Applications are now open for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme 2027, a fully funded master’s scholarship for graduates from developing and emerging countries. This scholarship covers study programmes in fields like Public Policy, Governance, Development Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more — all taught in English at top German universities.
The deadline to apply is 31 July 2026, and applications open on 1 June 2026. There is no application fee. The scholarship is not open to all nationalities — only graduates from countries on the OECD DAC list are eligible. To qualify, you need a bachelor’s degree with above-average grades and some practical experience such as work, internships, or volunteering.
Key Details:
- Scholarship Name: DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme
- Funded By: German Federal Foreign Office, administered by DAAD
- Degree Level: Master’s (postgraduate)
- Host Country: Germany
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Application Fee: None
- Open To: Graduates from developing and emerging countries (OECD DAC list only)
- Language of Study: English
- Application Opens: 1 June 2026
- Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
What This Scholarship Offers:
- €992 per month to cover your living expenses in Germany
- Free health insurance for the full duration of your stay
- Travel allowance to cover flights between Germany and your home country
- €460 per year as a study and research grant
- Rent subsidy to help reduce your housing costs
- Family allowance if you bring a spouse or children to Germany
- Free German language course for up to 4 months in Germany before studies begin
- No tuition fees — only a small semester registration fee applies
- Networking events, seminars, and workshops exclusively for scholarship holders
Note: Students in the Social Protection course receive €500/month instead of €992 during the online 4th semester completed from their home country.
Eligibility Criteria:
- You are a graduate from a country on the OECD DAC list (developing or emerging country)
- You hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with above-average grades (upper third of your class)
- Your degree is in Social Sciences, Political Science, Law, Economics, Public Policy, or Administration
- Your last degree was issued on or after 1 January 2020
- You have practical experience — work, internship, volunteering, NGO work, or community/political engagement
- You completed your studies before 31 July 2026
- You have not lived outside a DAC-listed country for more than 15 consecutive months
- You have proof of English language skills as required by your chosen course
Additional Rules:
- If you already hold a master’s degree, you must explain why you need a second one
- Applicants from India or China must also submit an APS Certificate
- If you live in Germany, you must have been there for fewer than 15 months by 31 July 2026
Available Fields of Study:
- Social Protection
- Development and Governance
- Public Policy
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Management in Nonprofit-Organisations
- Development Studies
- Governance and Public Policy
How to Apply:
- Choose one or two courses from the seven available fields listed above
- Download and complete the DAAD Application Form — fill it in once only
- Write one letter of motivation (max. 2 pages) covering both course choices if applicable
- Prepare all required documents listed below
- Send your full application directly to the master’s course(s) — not to DAAD
- If shortlisted, DAAD will email you to upload documents to the DAAD portal
Required Documents:
- Checklist — printed, hand-signed, and scanned with place and date
- Completed DAAD Application Form
- Letter of motivation — max. 2 pages, with date of issue
- CV in Europass format — reverse chronological order with date and all gaps of 3+ months explained
- University degree certificate(s) — with certified translation if not in German or English
- Full transcript of records — including grading system explanation and certified translation if needed
- Proof of practical experience — on headed paper with certified signature, date, and stamp
- Written reference — from current employer or university lecturer, on headed paper with signature and stamp
- Proof of English language skills
- APS Certificate — required only for applicants from India and China
Selection Process:
- Applications are reviewed by a committee of university professors and DAAD representatives
- Selection committee meets in October/November 2026
- Shortlisted candidates are contacted by DAAD to upload full documents online
- All applicants receive a written decision by December 2026 or January 2027
