DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2027 in Germany

Quick intro

Applications are open for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme 2027, also known as the Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance. The program is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and supports future leaders from developing and emerging countries who want to study master’s programs relevant to social, political, and economic development. The application period for all seven participating institutions is 1 June to 31 July 2026. (DAAD)

Benefits

DAAD scholarship holders are exempt from tuition fees. The scholarship currently provides €992 per month, health insurance cover in Germany, fixed travel allowances, a study and research grant, rent subsidies and family supplements where applicable, and a mandatory German language course in Germany lasting up to four months.

The scholarship covers:

• Tuition fee exemption
• Monthly scholarship of currently €992
• Health insurance in Germany
• Fixed travel allowance
• Study and research grant
• Rent subsidy, if applicable
• Family supplement, if applicable
• Up to 4-month German language course before studies

Objectives

The Helmut-Schmidt Programme aims to promote good governance and civil society structures in developing and emerging countries. It prepares future leaders through practice-oriented master’s courses for responsible roles in or for their home regions, especially in disciplines linked to social, political, and economic development.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must be graduates from developing and emerging countries with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. They should have a well-qualified first university degree with above-average grades in fields such as social and political sciences, law, economics, public policy, or administration. They should also show willingness to contribute to the social, political, and economic development of their home countries/regions and have relevant practical experience such as professional work, internships, political/social commitment, volunteering, charity or NGO work.

Formal requirements include:

• First higher education degree with above-average grades
• Last university degree normally not older than six years at application time
• Relevant practical/professional/social experience
• Course-specific language requirements
• Applicants from India and China must submit an APS Certificate with application documents

Required documents

Required documents include the signed checklist/list of criteria, DAAD application form, one motivation letter even if applying to two courses, CV in reverse chronological order using Europass format, degree certificates, transcripts with grading-system explanation, confirmations of relevant professional experience/internships or political/social/community service, proof of English language skills, and a current written reference from an employer or university lecturer if currently a student.

How to apply

Applicants may apply for up to two listed master’s courses. Submit the DAAD scholarship application and required documents directly to the chosen master’s course or courses, not to DAAD. Applications sent to DAAD will not be forwarded. The official application period is 1 June to 31 July 2026.

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