Applicant criteria
- 18 - 60
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Opportunity description
DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme 2026, also known as the “Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance,” is a fully funded program by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It targets outstanding graduates from developing and emerging countries. The program aims to prepare future leaders in the fields of politics, law, economics, and administration, in accordance with the principles of good governance, through master's studies at prestigious German universities.
Available Fields of Study
Applicants can choose up to two programs from the following fields:
Social Protection
Development and Governance
Public Policy
Peace and Conflict Studies
Management of Non-Profit Organizations
Development Studies
Governance and Public Policy
Public Administration
Participating Universities
The program is offered in cooperation with top German universities, including:
Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences
University of Duisburg-Essen
Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg
Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences
University of Passau
Required Documents
Completed and signed DAAD application form
One motivation letter (max 2 pages) explaining the choice of up to two selected programs
Curriculum Vitae in Europass format
Graduation certificates and academic transcripts with certified translations if necessary
Proof of relevant work or social engagement experience
Proof of English language proficiency
Letter of recommendation from a university professor or employer
Application Deadline
The application period for the Helmut-Schmidt Programme 2026 runs from June 1 to July 31, 2025.
Benefits
Full exemption from tuition fees.
A monthly stipend of €992 to cover living expenses.
Comprehensive health insurance.
Travel allowance to and from Germany.
Study and research grant.
Mandatory 4-month German language course before the start of studies.
Additional allowances for accommodation or family, if applicable.
Eligibility criteria
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree with a very good grade (within the top third of the graduating class).
Graduation after January 1, 2019.
Possession of relevant practical experience (such as internships, employment, or social/political engagement).
Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL iBT score of 95 or IELTS score of 7.0).
Not residing in a non-eligible country for more than 15 months prior to application.
Non-Eligible Countries
Non-eligible countries typically include:
Western European countries: such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, etc.
North America: the United States and Canada.
Advanced Eastern European countries: such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia.
Advanced Asian countries: such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
Advanced Oceania countries: Australia and New Zealand.
If you reside in one of these countries or earned your degree there, you may not be eligible to apply.
Residency Requirement
In addition to nationality, applicants must not have resided in a non-DAC-listed country for more than 15 months prior to the application deadline.
For example, if you are a citizen of an eligible country but have been living in a non-eligible country for more than 15 months, you may be disqualified from applying.