Germany Announces Fully Funded Scholarships With Monthly Allowance of Up to KSh 75K

The government of Germany has opened applications for its DAAD scholarship program targeting graduates and postgraduates across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenyans.

The In-Country/In-Region program aims to train highly qualified professionals and managers for sustainable development and top-quality, cosmopolitan universities in partner countries.

The program offers scholarships to future academic and professional leaders from developing countries for postgraduate and doctoral studies.

Scholars study at universities in their home country or at leading institutions in the region.

Germany Opens Applications for DAAD In-Country/In-Region programme

The scholarships are for graduates and postgraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa with a first academic degree who aim to pursue a Master’s in their home country, in a country where they hold a residence permit (In-Country), or in another Sub-Saharan African country (In-Region).

They may pursue the Master’s degrees in their home country or in the country for which they have a residence permit (so-called In-Country scholarships) or in another Sub-Saharan African country, outside their home country/in the country for which they do not have a residence permit (so-called In-Region scholarships).

Female applicants and candidates from less privileged regions or groups are encouraged to apply for funding.

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Eligibility Criteria

Master’s applicants must hold a first academic qualification, equivalent to a Second Class Upper Division or higher.

Applicants must also demonstrate strong motivation and commitment, possess adequate language proficiency for their chosen program, and have completed their most recent degree within the last six years.

Eligible candidates must be nationals or permanent residents of Sub-Saharan Africa and may be university staff, teaching/research candidates, public sector employees, fresh graduates, professionals, or other applicants.

Recent graduates, professionals, and candidates outside these categories are also invited to apply.

Female applicants, refugees with recognized status, and candidates from disadvantaged regions are particularly encouraged to apply.

If you have already received a Master’s scholarship from the DAAD, further Master’s funding from the DAAD is not possible.

Duration of  DAAD Scholarship

The scholarships are awarded for the full duration of the selected study program, up to a maximum of 24 months. Applicants are required to indicate the full intended period of study in their applications.

After the first year, academic performance is reviewed for continued funding. Scholarships typically start on March 1, subject to admissions timelines.

The In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Program supports studies in subject areas highly relevant to national development.

The application procedure may differ between the regions and host institutions. The specific application instructions regarding each host institution are listed in the respective calls for application.

Scholarships are available at the University of Cape Town for the MPhil in Urban Studies: Southern Urbanism, while the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria (FUNAAB) offers the Master of Science in Physics.

Meanwhile, the University of Pretoria (UP) in South Africa will offer a Master of Science in Mathematics.

Coverage and Benefits

The DAAD scholarship covers tuition fees as specified by the host university. It provides an annual study and research allowance of 460 euros (Ksh 69,000) and a one-time thesis publication cost of 400 euros (Ksh 60,000).

Successful applicants will receive a monthly stipend of 400 euros for in-country studies or 500 euros (Ksh 75,000) for in-region studies to cover accommodation and living expenses.

Additional benefits include a one-time travel allowance for in-region scholars, usually paid at the beginning and end of the program, as well as health insurance for eligible applicants.

The program further notes that payments are made directly to scholars’ bank accounts, with the first disbursement issued after arrival at the host institution.

Also Read: Ministry of Education Announces Applications for 2026 Special Needs Course

Application Process

Applicants must apply through the DAAD online portal at https://funding.meindaad.de. The application deadline is April 29, 2026, at 24:00 Central European Time.

Applicants must register on the DAAD online portal, complete the application form, and upload required documents in PDF format: CV, recommendation letter, academic certificates and transcripts, motivation letter, and valid ID.

The DAAD emphasized that incomplete applications or submissions made through other channels will not be considered.

Additional Opportunities

The program also includes optional short-term research stays in Germany lasting three to six months for selected candidates, as well as access to summer schools and e-training opportunities.

However, the DAAD clarified that no additional benefits, such as family allowances, are provided, and that scholarship funding may be withdrawn for non-compliance or academic misconduct.