DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Masters Scholarship – Fully Funded

DAAD is now accepting applications for the 2026 Helmut-Schmidt Programme – Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance. This fully funded scholarship programme supports future leaders from developing and emerging countries who are committed to driving positive change in their home regions through careers in public administration, governance, policy-making, and civil society.

Programme Overview

The Helmut-Schmidt Programme, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and administered by DAAD, provides outstanding graduates with the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in disciplines related to good governance, public policy, law, economics, political science, and administration. The goal is to equip young professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to promote democratic governance, economic development, and social equality in their home countries.

READ: Johns Hopkins University Undergraduate Scholarship for International Students

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants must:

• Be graduates from developing or emerging countries (based on the DAC list)
• Hold a first university degree (typically a bachelor’s) with above-average grades (top third of their class)
• Have relevant professional or practical experience (including internships, voluntary service, or community engagement)
• Be committed to contributing to the political, social, and economic development of their home countries
• Have completed their last degree no earlier than 1 January 2019
• Have not spent more than 15 months in a non-DAC-listed country by the time of application
• Be proficient in English (language requirements vary by programme)

What the Scholarship Covers

The Helmut-Schmidt Programme offers:

• A monthly stipend of 992 euros
• Full tuition fee waiver
• Health insurance coverage
• Travel allowance between Germany and the home country
• Study and research grant
• Rent subsidy and family allowance, where applicable
• A mandatory German language course (up to four months) prior to the degree programme
• Access to seminars, events, and networking opportunities with international scholars

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For the “Social Protection” master’s programme, a partial funding model applies during the final semester due to its blended learning format.

How to Apply For DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Masters Scholarship

Applicants may apply for up to two of the following master’s programmes:

1. Social Protection – University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg. (teaching language: English, duration: 4 semesters)
   Blended learning concept:
   1st semester at the higher education institution
   2nd semester online, in Germany or the home country/a developing
   country
   3rd semester, practical term in Germany/home country/third country
   4th semester online, dedicated to preparing the master’s thesis in the
   home country/a developing country
   Email: msc-socialprotection@h-brs.de
2. Development and Governance – University of Duisburg-Essen. (teaching language: English, duration: 2 semesters)
   Email: ma-devgov@uni-due.de
3. Public Policy – Willy Brandt School, University of Erfurt. Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt
   (teaching language: English, duration: 4 semesters)
   Please apply online.
   Email: admissions-mpp@uni-erfurt.de
4. Peace and Conflict Studies – University of Magdeburg. (teaching language: English, duration: 4 semesters)
   Email: pacs@ovgu.de
5. Management in Nonprofit-Organisations – University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück. University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück
   (teaching language: English, duration: 4 semesters)
   Email: ppgg@hs-osnabrueck.de
6. Development Studies – University of Passau. (teaching language: English, duration: 4 semesters)
   Email: information.ppgg@uni-passau.de
7. Governance and Public Policy – University of Passau. (teaching language: English, duration: 4 semesters)
   Email: information.ppgg@uni-passau.de

Application forms and required documents must be submitted directly to the universities offering the selected programmes. Do not send applications to DAAD.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following:

• Completed DAAD application form
• A single motivation letter (for one or two selected programmes)
• Curriculum vitae (in Europass format, with date of issue)
• Academic degree certificates and transcripts (with certified translations if not in English or German)
• Proof of relevant work experience, internships, or civic engagement (with official signatures and stamps)
• Proof of English language proficiency (based on programme requirements)
• One reference letter (from a current employer or academic supervisor)
• Signed checklist and list of criteria
• APS Certificate (for applicants from China)

Selection Process

Selection is competitive and conducted by a joint committee of university faculty and DAAD representatives in October/November 2025. Selected applicants will be contacted by DAAD to upload their documents via the DAAD portal. Final decisions will be communicated by December 2025 or January 2026.

Important Notes

• Applications must be complete and follow all formal requirements to be considered.
• Submitting more than two applications or failing to clearly rank preferences in the motivation letter will result in disqualification.
• Applications must be submitted in English or German.
• Applications sent to DAAD will not be forwarded to universities and will be discarded.

Contact and Further Information

For detailed programme descriptions, language requirements, and university-specific application instructions, please visit the official websites of the participating universities or contact their programme coordinators directly.

For general information, visit the DAAD website: daad.de/go/en/stipa50026397

Important Links

Objective

The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (known as Public Policy and Good Governance) supports future leaders from developing countries (see list of countries), who want to promote democracy and social justice in their home countries. The programme, which is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, offers the chance to acquire a Master’s degree in Master programmes of particular relevance for the social, political and economic development in the students’ countries of origin. In the light of the principles of Good Governance, highly qualified graduates with a first academic degree are being educated in political science, law, economics and administration and prepared for future leading positions in their home countries.

• Current Announcement
• Checklist
• Application Form
• List of Countries
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Information about the Master’s Courses

The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme stands as a gateway for aspiring leaders to receive world-class education and contribute meaningfully to the development of their societies. Apply now to be a part of this transformative journey!