About the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme (also known as the Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance) is one of Germany’s most prestigious and fully funded scholarships, sponsored by the German Federal Foreign Office.
This programme is designed to empower future leaders from developing and emerging countries to drive positive change in their home regions through education, leadership, and policy expertise.
Quick Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Germany |
| Sponsor | German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) |
| Programme Name | DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme (Public Policy and Good Governance) |
| Level of Study | Master’s Degree |
| Eligible Countries | All developing and emerging countries |
| Fields of Study | Social Sciences, Political Science, Law, Public Policy, Economics, Administration |
| Language of Instruction | English or German |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Application Deadline | July 31, 2025 |
| Application Link | Official DAAD Scholarship Database |
What Makes This Scholarship Unique?
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship aims to:
- Strengthen democratic structures and promote good governance
- Prepare students for leadership roles in public administration, policy-making, law, and social development
- Offer practical-oriented academic training tailored to local and regional challenges
Scholarship Benefits
Selected candidates will receive:
- Monthly Stipend: €992 for living expenses
- Health Insurance: Full coverage in Germany
- Travel Allowance: Flights to and from Germany
- Study and Research Grant
- Rent Subsidies and Family Allowances (if applicable)
- Free German Language Course (up to 6 months) – mandatory before academic studies begin
🔸 For the Social Protection Master’s course (blended learning), a different funding structure applies: €500/month during the 4th semester (completed online).
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a developing or emerging country
- Hold a strong first degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in a relevant subject (e.g., political science, public policy, economics, law, or administration)
- Belong to the top third of their academic class
- Demonstrate relevant practical experience (professional work, internships, volunteering, or political/social involvement)
- Show a strong motivation to contribute to democratic development and social justice in their home country
- Possess English or German language proficiency
Required Documents
Prepare and submit the following documents:
- Checklist and Criteria List (signed by hand – no scanned signatures)
- DAAD Application Form – Download here
- Single Motivation Letter for one or both course applications
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) in Europass format
- University Degree Certificates (+ certified translations if not in English/German)
- Transcript of Records + grading scale explanation
- Proof of Practical Experience – signed, dated, and stamped on official letterhead
- Proof of Language Proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS)
- One Recent Letter of Recommendation
🔐 Ensure documents are clear, complete, and authentically signed.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Go to the official DAAD scholarship portal:
DAAD Scholarship Database - Download and complete the DAAD Application Form.
- Choose up to two Master’s courses from the approved list.
- Write one motivation letter (shared between the two courses), ranking your preferences and explaining your reasoning clearly.
- Submit your complete application package directly to the universities offering your selected Master’s courses (not to DAAD).
- Each selected university will review applications independently.
- Await notification from both the DAAD and the respective universities.
Be sure to check each university’s individual course deadlines, as they may differ slightly.
Also Apply for University of Sussex Scholarship in the UK 2026 | Fully Funded Opportunity for International Students
Final Thoughts
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 is more than just funding — it’s a platform to become a changemaker in your country. With its combination of academic rigor, practical exposure, and policy focus, this scholarship prepares you for real impact in governance, civil service, and social reform.
Deadline: July 31, 2025
🟢 Start Your Application
