DAAD HELMUT-SCHMIDT PROGRAMME 2027 — PUBLIC POLICY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE (GERMANY)

The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme, formally known as Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG), is a flagship DAAD scholarship funded by the German Federal Foreign Office. Named after former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, it supports future leaders from developing and emerging countries who want to drive democratic governance, social justice, and institutional reform in their home regions.

This scholarship is specifically designed for working professionals, not fresh graduates — DAAD is looking for people who already have relevant work, internship, or civic engagement experience and a clear plan to return home and apply what they’ve learned. Since 2009, more than 800 scholars from over 100 countries have completed their master’s through this programme, with a 95%+ completion rate and strong gender balance (45% women).

What It Covers

• Full tuition fee exemption at participating universities
• Monthly stipend of €992 Complete health, accident, and personal liability insurance
• Travel allowance to and from Germany
• Annual study and research grant
• Rent subsidy and family supplements where applicable
• A mandatory, fully funded German language course of up to six months before the master’s programme begins

Who Can Apply

• Citizens of countries on the DAC (Development Assistance Committee) list — most African nations qualify
• Hold a first university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) with above-average grades (upper third of your class)
• Have studied social/political sciences, law, economics, public policy, administration, or a related field Have relevant practical experience: professional work, internships, or political/social/community engagement
• Must not have spent more than 15 months outside a DAC country before the deadline
• No German language required at application — a six-month language course is provided before studies begin
• Last degree must not be older than 6 years (issued after January 1, 2020 for this intake)

Participating Universities & Courses (2027): International Media Studies (Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg/DW Akademie), Development and Governance (University of Duisburg-Essen), Public Policy (Willy Brandt School, University of Erfurt), Peace and Conflict Studies (University of Magdeburg/Marburg), Management in Non-Profit Organisations (Hochschule Osnabrück), Development Studies (University of Passau), Governance and Public Policy (University of Passau), International Health (LMU Munich)

Study Levels: Master’s

Host Country: Germany

Deadline: Applications open June 1, 2026 and close July 31, 2026. Results expected December 2026–January 2027. Studies begin September/October 2027.

How to Apply

Do NOT apply directly to DAAD. Apply separately to each participating university’s master’s programme (maximum 2 universities), clearly indicating you are applying for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme. Required documents include the DAAD application form, a motivation letter (max 2 pages), a CV in Europass format, certified degree and transcript translations, proof of relevant practical experience, and a written reference.