DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded Master’s in Germany
Company Name: DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service
Position Title: Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 (Master’s in Public Policy & Governance)
Location: Germany (Multiple Cities: Bonn, Erfurt, Magdeburg, Essen, Osnabrück, Passau)
Industry: Higher Education / International Development / Public Policy
Employment Type: Fully Funded Scholarship (Full-time Master’s Program)
Apply Link: https://lnkd.in/e84_e6Nu
Official Website: https://www.daad.de
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Program (Public Policy and Good Governance – PPGG) is one of Germany’s premier academic opportunities for future leaders in politics, civil society, law, and administration. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, this scholarship provides a fully funded route to Master’s education in Germany for students from developing and emerging countries. The program is named after former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, known for his commitment to international understanding and political responsibility. It aims to foster responsible leadership and good governance in partner countries, helping future professionals bring about positive change in their home nations.
The scholarship supports Master’s programs in fields like public policy, development studies, governance, and international relations. These programs are offered at some of Germany’s most respected universities, combining academic excellence with practical training. In addition to full financial support, the program includes a six-month intensive German language course prior to the start of studies. This prepares students for life in Germany and enables them to engage more fully with their academic and cultural environments.
Many alumni of the program have gone on to serve in leadership positions in government, NGOs, international organizations, and the private sector. This makes the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Program a key investment in the global leadership of tomorrow. The program stands out not only for its academic rigor but also for its emphasis on civic engagement and policy impact. The scholarships are awarded to individuals who demonstrate both academic excellence and a deep commitment to social and political development in their home countries.
Students accepted into this program will benefit from a complete support package, including tuition, monthly stipends, travel, health insurance, and more. Each of the selected universities brings its own strengths and thematic focus, offering applicants the ability to choose up to two programs that best fit their background and career goals. This is more than a scholarship—it is a professional transformation and a bridge between nations.
1. Job Offering Company Introduction (DAAD)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the largest funding organization in the world supporting the international exchange of students and scholars. With a history dating back to 1925, DAAD has enabled over two million students and academics from Germany and abroad to study and conduct research in Germany or other countries. It operates as an independent association of German higher education institutions and student bodies and plays a crucial role in shaping Germany’s global academic presence.
DAAD’s mission extends beyond funding. It actively promotes internationalization in education, intercultural understanding, and collaboration across borders. It runs hundreds of scholarship programs and funding schemes each year for students, graduates, and researchers in nearly every discipline. It’s not just for Germans studying abroad—DAAD is equally focused on attracting bright minds from all over the world to study in Germany.
The Helmut Schmidt Program, one of DAAD’s flagship initiatives, is particularly focused on leadership and good governance. It is geared towards highly qualified graduates with a first university degree in social sciences, political science, law, economics, public administration, and similar fields who want to actively contribute to the social and economic development of their home countries. By supporting their Master’s studies in Germany, DAAD ensures that the next generation of global public policy and development professionals is equipped with the skills, education, and global network needed to succeed.
The DAAD collaborates with a number of universities across Germany to deliver this program. These universities are selected based on their academic strength, international outlook, and their ability to integrate students from diverse backgrounds. DAAD maintains a high standard of transparency, merit, and excellence in its scholarship programs, and the Helmut Schmidt Program is no exception.
Beyond education, DAAD also provides robust support services to scholarship holders. From pre-departure guidance to language courses, cultural integration support, and ongoing mentorship, DAAD ensures that scholars are not only well-educated but also well-adjusted and connected to Germany’s academic, social, and professional life. This is all part of its mission to promote lasting relationships between Germany and partner countries.
2. Job Description (Scholarship Details)
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in Germany, specifically tailored for individuals from developing and emerging countries who are passionate about public service, governance, policy, and development. The program is designed for future leaders and changemakers who wish to study in Germany and then return to their home countries equipped with the skills and experience to make a meaningful impact.
The scholarship supports selected two-year Master’s programs at top German institutions. These programs are taught in English or German and cover topics such as public policy, good governance, international relations, nonprofit management, peace and conflict studies, and development studies. You can choose up to two programs that best match your career ambitions. The following universities are eligible for the 2026 intake:
- University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg – Master’s in Social Protection
- University of Duisburg-Essen – Master’s in Development and Governance
- Willy Brandt School, University of Erfurt – Master’s in Public Policy
- University of Magdeburg – Master’s in Peace and Conflict Studies
- University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück – Master’s in Management in Nonprofit Organizations
- University of Passau – Master’s in Development Studies & Governance
All selected applicants will first undergo a 6-month German language course before starting their Master’s program, regardless of whether their program is taught in English or German. This not only supports academic success but also helps scholars integrate socially and professionally into German life.
The scholarship benefits are comprehensive:
- Full tuition fees covered by DAAD
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses
- Round-trip airfare from your home country to Germany
- Health insurance throughout your stay
- Rent subsidies and family allowances (where applicable)
- Study and research grants for books, travel, or data collection
- Language course fees
This program offers more than financial support—it provides career development opportunities, access to global academic networks, and a solid academic foundation in policy and governance. Scholars are encouraged to participate in extracurricular academic programs, conferences, and professional development workshops.
Applicants must apply directly to the universities offering the programs. Applications sent to DAAD will not be considered. A single motivation letter must be written, explaining your choice and ranking of two programs.
3. Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: You must be a citizen of a developing or emerging country (as classified by the OECD/DAC list).
- Academic Qualification: You must hold a 16-year Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as political science, social sciences, economics, law, public administration, or related disciplines.
- Professional Experience: Previous work, internship, or volunteer experience in governance, policy, or social sectors will be considered an asset but is not mandatory.
- Language Proficiency: All programs require proof of English language proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL. If you are applying for a program taught in German, you must also provide proof of German proficiency.
- Motivation Letter: A single letter explaining why you are applying to the chosen programs and how they align with your career goals. The letter must also show your motivation to study in Germany and contribute to your home country upon return.
- References: A recent letter of recommendation from your university or employer is required. It should detail your academic or professional abilities.
- Curriculum Vitae: Must be in Europass format, clearly listing your educational background, professional experience, language skills, and voluntary/social engagement.
- Age Limit: There is no age limit for applicants.
- Program Limit: You can apply to a maximum of two Master’s programs within the listed universities.
The DAAD values not only academic excellence but also your commitment to public service and development. Applicants who show a deep understanding of their country’s political and social challenges—and who propose constructive, realistic contributions—are highly favored.
Selection is competitive. The process emphasizes transparency and fairness, and the evaluation is based on academic achievements, quality of motivation, relevance of prior work or volunteering experience, and alignment with the goals of the scholarship.
Applicants are advised to carefully read all program requirements on the DAAD website and the individual university pages. Tailor your application documents to highlight your qualifications clearly, concisely, and truthfully.
4. Location
Germany – Programs are hosted in various cities across the country including Bonn, Erfurt, Magdeburg, Essen, Osnabrück, and Passau. The scholarship also includes a six-month language course, often in a different city than the degree program location.
5. Last Date
31 July 2025
6. Apply Link
👉 Click here to apply through the official DAAD Porta
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