If you’re passionate about public service, governance, and driving change in your community, the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme 2026 could be your next big step. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and managed by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this scholarship offers a fully funded opportunity to complete a master’s degree in Germany, focusing on public policy, law, economics, and good governance.
Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in Public Policy, Governance & Development in Germany
Application Window: 1 June – 31 July 2025
Programme Start: September/October 2026
What’s the Programme All About?
The Helmut-Schmidt Programme is designed for future leaders from developing and emerging countries who want to make a real impact in their societies. Through a master’s degree in Germany, participants gain tools to promote democracy, justice, and sustainable development back home.
Who Can Apply?
You’re eligible if you:
- Come from a developing or emerging country (check this list)
- Have a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with strong academic results
- Have relevant work, internship, or volunteer experience
- Earned your degree after 1 January 2019
- Haven’t lived outside your home country (or another DAC-listed country) for more than 15 months by the application deadline
- Meet the language requirements of your chosen programme (usually English)
What’s Covered?
This is a fully funded scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive:
- A monthly stipend of €992
- Full tuition waiver
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance (to and from Germany)
- Study and research support
- Rent subsidy and family allowance (if applicable)
- A German language course (up to four months) before your programme starts
- Access to academic events, workshops, and a growing international network
For the Social Protection programme, only partial funding applies in the final semester due to its blended format.
Where Can You Study?
You can apply to up to two of the following master’s programmes (taught in English):
- Social Protection – Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences
Details
msc-socialprotection@h-brs.de - Development and Governance – University of Duisburg-Essen
Details
ma-devgov@uni-due.de - Public Policy – Willy Brandt School of Public Policy, University of Erfurt
Details
admissions-mpp@uni-erfurt.de - Peace and Conflict Studies – University of Magdeburg
pacs@ovgu.de - Management in Nonprofit Organisations – University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück
Details
ppgg@hs-osnabrueck.de - Development Studies – University of Passau
Details
information.ppgg@uni-passau.de - Governance and Public Policy – University of Passau
Details
information.ppgg@uni-passau.de
How to Apply
Applications go directly to the universities offering the programmes, not to DAAD. You must apply to no more than two programmes. Here’s what you’ll need:
Application Documents:
- Completed DAAD application form
- One motivation letter (for both programmes, clearly stating your first and second choice)
- CV (in Europass format)
- Degree certificate(s) and transcript(s)
- Proof of work or volunteer experience
- English language certificate (based on programme requirements)
- Letter of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Signed checklist
- APS Certificate (only for applicants from China)
Note: Applications must be in English or German. Submitting more than two applications or failing to clearly state your preferences will disqualify you.
What Happens Next?
- June–July 2025: Submit your application
- Oct–Nov 2025: Shortlisted candidates reviewed by universities and DAAD
- Dec 2025 – Jan 2026: Final decisions sent out
- September/October 2026: Begin your studies in Germany!
Why Apply?
This programme is a fantastic opportunity to:
- Get a world-class education in Germany
- Build a global professional network
- Develop the skills to drive change in your home country
- Be part of a community committed to good governance and public service
Helpful Links
This is your chance if you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership journey. The Helmut-Schmidt Programme is about more than just getting a degree—it’s about preparing to lead purposefully.
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