DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme 2026 | Fully Funded Master’s in Germany

DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme 2026 | Fully Funded Master’s in Germany | Apply Now

Are you committed to public service, governance, or policy reform in your home country? The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme 2026, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and administered by DAAD, offers fully funded scholarships for master’s studies in Germany—focusing on public policy, law, economics, and good governance.

Quick Overview

Scholarship Type: Fully Funded Master’s Degree
Location: Germany (various partner universities)
Fields: Public Policy, Governance, Development, Social Protection
Application Window: 1 June – 31 July 2025
Programme Start: September/October 2026

Who Should Apply?

This programme targets future changemakers from developing and emerging economies. Ideal candidates are:

Citizens of a DAC-listed developing or emerging country

View eligible countries (PDF)
Holders of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with strong academic performance
Experienced in work, internships, or community service
Graduated on or after 1 January 2019
Not residing outside their home country (or another DAC-listed country) for more than 15 months at the time of application
Fluent in English (or meet language requirements of chosen programme)

What’s Covered?

Selected scholars will receive a comprehensive funding package, including:

€992 monthly stipend
Full tuition fee waiver
Health insurance
Travel allowance
Study and research support
Rent subsidy and family allowance (where applicable)
4-month German language course (before studies begin)
Access to DAAD-hosted events, workshops, and networks

Note: For the Social Protection programme, only partial funding is offered for the final blended-learning semester.

Where You Can Study

Applicants may choose up to two of the following English-taught master’s programmes:

Social Protection – Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences
msc-socialprotection@h-brs.de
Development and Governance – University of Duisburg-Essen
ma-devgov@uni-due.de
Public Policy – Willy Brandt School, University of Erfurt
admissions-mpp@uni-erfurt.de
Peace and Conflict Studies – University of Magdeburg
pacs@ovgu.de
Management in Nonprofit Organisations – University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück
ppgg@hs-osnabrueck.de
Development Studies – University of Passau
information.ppgg@uni-passau.de
Governance and Public Policy – University of Passau
information.ppgg@uni-passau.de

Required Application Documents

DAAD Application Form (completed)
Motivation letter (one letter for both programme choices; indicate preference)
CV (Europass format)
Degree certificates and transcripts
Proof of professional, volunteer, or internship experience
Language certificate (as per chosen programme)
Recommendation letter (academic or professional)
Signed checklist
APS Certificate (only required for applicants from China)

Applications must be in English or German.
Applying to more than two programmes or failing to state your order of preference will disqualify your application.

Timeline

Apply: Between 1 June and 31 July 2025
Shortlisting: October–November 2025
Results Released: December 2025 to January 2026
Start of Studies in Germany: September/October 2026

Why You Should Apply

Study in Germany with all costs covered
Join a network of global public sector leaders
Access top-tier education, research, and mentorship
Gain tools to promote sustainable development and governance in your country

Useful Links

This isn’t just a scholarship—it’s your opportunity to lead with purpose. If you’re ready to create positive change through public service, governance, or policy—start your DAAD Helmut-Schmidt application this June.

Deadline: 31 July 2025
Apply directly to the university offering your preferred programme!