Scholarship • Germany

DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Public Policy and Good Governance)

The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme, named after the former German Chancellor and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, supports future leaders from developing and emerging countries who want to obtain a Master's degree in fields tied to public policy, governance, law, economics, and development. The programme funds study at seven partner German universities, each offering a specialised English-taught (or in one case bilingual) Master's course: Social Protection at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, Development and Governance at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Public Policy at the Willy Brandt School at the University of Erfurt, Peace and Conflict Studies at Universität Magdeburg, Management in Non-Profit Organisations at Hochschule Osnabrück, and Development Studies plus Governance and Public Policy at the University of Passau. Scholars receive a monthly stipend of EUR 992, full health insurance, travel allowances, an annual study and research grant, rent subsidies and family allowances where applicable, and a fully funded German language course of up to six months before their Master's begins. Applicants need a first university degree (no more than six years old) in a relevant field, above-average academic results, at least some practical experience relevant to the programme such as internships or civic engagement, and a genuine commitment to contributing to their home country's development. Since 2009, more than 800 scholars from over 100 countries have completed the programme, going on to roles in government ministries, UN agencies, and NGOs. The 2027 intake application window runs from 1 June to 31 July 2026, with applications submitted directly to the chosen university rather than to DAAD.