: Participation in a four-month German language course before the start of the degree program.
• This scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in Germany at no cost, while benefiting from comprehensive financial and academic support.

Required Documents:

• Copy of Academic Transcript
• Signed Checklist Form (as provided by DAAD)
• Completed DAAD Application Form
• Letter of Motivation (one single letter, even if applying to multiple courses, get yours here)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) in reverse chronological order (preferably using the Europass format, (get yours here)
• Proof of English Language Proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS)
• Copies of Higher Education Degree Certificates
• Letter of Recommendation from a university lecturer or employer (get yours here)
• Certificates of Work Experience, Internships, or Volunteer Work (if applicable)

Application Process:

Wondering how to apply for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme? Follow the steps below to ensure a successful application:

• Language of Application: Submit your application in English or German only.
• Program Indication: Clearly state that you are applying for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme (Master’s Scholarships in Public Policy and Good Governance).
• Choose Your Courses: You may apply for up to two master’s programs from the list of eligible courses.
• Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all requirements and selection criteria for the scholarship.
• Complete the Application Form: Fill out the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 application form for study grants just once, clearly indicating your first and second course preferences.
• Write a Motivation Letter: Prepare one motivation letter explaining your interest in both selected programs, and justify your ranking of first and second choices.
• Submit to Universities: Send your completed DAAD application form, motivation letter, and all required documents (as listed above) directly to the two universities of your choice.
• Do not send your application to DAAD.
• University Application: Follow the specific instructions provided by each university for their master’s course application.
• Respect the Deadline: Make sure to submit your application before the official deadline of the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026.

Selection Criteria:

• The selection process is carried out by a committee comprising university professors and DAAD representatives. This evaluation takes place in October or November 2025.
• Applicants who are nominated for the scholarship will be contacted by DAAD and asked to upload their full application to the DAAD Portal.
• Important: Be sure to keep digital copies (PDF format) of all your application documents, as you will need to upload them if selected for further consideration.
• Final results will be communicated in writing to successful applicants in December 2025 or January 2026.

Application deadline:

The deadline to apply for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 in Germany is 31 July 2025

Official website:

https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?detail=50026397

Application link:

https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?detail=50026397