Application Deadline: The deadline to apply for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 is 31st July 2025.

The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme 2026, officially titled the Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance, presents an exceptional opportunity for graduates from developing and emerging countries to pursue fully funded Master’s degrees in Germany. Financed by the German Federal Foreign Office, this prestigious programme aims to equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance good governance, civil society, and sustainable development in their home countries.

This highly competitive scholarship is intended for outstanding graduates who are dedicated to improving governance systems and contributing meaningfully to their communities. Scholars benefit from rigorous academic training, specialised seminars, and interdisciplinary networking opportunities. Courses are delivered in English at top German institutions renowned for their focus on public policy and governance.

DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 – Key Details

• Host Country: Germany
• Funded By: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
• Study Level: Master’s Degree
• Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
• Eligibility: International students from developing and emerging countries

Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly stipend of €992
• Full coverage of tuition fees
• Travel allowance to and from Germany
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Rent subsidy and family allowance (where applicable)
• Study and research grant
• Four-month compulsory German language course in Germany
• Access to exclusive seminars and networking events

Note: The “Social Protection” Master’s course includes a blended learning format, with a reduced stipend of €500/month during the final online semester.

Eligible Universities

• Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg
• University of Duisburg-Essen
• University of Erfurt
• Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg
• University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück
• University of Passau
• University of Potsdam

Fields of Study Offered under the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme

• Analysis and Design of Social Protection Systems
• Development and Governance
• Public Policy
• Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS)
• Management in Non-Profit Organisations
• Governance and Public Policy
• Development Studies
• Public Management (MPM)

Eligibility Criteria

• A Bachelor’s degree with above-average academic performance (top third of class)
• Graduation must have occurred after 1 January 2019
• Relevant practical experience (internships, work experience, voluntary or political engagement)
• Strong motivation to contribute to the development of one’s home country
• Proficiency in English (requirements vary depending on course)
• Applicants must not have resided in a non-DAC country for more than 15 months prior to applying

Eligible Countries: Applicants from DAC-listed developing and emerging countries are eligible and strongly encouraged to apply. [Click here to check the list of eligible countries.]

Required Documents

• Completed and signed DAAD application form
• Letter of motivation (maximum two pages, covering both course preferences)
• Europass CV (must include dates and explain any gaps)
• Bachelor’s degree certificate (with certified translation, if required)
• Transcript of records (including explanation of the grading system)
• English language proficiency certificate (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL)
• Proof of professional or social experience (signed and stamped)
• Letter of reference (academic or professional, signed and stamped)
• APS certificate (for applicants from China)
• Completed checklist (signed and dated)

For more information, please visit the official website.