Helmut-Schmidt-Programme: Germany's Fully Funded Master's Scholarship for Future Leaders

The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), is a fully funded master's scholarship designed for future leaders from developing and emerging countries who want to promote democracy, good governance, and social justice in their home regions .

What It Offers

The scholarship supports seven selected master's programmes at German universities, all taught in English. Fields of study include Public Policy, Governance, Peace and Conflict Studies, Development Studies, Social Protection, and Management in Non-Profit Organisations . The programme includes a mandatory German language course before studies begin .

Benefits

Selected scholars receive a monthly stipend of €992, health insurance, travel allowances, study and research grants, and rent subsidies where applicable . Scholarship holders are also exempt from paying tuition fees .

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be citizens of developing or emerging countries, hold a bachelor's degree in fields such as political science, law, economics, or public administration, and have relevant practical experience through work, internships, or social engagement . The last academic degree should not be older than six years .

How to Apply

Applications for the 2027 academic year are open from June 1 to July 31, 2026. Candidates may apply to a maximum of two master's programmes and must submit their application directly to the German university, not to DAAD .

Ready to apply? Visit the official DAAD programme page for the full list of participating programmes and application details: [https://www.daad.de/de/in-deutschland-studieren/stipendien/daad-foerderprogramme/helmut-schmidt-programm/](https://www.daad.de/de/in-deutschland-studieren/stipendien/daad-foerderprogramme/helmut-schmidt-programm/)