The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has opened fully-funded applications for the prestigious Helmut-Schmidt Programme for master’s scholarships.
Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, the programme offers selected candidates the chance to pursue a Master’s degree in Germany in fields critical to public administration and policy development.
The Programme offers future leaders master’s courses in disciplines of special relevance to social, political, and economic development.
DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme Open for Applications
It also prepares students through a practice-oriented course for responsible positions in or for their home regions and contributes to establishing democratically oriented economic and social institutions designed to overcome social inequalities.
The Helmut-Schmidt Programme is open to graduates from developing and emerging countries who hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
Eligible candidates should have a strong academic record, typically in the upper third of their class, in fields such as Social and Political Sciences, Law, Economics, Public Policy, or Administration.
Applicants must be committed to contributing to the social, political, and economic development of their home countries or regions.
They should also have already gained practical experience relevant to the programme, including professional work, internships, or political and social engagement.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Helmut-Schmidt Programme funds full academic education in selected master’s courses, starting in September/October 2026. The courses are internationally focused and taught in English.
Scholarship recipients also benefit from support services at their study locations, including specialized events, seminars, and networking opportunities with other international scholars.
Importantly, DAAD scholarship holders are exempt from paying tuition fees, making the programme fully funded.
Also Read: Egerton University Announces Scholarships for Degree and Master’s Programmes: How to Apply
Value of the Scholarship
Recipients of the Helmut-Schmidt Programme scholarship will receive a monthly allowance of €992 (approx. Ksh 147,708) for master’s courses at German higher education institutions.
Scholarship recipients under the Helmut-Schmidt Programme will also benefit from a comprehensive support package, including health insurance coverage while in Germany, travel allowances for journeys between Germany and their home countries, and study and research grants.
In addition, the programme provides rent subsidies and family supplements where applicable.
All scholars will participate in a German language course in Germany, lasting up to four months.
For the “Social Protection” master’s course, which follows a blended learning model, a special rate of €500 (Kh 74,450) per month is paid during the fourth semester, which is conducted online from the student’s home country or another developing/emerging country.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted in English or German through DAAD official Website. You may apply for up to two master’s courses.
Applicants should read the DAAD selection criteria included in the checklist carefully and take care of every single point listed in the checklist.
Please complete the DAAD “Application Form” only once and indicate your selected master’s course or courses.
If you are applying for two master’s courses: Please rank the courses in order of preference in your motivation letter, i.e., why your first choice of master’s course is your first choice and why your second choice is your second choice.
For each choice of course, please provide clear reasons why you think it will advance you academically and professionally. You must submit the same letter of motivation to both courses you are applying for.
Please submit the application form to the master’s course(s) of your choice (max. two), along with the required documents. Scholarship applications must be sent directly to the master’s courses.
Also Read: Italy Announces Fully Funded Scholarships: How to Apply
Participants are enrolled in selected Master’s programmes at top German universities, focusing on areas such as:
- Political science
- Public policy and administration
- Law
- Economics
- Development studies
The application period for all seven higher education institutions is from 1 June until 31 July 2026.
The selection will be made by a selection committee in October/November 2026.
Applicants should ensure they have a complete set of copies of their application documents in PDF format.
Please submit original documents only if you are explicitly asked to do so by the master’s course.
All applicants will be informed in writing after the end of the selection process.
