DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme 2027 in Germany (Fully Funded)

The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme, also known as the Master’s Scholarship for Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG), is a fully-funded scholarship for future leaders from developing and emerging countries. It aims to support individuals who are committed to promoting democracy, social justice, and good governance in their home regions. The program, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, offers master's degrees in fields crucial for social, political, and economic development. The scholarship prepares highly qualified graduates for leading positions in the Global South by providing education in political science, law, economics, public administration, and development studies at selected German universities. The typical duration of the master's program is 2 years, depending on the chosen course.

This is a fully-funded scholarship that provides comprehensive financial support. Benefits include exemption from tuition fees, a monthly stipend of €992, health insurance coverage, travel allowances, a study and research grant, and potentially a rent subsidy and family allowance (if applicable). Additionally, recipients will receive a German language course in Germany before the start of their studies, participate in networking events, seminars, and workshops, and receive academic support and mentoring throughout the program.

Applicants must be citizens of developing and emerging countries. Ethiopian students are eligible. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with above-average academic performance. Graduates in Social and Political Sciences, Law, Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related fields are strongly encouraged to apply. A strong commitment to contributing to the social, political, and economic development of their home countries is essential. Applicants must also demonstrate relevant professional experience, internships, volunteering, community service, or political/social engagement. Furthermore, candidates must meet the specific admission requirements of their chosen master’s program at the German host university.

To apply for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme, you will need to prepare the following documents: - Completed and signed DAAD Scholarship Application Form. - Letter of Motivation (maximum 2 pages). If applying for two courses, the same letter should be submitted, clearly explaining the ranking of your choices. - Curriculum Vitae (CV) in reverse chronological order, preferably in Europass format. - University Degree Certificates (with certified translations if not in English or German). - Transcripts of Records (with certified translations and an explanation of the grading system). - Proof of Practical Experience (on official letterhead, signed, dated, and stamped). - Current Written Reference (from an employer or university lecturer). - Proof of English Language Skills (a valid certificate). - Completed and Signed DAAD Checklist Form.

1. Carefully read the official scholarship guidelines and DAAD FAQs available on the DAAD website. 2. Apply online through the official website of the chosen master’s course university. Applications can be submitted in English or German. 3. Select up to two eligible master’s courses offered under the Helmut-Schmidt Programme and indicate your priority for each choice. 4. Complete the DAAD application form. 5. Prepare all required application documents as listed above. 6. Submit the application form along with all required documents directly to the master’s course university, not to the DAAD. A single application for two courses is considered sufficient. 7. Ensure all documents are complete and submitted before the application deadline. 8. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by DAAD and invited to upload their documents to the DAAD portal at a later stage.

Selection criteria include the applicant's academic record, the quality and alignment of the motivation letter with the program's goals, and relevant practical experience. The final decision is made by the selection committee of the master’s course university and DAAD. Selected candidates will be contacted by DAAD and will then need to upload documents to the DAAD portal.