Helmut Schmidt Master’s Scholarship for Public Policy and Good Governance 2026

The Helmut Schmidt Master’s Scholarship, funded by the DAAD, is designed to support the development of good governance and civil society structures in developing and emerging countries. Through this programme, future leaders are offered master’s courses in disciplines crucial for social, political, and economic development.

The programme equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for leadership roles in their home countries, contributing to the establishment of democratic institutions and the reduction of social inequalities.

Who Can Apply for the Helmut Schmidt Master’s Scholarship

The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme is open to graduates from developing and emerging countries who meet the following criteria:

• A well-qualified first university degree with above-average grades (upper third) in fields such as Social and Political Sciences, Law, Economics, Public Policy, or Administration.
• A strong commitment to contributing to the social, political, and economic development of their home countries or regions.
• Relevant practical experience (e.g., internships, work experience, or political/social engagement) related to the programme’s focus.
• Before applying, applicants must not have spent more than 15 months in a non-DAC (Developing Assistance Committee) country.

What Can Be Funded?

Scholarship holders will pursue academic education in one of the eligible master’s courses from September/October 2026.

These courses are internationally focused and are taught in English. Throughout the programme, participants will benefit from additional support services, including tailored events, seminars, and networking opportunities. Scholarship holders are exempt from paying tuition fees.

Value of the Scholarship

The DAAD will provide the following benefits to scholarship recipients:

• A monthly scholarship of €992 for master’s courses at German higher education institutions.
• Health insurance coverage while in Germany.
• Travel allowances for travel between Germany and the scholarship holder’s home country.
• A study and research grant.
• Rent subsidies and family supplements, if applicable.
• A mandatory German language course in Germany lasting up to four months prior to the academic programme.

For those enrolling in the “Social Protection” master’s course, a reduced monthly stipend of €500 will apply for the fourth semester (which is an online semester in the student’s home country or another developing/emerging country).

You can also apply for Leeds University Business School Scholarship 2025–26 (Study in the UK)

Selection Process for Helmut Schmidt Scholarship

1. Applicants must apply directly to the master’s courses of their choice (up to two courses).
2. The selection process is carried out by a committee of professors from the participating universities and DAAD representatives in October/November 2025.
3. Nominated candidates will be asked to upload their full documents to the DAAD portal.

Applicants should ensure their application includes all required documents and follow the guidelines provided in the DAAD checklist. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Selection Criteria

The primary selection criteria include:

• A well-articulated motivation for pursuing a master’s course in Germany and a clear explanation of why the chosen courses are relevant to the applicant’s academic and professional development.
• Practical experience, including professional experience, internships, and political or social engagement.
• A first higher education degree with above-average grades (upper third).
• Candidates with a prior master’s degree must explain why they need funding for a second postgraduate qualification.
• Language requirements and other course-specific criteria must also be met.

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Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following:

• A completed DAAD application form.
• A motivation letter (maximum of two pages) for both courses being applied to, explaining the reasons for choosing each and how they will advance the applicant’s academic and professional goals.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) in reverse chronological order.
• Copies of higher education degree certificates (with certified translations if needed).
• Transcripts of records (with grading scale explanations, certified translations if needed).
• Proof of relevant professional or social experience.
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• A reference letter from an employer or university lecturer.

Application Deadline

The application period for the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme will be open from 1st June to 31st July 2025.

How to Apply for the Helmut Schmidt Scholarship

• Choose up to two eligible master’s courses.
• Complete the DAAD application form and submit it to the selected universities.
• Submit all required documents along with the application.
• Send all applications directly to the chosen universities, not to DAAD.

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Eligible Master’s Courses

• Social Protection (University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg)
• Development and Governance (University of Duisburg-Essen)
• Public Policy (Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt)
• Peace and Conflict Studies (University of Magdeburg)
• Management in Nonprofit Organisations (University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück)
• Development Studies (University of Passau)
• Governance and Public Policy (University of Passau)

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