The Federal government of Germany, through the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), has invited applications from Kenyans and other Sub-Saharan African graduates for the 2026 In-Country/In-Region scholarships.
DAAD Sub-Saharan Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious opportunity designed to strengthen higher education systems across Sub-Saharan Africa and support sustainable development in the region.
Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the program offers fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships to talented African students who aspire to contribute to their communities through research and innovation.
Germany Opens 2026 DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships
The scholarships will be offered at five Kenyan universities: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT), Moi University, Maseno University, and Pwani University.
At JKUAT, students can pursue master’s degrees in Energy Technology and Soil and Water Engineering, as well as a PhD in Soil and Water Engineering. Moi University will offer a PhD in Biostatistics and, through its collaboration with the East and South African-German Centre of Excellence for Educational Research Methodologies and Management (CERM-ESA), a Master’s in Education in Research.
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology will admit students for a Master’s in Food Science and Technology, while Pwani University will offer a Master’s in Bioinformatics.
In addition, the Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR) will facilitate a Master’s in Research and Public Policy (MRPP) at partner institutions, including Egerton University and Maseno University.
The scholarship focuses on development-related and SDG-oriented fields, empowering future leaders to gain advanced education within Africa while building lasting academic and professional networks.
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Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship is fully funded and covers full tuition fees at eligible host institutions, monthly stipends to support living expenses, and research grants and travel allowances for In-Region scholars.
It will also offer Academic support through the DAAD network and opportunities to connect with German institutions and DAAD alumni.
Students will receive a study and research allowance of 460 EUR (Ksh 69,047) annually, and a one-time thesis publishing cost of 400 EUR (Ksh 59,904), typically towards the end of the scholarship.
Monthly stipends cover living expenses, including accommodation and food. In-country students will receive 400 EUR per month, while in-region students will receive 500 EUR per month.
In-region scholars are also entitled to a travel allowance, usually provided twice during the scholarship period, with the exact amount specified in the Letter of Award.
Additionally, in-region students benefit from annual health insurance, with further details outlined in the Letter of Award.
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Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must:
- Be citizens of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree if applying for a Master’s program.
- Hold a Master’s degree if applying for a PhD program.
- Plan to study in their home country or another Sub-Saharan African nation.
The scholarship particularly encourages applications from Female candidates and individuals from underrepresented or less privileged regions and communities.
Scholarships are awarded for the duration of the standard period of study for the chosen programme (up to a maximum of 24 months).
Deadline for application is November 27, 2025.
How to Apply
Visit the official DAAD Sub-Saharan Scholarship 2026 page to check eligibility and program details.
Interested candidates are urged to carefully select the program that aligns with their academic background and career aspirations.
Applicants must first register and create an account on the DAAD online portal. Once registered, they should complete the online application form, providing accurate personal and academic information.
All applications must be submitted before the official deadline.
Shortlisted candidates will receive confirmation from DAAD and may be required to attend interviews or other assessments. Successful applicants will then receive an official notification of selection, enabling them to make preparations for their studies in Germany.
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Delighted to be given an opportunity to study in Germany
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