DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarships in Germany 2026 (Fully Funded)

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DAAD Scholarships for Master Studies in Germany 2025–2026 (Fully Funded for International Students)

DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarships in Germany 2026 (Fully Funded)

The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme 2026 offers fully funded Master’s degrees in Germany for future leaders in public policy and good governance. Open to students from developing countries, the scholarship covers tuition, monthly stipends, travel, insurance, and more—preparing graduates for impactful roles in civil society, public service, and international development.

Background & Program Overview

The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarships 2026, also known as the Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG), are one of the most prestigious and fully funded academic opportunities in Europe. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, this scholarship is administered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

It is aimed at highly qualified graduates from developing and emerging countries who aspire to become leaders in politics, public administration, law, civil society, or international organizations. Scholars will gain the skills and knowledge needed to build strong institutions and promote good governance in their home countries.

This is a third-party scholarship listing. We are not affiliated with DAAD. For official details, visit the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship page.

Responsibilities

This is not a job posting, but scholarship recipients will be expected to:

Enroll in and complete a Master’s degree program at one of the participating German universities.
Participate in a mandatory four-month German language course prior to the start of their academic studies.
Attend exclusive seminars, workshops, and events hosted by DAAD and partner institutions.
Engage actively in academic discussions, research, and fieldwork focused on public policy, governance, or development.
Demonstrate a commitment to applying their knowledge for the benefit of their home country upon graduation.

Qualifications

Academic Background

A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in political science, law, social sciences, economics, public administration, or a closely related field.
The degree must have been completed after January 1, 2019.
Candidates should be among the top third of their graduating class.

Work & Language Requirements

Relevant professional, volunteer, or internship experience in public policy, government, civil society, or development.
Clear commitment to public service or policy reform in their home country.
Proficiency in English, with valid proof of language ability (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent). Language requirements may vary depending on the university and program.

Program Benefits

Recipients of the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 will receive comprehensive support throughout their stay in Germany, including:

Monthly stipend of €992 for living expenses.
Full tuition coverage at selected public universities.
Health, accident, and personal liability insurance in Germany.
Travel allowance for international flights to and from Germany.
Rent subsidies and family supplements, if applicable.
Study and research grant for materials and conferences.
A mandatory 4-month German language course, conducted before the academic program begins.
Invitations to exclusive seminars and networking opportunities throughout the program.

Note: The “Social Protection” program includes a final blended-learning semester (partially online) with a reduced monthly stipend (€500/month).

Eligible Universities & Master’s Programs

Applicants can apply for up to two of the following Master’s programs at participating German universities:

Participating Universities:

Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg
University of Duisburg-Essen
University of Erfurt
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg
University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück
University of Passau
University of Potsdam

Eligible Study Fields:

Public Policy
Governance and Public Policy
Development and Governance
Development Studies
Peace and Conflict Studies
Public Management (MPM)
Management in Nonprofit Organizations
Analysis and Design of Social Protection Systems

Application Requirements

Documents Checklist:

DAAD application form, filled and signed.
Letter of motivation (maximum 2 pages, covering both course options).
Europass-format CV, with full details and no gaps.
Bachelor’s certificate and transcript (translated if needed).
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
Work/volunteer experience certificates, signed and stamped.
Reference letter from an academic or professional source.
APS Certificate (mandatory for applicants from China).
Signed checklist provided by DAAD.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme, applicants must:

Be a citizen of a developing or emerging country (check the eligible countries list here).
Have not lived in a non-DAC country (developed country) for more than 15 months before applying.
Demonstrate a commitment to democratic values and development in their home country.
Show strong academic and leadership potential.

Application Process

Choose up to two Master’s programs from the eligible list.
Download and complete the DAAD Application Form and checklist.
Write one motivation letter that addresses both selected courses.
Submit your application directly to the universities offering your chosen programs (not to DAAD).
Do not upload documents to the DAAD portal unless you are nominated.

Visit the official application portal for more details and program-specific instructions.

Application Deadline

Deadline: July 31, 2025

Early preparation is strongly encouraged due to document verification and translation requirements. Each university may have its own internal deadlines, so apply as soon as possible.

Call to Action

If you’re a future policymaker or public servant dedicated to building better institutions and promoting democratic governance in your country, the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme 2026 is your gateway to a global career.

Fully funded
Prestigious Master’s degree in Germany
Leadership and development focus

Apply now and take the next step toward shaping the future of public policy in your country.

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Disclaimer

This article is a third-party summary of the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme and is not affiliated with DAAD or the German Federal Foreign Office. For official and up-to-date information, visit the DAAD scholarship database.

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