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| DAAD Helmut Schmidt Fully Funded Scholarships 2026 in Germany |
Great news for aspiring international students! The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 in Germany is now open for applications. Regarded as one of Europe’s most prestigious fully funded scholarships, this program offers outstanding students from developing and emerging nations the chance to pursue a master’s degree in Germany. This scholarship program aims to nurture future leaders dedicated to promoting democracy, social justice, and good governance in their home countries. It offers academic opportunities in fields such as law, economics, political science, and public administration.
Offered by DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)—the German Academic Exchange Service—this is a fully funded German scholarship targeting future policymakers and changemakers. If you are considering applying for Public Policy and Good Governance Scholarships 2026, make sure to read this guide thoroughly.
Study in Germany with the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme 2026 is open to highly qualified graduates from eligible countries who are committed to societal development and international cooperation. This fully funded master's scholarship in Germany is designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds such as political science, law, economics, and administration.
Set to commence in September/October 2026, the DAAD scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly stipends, travel allowances, and much more. It is a brilliant chance to pursue postgraduate studies in Germany at some of the country’s top universities while enhancing leadership and policy-making skills.
Participants will not only study but also collaborate across diverse cultures, building a global network of professionals working towards sustainable development. Germany’s multicultural academic environment and strong intellectual traditions make it the ideal destination for future global leaders.
Additionally, this two-year program offers numerous financial benefits including tuition, travel, living expenses, and language training—making it one of the most attractive scholarships in Europe for international students. Whether you're interested in social protection or public policy, the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 is an excellent pathway for those aiming to study in Germany for free.
| Host Country | Germany |
| University/Organization | DAAD Helmet Schmidt |
| Degree Program | Masters |
| Financial Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Deadline Date | 31 July 2025 |
List of Courses for DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026
The Helmut Schmidt Scholarship Programme offers a variety of specialized master's courses focusing on governance, policy, and social development. Below are the available degree programs for 2026:
- Social Protection
- Development and Governance
- Public Policy
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Management in Non-Profit Organizations
- Development Studies
- Governance and Public Policy
DAAD Helmut Schmidt Host Universities in Germany
Scholarship recipients will study at one of the following leading German institutions, depending on their selected course:
- University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg
- University of Duisburg-Essen
- Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt
- University of Magdeburg
- University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück
- University of Passau
Eligible Countries for DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme
This scholarship is available to students from a wide list of developing and emerging countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. For the full list of eligible countries, refer to the original article above.
Eligible Regions:
Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Syrian Arab Republic, Algeria, Bhutan, Bolivia, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Eswatini, Ghana, Honduras, India, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Micronesia, Mongolia, Morocco, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tokelau, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe, Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, China (People’s Republic of), Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Gabon, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Indonesia, Iraq, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Montserrat, Namibia, Nauru, Niue, North Macedonia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, South Africa, Suriname, Thailand, Tonga, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Eligibility Criteria for DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026
Want to study in Germany on a fully funded scholarship? Here are the eligibility requirements:
- Excellent academic performance in your undergraduate studies.
- Bachelor's degree in law, political science, public administration, economics, or related fields.
- Relevant work or volunteer experience in your field (internships, NGOs, political engagement, etc.).
- Nationality from one of the eligible developing/emerging countries.
- Strong motivation and vision for contributing to social and economic development.
- Last academic degree must have been completed within the last six years.
- Applicants who have resided in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of application are ineligible.
Main Selection Criteria
- Academic achievements and qualifications
- Proficiency in English or German (depending on course requirements)
- Clear motivation and benefit to home country post-study
- Adherence to program-specific requirements
- Strong personal commitment to development issues
Benefits of DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026
This fully funded master's scholarship in Germany includes a wide range of financial and academic benefits:
- €992 monthly stipend for living expenses
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Health insurance coverage
- Round-trip travel allowance
- Research and study grants
- Monthly rent subsidy (if applicable)
- Support for spouses and children (if eligible)
- Four-month preparatory German language course
This program offers a rare opportunity to study in Germany for free, while building a professional career focused on public policy and development.
Documents Required for DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme 2026
To successfully apply, prepare the following documents:
- Completed and signed DAAD application form
- Single motivation letter for both preferred courses
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) in reverse chronological order
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)
- Letter of recommendation from an employer or academic supervisor
- Relevant work or volunteer experience certificates
- Signed checklist form
Application Process for DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship
Wondering how to apply for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026? Follow these steps:
- Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria.
- Choose up to two master’s courses from the list above.
- Submit a single motivation letter explaining your first and second course preferences.
- Fill out the DAAD application form (for scholarships for study purposes).
- Compile all required documents.
- Submit your application directly to the universities, not DAAD.
- Apply in English or German as required by the chosen university.
- Ensure all materials are submitted before the deadline.
Selection Timeline and Notification
- University and DAAD selection committee reviews applications between October and November 2025.
- Shortlisted candidates will be asked to upload documents to the DAAD portal.
- Final selection results will be announced between December 2025 and January 2026.
Tip: Prepare all application documents in advance in PDF format for easy upload.
DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship Deadline
- The deadline to apply for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 in Germany is 31 July 2025 (Applications will open on 1st July 2025)
