The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship is one of the best opportunities available for international students to study in Germany. This fully funded scholarship is offered to graduates from developing and emerging countries who want to pursue a master’s degree in public policy, good governance, development, social protection, peace and conflict studies, public administration, and related fields. The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship covers a monthly stipend of €992, a tuition fee exemption, health insurance, a travel allowance, a study and research grant, a rent subsidy, a family allowance where applicable, and a mandatory German language course of up to 4 months. In this article, we have explained everything you need to know about DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2027, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a detailed step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.
The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme, also known as Public Policy and Good Governance, is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and managed by DAAD. The programme supports future leaders from developing and emerging countries who want to promote democracy, social justice, good governance, and sustainable development in their home regions.
The programme prepares highly qualified graduates for leadership positions in public administration, law, economics, political science, civil society, and development-related fields. All selected students study at German higher education institutions in English-taught master’s programs.
Applicants should note that scholarship applications are not sent directly to DAAD. Students must apply directly to the participating master’s course or courses of their choice.
Related Fully Funded Government Scholarships
DAAD Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Master’s
- Institution: Participating German higher education institutions
- Study Destination: Germany
- Program Period: Depends on the course selected
- Courses Offered:
- The following master’s courses are part of the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme:
- Social Protection
University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg
Duration: 4 semesters - Development and Governance
University of Duisburg-Essen
Duration: 2 semesters - Public Policy
Willy Brandt School of Public Policy, University of Erfurt
Duration: 4 semesters - Peace and Conflict Studies
University of Magdeburg
Duration: 4 semesters - Management in Non-profit Organisations
University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück
Duration: 4 semesters - Development Studies
University of Passau
Duration: 4 semesters - Governance and Public Policy
University of Passau
Duration: 4 semesters
- Social Protection
- Applicants may apply for up to two master’s courses.
- The following master’s courses are part of the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme:
Application Deadline for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2027
The application period for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship is:
June 1, 2026 to July 31, 2026
Applicants must submit their application directly to the participating master’s course or courses. Applications sent directly to DAAD will not be forwarded and will not be considered.
DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship Coverage
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship provides the recipient with the following benefits:
- Monthly scholarship of €992
- Tuition fee exemption
- Health insurance cover in Germany
- Fixed travel allowance between Germany and the applicant’s country
- Study and research grant
- Rent subsidy, where applicable
- Family supplement, where applicable
- Mandatory German language course in Germany for up to 4 months
- Academic support services from programme coordinators
- Seminars and networking events for scholarship holders
For the Social Protection master’s course, a different funding rule applies in the 4th semester because of its blended learning format. During the mandatory online semester in the student’s country of origin or another developing/emerging country, a sur place rate of €500 per month is paid instead of the regular scholarship rate.
Eligibility Criteria for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship
To be eligible for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Required Languages: English or German.
- For international programs, the language of instruction is English. You are usually required to submit an English language certificate, e.g., TOEFL or IELTS.
- For other programs, the language of instruction is German. You are usually required to submit a German language certificate, e.g., DSH or TestDaF.
- Eligible Countries: Click here for a list of eligible developing countries.
- Applicants must be graduates from developing or emerging countries.
- Applicants must have a first university degree, such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Applicants must have above-average grades, preferably in the upper third.
- Applicants should have a background in social and political sciences, law, economics, public policy, administration, or related fields.
- Applicants must be willing to contribute to the social, political, and economic development of their home country or region.
- Applicants must have relevant practical experience, such as professional experience, internships, political engagement, social commitment, volunteering, or work with charities or NGOs.
- The last university degree should not be older than 6 years at the time of application.
- For the 2027 intake, the last degree should not have been issued before January 1, 2020.
- Applicants who already hold a master’s degree must provide a strong explanation for why they should receive funding for another postgraduate degree.
- Applicants who have spent more than the past 15 months in a country not listed on the DAC list are not eligible.
- Applicants must meet the language requirements of the selected master’s course.
How to Apply for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2027?
To apply for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship, please follow the step-by-step application procedure below:
- Visit the official DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme page.
- Read the current announcement carefully.
- Check the list of participating master’s courses.
- Select up to two master’s courses.
- If applying for two courses, rank them clearly in your motivation letter.
- Complete the DAAD application form only once.
- Prepare one motivation letter explaining your academic, professional, and personal reasons for applying.
- Prepare all required documents according to the DAAD checklist.
- Submit your application directly to the selected master’s course or courses.
Required Documents for DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2027
- Signed checklist and list of criteria
- DAAD application form
- One letter of motivation, maximum 2 pages
- Curriculum Vitae in reverse chronological order, preferably Europass format
- Copies of higher education degree certificates
- Full transcript of records
- Explanation of grading system
- Proof of relevant professional experience or internships
- Proof of political activities or community service, if applicable
- Proof of English language skills
- Current written reference from current employer
- Current written reference from a university lecturer, if the applicant is currently a student
- APS Certificate for applicants from India and China
Documents that are not in German or English must be submitted with certified translations.
Website
To learn more about the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship, please visit the official website:
Why Study in Germany?
Germany is one of the most popular study destinations in the world, especially for international students seeking high-quality education at a low cost. Located in the heart of Europe and known for its tuition-free public universities, Germany offers globally recognized degrees, strong research opportunities, and excellent career prospects. Discover why Germany could be the ideal destination to pursue your degree abroad.
1. Quality Education
Germany is one of the most popular non-English-speaking study destinations in the world and is widely recognized for its strong higher education system. According to recent global university rankings such as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and QS World University Rankings, several German universities consistently rank among the top institutions worldwide. Universities such as LMU Munich, Heidelberg University, Technical University of Munich (TUM), and Humboldt University of Berlin regularly appear in the top 100 globally, while many others rank within the top 200–300 worldwide.
Germany is highly regarded for the quality of its modern teaching methods, research facilities, and strong industry-academia collaboration. The German government invests heavily in higher education and research through initiatives such as the Excellence Strategy and federal research funding programs. These investments enable universities to support innovative research projects, provide state-of-the-art laboratories, and offer students opportunities to participate in cutting-edge scientific and technological developments.
2. No Tuition Fees
You may have dreamed of studying in Europe, but you are worried about how you will finance your studies. Germany may be the right place for you! Studying as an undergraduate in Germany is free. Yes, you read it right! Even as an international student, you don’t have to pay fees or tuition fees, because in Germany, registration is free of charge.
In fact, at the end of your undergraduate studies at a German university, you can be chosen to pursue a postgraduate degree that is also free. Without tuition fees, you can save extra money for accommodation, study material, and socialization and get to know nearby places.
3. Job Opportunities
After graduation, international students in Germany can apply for an 18-month residence permit to search for employment related to their field of study. This generous post-study work period allows graduates sufficient time to secure a suitable position and transition into long-term employment. By comparison, the United Kingdom currently offers a Graduate Route visa that permits international students to remain for two years after completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree (and three years for PhD graduates).
According to data from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), a significant proportion of international graduates choose to remain in Germany after completing their studies, reflecting the country’s strong labor market and demand for skilled professionals.
German universities also maintain close collaborations with industry, providing students with valuable opportunities for internships, research placements, and practical training. Many German institutions perform strongly in global employability rankings, reflecting their emphasis on applied learning, research integration, and industry engagement.
4. Quality of Life
Life as a student in Germany is undoubtedly impressive. Most major German cities, such as Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, are centers of culture, art, and music. There is so much to see and do, no matter what your interests are; this is the perfect place to be a curious international student.
If you are interested in sports, politics, history, or art, you will find your niche market and a crowd with similar interests to yours. Due to a strong economy and infrastructure, it has reliable, safe, and fast public transport, which means that moving is very easy. During the day, you can explore the impressive architecture, medieval castles, and parks, and at night, enjoy the great life in the main cities.
5. International Environment
Germany has become a major hub for international students and multicultural exchange. With a wide range of degree programs taught in English and low or no tuition fees at most public universities, Germany attracts students from across the globe. According to recent data, over 400,000 international students are currently enrolled in German higher education institutions, making Germany one of the most popular study destinations worldwide. This number continues to grow as the country expands its international academic offerings.
Located in the heart of Europe, Germany also provides excellent opportunities for travel and cultural exploration. Its central position allows students easy access to neighboring European countries, enabling them to experience diverse cultures, languages, and historical landmarks while studying.
