DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded in Germany

The German Government is offering the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 to promote good governance and civil society structures in developing and emerging countries. This programme, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, provides fully funded master’s opportunities for future leaders in politics, law, economics, public policy, and administration.

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: Germany
• Study Location: Europe
• Category: Postgraduate | Master’s
• Eligible Countries: Developing and Emerging Countries
• Reward: Full Scholarship | €11,904 annual stipend | Health Insurance | Travel Allowance | Accommodation | Family Support
• Deadline: July 31, 2025

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients will receive:

• Monthly stipend (€992)
• Tuition and study costs fully covered
• Health insurance in Germany
• Travel allowance
• Study and research grant
• Rent subsidies and family supplements (where applicable)
• Up to 6 months of German language training (mandatory)
• For the “Social Protection” master’s course: €500 per month during the mandatory online semester

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be from a developing or emerging country
• Hold a strong bachelor’s degree (upper third grades) in social sciences, political sciences, law, economics, or public policy/administration
• Show proven leadership qualities and commitment to development
• Have relevant professional experience (work, internships, or community service)
• Apply for one or two eligible master’s courses outside their home country

Required Documents

• Completed DAAD application form
• Signed checklist and criteria form
• Single motivation letter (covering both master’s courses if applying for two)
• Europass CV in reverse chronological order
• Certified degree certificates and transcripts (with translation if not in English or German)
• Proof of professional or community engagement (with official signature/stamp)
• Proof of English proficiency
• One current reference letter
• Copy of passport bio-data page

Application Process

1. Review the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme eligibility criteria.
2. Complete the DAAD application form (research/study scholarship).
3. Prepare all required documents in English or German (PDF format).
4. Submit the application form and documents directly to your chosen master’s course(s) (maximum two).
5. Clearly state your first and second course preferences in the motivation letter.

Deadline: July 31, 2025

Apply Now

For full details and application, visit the official webpage:
DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship Programme