Deadline 2026-07-31
Country Germany
Level masters
Organization DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
Field Law, Economics, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Good Governance, Social Sciences, Social Protection, Development and Governance, Peace and Conflict Studies, Management in Non-Profit Organizations, Development Studies, International Relations, Public Management, Civil Society, Geo-Governance, Socio-Economic Policies
Funding fully funded Overview
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2027 is a prestigious fully-funded Master's program in Germany for outstanding international students from developing and emerging countries. Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this scholarship aims to educate future leaders in fields like Social & Political Science, Law, Economics, Public Policy, and Administration, preparing them to promote democracy and social justice and contribute to the social, political, and economic development of their home countries or regions. The program focuses on Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG) and will take place from September/October 2027.
Coverage
This is a fully-funded scholarship, meaning DAAD scholars are exempt from tuition fees. Benefits include:
* A monthly scholarship stipend of €992.
* Contributions to health insurance.
* Travel allowance for round-trip travel from the country of origin to Germany.
* A grant for studies and research.
* Monthly rental subsidy, where appropriate.
* Subsidies for spouses and/or children, when appropriate.
* Participation in a four-month German language course.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship, applicants must:
* Be highly qualified graduates with an excellent academic record.
* Hold a first university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) obtained within the last six years prior to application.
* Be from a developing or emerging country (Ethiopia is eligible).
* Have an educational background in social and political sciences, law, economics, public policy, or public administration.
* Possess relevant work experience, including professional work, internships, or political/social involvement.
* Be passionate about pursuing economic and social development globally.
* Not have stayed in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline.
* Meet additional requirements specific to their chosen Master's courses.
Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents:
* DAAD application form for study grants.
* A single letter of motivation, justifying your first and second priority courses.
* A CV in reverse chronological order.
* Copies of the higher education degree certificate.
* Copy of full transcript of records, including an explanation of the grading system.
* Proof of English language skills.
* Written reference from an employer or a university lecturer.
* Proof of relevant professional experience, internships, political activities, volunteer work, or service to the community.
* Signed checklist form.
* Applicants from India and China must also submit an APS Certificate.
How to apply
1. Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria and requirements for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship.
2. You can apply for up to two Master's courses listed as eligible for the program. These courses are offered at various German universities.
3. Complete the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt scholarship application form for study grants only once, clearly indicating your first and second priority courses.
4. Write a single motivation letter that addresses both your chosen courses, justifying your preferences.
5. Send the completed DAAD scholarship form along with the motivation letter and all necessary documents directly to the two universities of your choice. DO NOT send the application to DAAD at this stage.
6. Additionally, submit the application for the Master's course at the university as instructed by each university.
7. Make sure to apply before the scholarship deadline.
Notes
Applications must be submitted in German or English. It is crucial to clearly indicate that you are applying for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme (Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance). The selection committee, comprising university professors and DAAD representatives, will meet in October/November 2026 to suggest applicants. Suggested students will then be contacted by DAAD to upload their completed applications (as PDF files) to the DAAD Portal. Successful applicants will be informed in writing by December 2026 or January 2027. The program aims to enhance leadership skills and groom professionals who can contribute to global development.
