DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme 2027 Master’s Scholarships in Germany
The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme 2027 offers master’s scholarships for graduates from developing and emerging countries. The programme supports future leaders who want to promote democracy and social justice in their home regions. Scholarship holders can study selected English-taught master’s courses at German higher education institutions. Applications must be submitted between 1 June and 31 July 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: Helmut-Schmidt-Programme 2027
Opportunity Type: Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance
Host Organization: DAAD
Study Destination: Germany
Study Start: September/October 2027
Study Language: English
Application Period: 1 June–31 July 2026
Funding: Funded by the Federal Foreign Office
About the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme 2027
The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme aims to promote good governance and civil society structures in developing and emerging countries.
It offers practice-oriented master’s courses in disciplines that are important for social, political, and economic development. The programme prepares participants for responsible positions in or for their home regions.
During their studies, scholarship holders receive support services from programme coordinators. They can also participate in seminars, events, and interdisciplinary networking activities.
Available Master’s Courses
Applicants may apply for up to two master’s courses from the following options:
• Social Protection — University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg
• Development and Governance — University of Duisburg-Essen
• Public Policy — Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt
• Peace and Conflict Studies — University of Magdeburg
• Management in Nonprofit-Organisations — University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück
• Development Studies — University of Passau
• Governance and Public Policy — University of Passau
The Development and Governance course lasts two semesters. The other listed courses last four semesters. Social Protection follows a blended learning concept.
Benefits and Financial Coverage
DAAD scholarship holders are exempt from paying tuition fees.
Scholarship holders receive:
✓ A scholarship of currently €992 per month
✓ Health insurance cover in Germany
✓ Fixed travel allowances for travel between Germany and the respective developing or emerging country
✓ A study and research grant
✓ Rent subsidies and family supplements, as applicable
✓ A mandatory German language course in Germany lasting up to four months before the master’s programme
A different funding arrangement applies to the Social Protection course because of its blended learning format. During the mandatory online fourth semester, a rate of €500 per month is paid instead of the usual scholarship rate.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be graduates from developing and emerging countries with a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
Applicants must also meet the following criteria:
• Hold a well-qualified first university degree with above-average grades in the upper third.
• Have an academic background in Social and Political Sciences, Law, Economics, Public Policy, or Administration.
• Be willing to contribute actively to the social, political, and economic development of their home country or region.
• Have practical experience relevant to the programme, such as professional experience, internships, political or social commitment.
Additional formal requirements apply:
• The applicant’s most recent university degree must not date back more than six years at the time of application. The date of issue must not be before 1 January 2020.
• Applicants who already hold a master’s degree must explain why they should receive funding for another postgraduate degree.
• Applicants who have spent more than the past 15 months in a country not listed on the DAC list are not eligible.
Each master’s course also has its own criteria for academic qualifications, grades, language skills, and practical experience.
Language Requirements
Applications must be submitted in English or German.
The language requirements and accepted certificates vary depending on the selected master’s course. Applicants must also submit proof of English language skills.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
• A completed checklist and list of criteria, signed by hand and dated
• The DAAD application form
• One letter of motivation with a maximum length of two pages
• A curriculum vitae in reverse chronological order using the Europass format
• Copies of higher education degree certificates
• A complete transcript of records with an explanation of the grading system
• Proof of relevant professional experience, internships, political activities, or community service
• Proof of English language skills
• A current written reference from the applicant’s employer or from a university lecturer if the applicant is currently a student
The CV must include the date of issue. Gaps of three months or longer must be explained.
Applicants must provide certified translations if required documents are not in German or English.
Applicants from India and the People’s Republic of China must also submit an APS Certificate.
Application Process
Applicants may apply for a maximum of two master’s courses.
To apply:
• Review the DAAD selection criteria and complete the checklist.
• Complete the DAAD application form once and indicate the selected master’s course or courses.
• Prepare the required documents.
• Submit the application directly to the selected master’s course or courses.
Applicants who select two courses must rank them in their letter of motivation. They must explain how each course will support their academic and professional goals.
The same motivation letter must be submitted to both selected courses.
Applications must not be sent directly to the DAAD. Applications sent to the DAAD will not be forwarded to the relevant master’s courses.
Selection Process
A selection committee will make its decisions in October or November 2026. The committee includes professors from the participating master’s courses and DAAD representatives.
Candidates proposed for a scholarship will receive an email from the DAAD. They will then be asked to upload their complete documents to the DAAD portal.
Applicants should not upload documents to the DAAD portal unless they receive a nomination email.
All applicants are expected to receive written notification after the selection process ends in December 2026 or January 2027.
Application Deadline
The application period for all seven higher education institutions is:
1 June–31 July 2026
