Master's Scholarship•Germany · Bonn

DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Master's Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance)

Funding

Fully Funded

Program dates

Sep 1, 2027

The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme — Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG) — is funded by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) to qualify future leaders in politics, law, economics and administration from developing and emerging countries. Selected scholars complete one of seven English-taught (one course also German-taught) master’s courses at participating German universities, in fields such as public policy, development and governance, peace and conflict studies, social protection and nonprofit management. The aim is for graduates to return home and help build democratically oriented, socially just institutions. For the 2027 intake, applications run from 1 June to 31 July 2026 and studies begin in September or October 2027.

Benefits & funding

  • Monthly scholarship rate of €992.
  • Annual study and research grant of €460.
  • Fixed travel allowance (lump sum); rent subsidy and allowances for a spouse and/or children where applicable.
  • Health, accident and liability insurance in Germany.
  • Exemption from tuition fees (a per-semester registration fee still applies).
  • A mandatory German language course in Germany of up to 4 months before studies begin.
  • Special condition: during the online semester of the “Social Protection” course, a sur-place rate of €500 applies instead of the usual rate.
  • Specialised tutoring at the host university and invitations to DAAD networking events.

Eligibility

  • Open to nationals of a developing or emerging country on the OECD DAC list of ODA recipients (the full list backs the eligibility filter on this page).
  • Hold a first university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) completed with above-average results (upper third); the most recent degree must not be older than six years (issued on or after 1 January 2020). Holders of a master’s may apply for a second master’s with a strong justification.
  • Relevant practical experience tied to the programme’s goals (work, internships, volunteering, or NGO/community work) is essential; the programme welcomes both young graduates and mid-career professionals.
  • No age limit.
  • Master’s courses are taught in English (one also in German); each course sets its own language-proficiency requirement.
  • Applicants who have lived more than 15 months in a non-DAC country (including Germany) by the deadline are not eligible. Applicants from India and the People’s Republic of China must submit an APS certificate.

Application process

  1. 1
    Choose at most two of the seven participating master’s courses and confirm you meet each course’s admission requirements.
  2. 2
    Complete the DAAD application form once (ranking your first and second choice) and write a single letter of motivation covering both choices.
  3. 3
    Send the application with all required documents (CV, degree certificates, transcript, language proof, references, proof of practical experience) directly to your chosen universities — not to the DAAD — by 31 July 2026.

Program timeline

  1. Applications open

    Jun 1, 2026

  2. Application deadline (to the universities)

    Jul 31, 2026

  3. Selection committee reviews candidates; shortlisted applicants upload documents to the DAAD Portal

    2026 (autumn)

  4. Mandatory German language course in Germany (up to 4 months)

    2027 (spring/summer)

  5. 2027-09

    Master’s studies begin (September or October 2027)