Overview
Host Country: Germany
Scholarship Provider: DAAD
Description
Host Country: Germany
Scholarship Provider: DAAD
Programme Name: Helmut-Schmidt Programme (Public Policy and Good Governance)
Degree Level: Master’s (Postgraduate)
Funding Type: Fully funded
Monthly Stipend: €992
Duration: 2 to 4 semesters (depending on programme)
Fields of Study: Public Policy, Governance, Development, Economics, NGO Management
Application Period: June to July 2026
Selection Period: October to November 2026
Result Announcement: December 2026 – January 2027
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
Demonstrate above-average academic performance (top academic tier)
Be from a developing or emerging country
Show strong motivation for public service or social development
Have relevant practical experience such as: NGO work Volunteering Political or community engagement Internships or professional experience in development fields
NGO work
Volunteering
Political or community engagement
Internships or professional experience in development fields
Additional important conditions:
Last degree should typically not be older than 6 years
Applicants with a previous master’s degree must justify the need for another one
Some programs may require specific academic backgrounds or language proof
Additional Information
Scholarship Summary
Host Country: Germany
Scholarship Provider: DAAD
Programme Name: Helmut-Schmidt Programme (Public Policy and Good Governance)
Degree Level: Master’s (Postgraduate)
Funding Type: Fully funded
Monthly Stipend: €992
Duration: 2 to 4 semesters (depending on programme)
Fields of Study: Public Policy, Governance, Development, Economics, NGO Management
Application Period: June to July 2026
Selection Period: October to November 2026
Result Announcement: December 2026 – January 2027
Degree Level
This scholarship supports:
Master’s degree programs in Germany
Public policy and governance-related postgraduate studies
Development-focused academic programs
International English-taught master’s degrees
Available Subjects
Applicants can apply for selected programs in:
Public Policy
Economics and Development Studies
Governance and Public Administration
Peace and Conflict Studies
Nonprofit and NGO Management
Social Protection
International Development
Political Science and related fields
Benefits
Selected candidates receive a comprehensive funding package, including:
Monthly stipend of €992
Full tuition fee exemption
Health insurance coverage
Travel allowance for international students
Rent subsidies in some cases
Study and research grants
Mandatory German language course before studies
Access to leadership and policy training seminars
Networking with international scholars
Participation in governance and development workshops
In some programmes, stipend conditions may vary during online or blended learning semesters.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants from developing and emerging countries
Applicants must meet DAAD country eligibility criteria
Strong preference for candidates with social or development engagement experience
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
Demonstrate above-average academic performance (top academic tier)
Be from a developing or emerging country
Show strong motivation for public service or social development
Have relevant practical experience such as: NGO work Volunteering Political or community engagement Internships or professional experience in development fields
NGO work
Volunteering
Political or community engagement
Internships or professional experience in development fields
Additional important conditions:
Last degree should typically not be older than 6 years
Applicants with a previous master’s degree must justify the need for another one
Some programs may require specific academic backgrounds or language proof
Required Documents
Applicants generally need to submit:
DAAD application form
Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages)
Europass CV
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Proof of work or internship experience
Volunteer or community service evidence
Language proficiency certificate (English)
Recommendation letter (academic or professional)
APS certificate (for applicants from some countries such as China and India)
Application Process
Choose eligible master’s programs under the Helmut-Schmidt scheme
Prepare motivation letter and CV
Gather academic and professional documents
Obtain recommendation letters
Apply to a maximum of two programs only
Rank selected programs in motivation letter
Submit application within the official DAAD portal or partner universities
Wait for selection results after evaluation and interviews
Important: Applying to more than two programs leads to disqualification.
Key Features Of The Programme
Focus on leadership and public service careers
Strong emphasis on real-world development experience
Fully funded study opportunity in Germany
English-taught master’s programs
Structured training for future policymakers and governance experts
Designed for applicants committed to social change.
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
Who can apply for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship? Graduates from developing and emerging countries with strong academic backgrounds and experience in social, political, or development-related work can apply.
What does the scholarship cover? It covers full tuition fees, monthly stipend of €992, health insurance, travel allowance, and additional support such as rent subsidies and language training.
How many programs can I apply for? Applicants can apply for a maximum of two master’s programs, and they must clearly rank their preferences in the motivation letter.
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Card
Funding
Fully Funded
Organization
Germany Universities
Degree
Masters
Subjects
Public Policy, Governance
Nationality
International Students
Country
Germany
Source
Information provided by scholarships_ads.