DAAD Leadership for Africa (LFA) Scholarships 2025

If you are looking to study in Germany with a scholarship then this is a great opportunity for you. In this article, we will explain in detail about DAAD scholarship, its benefits, and the step-by-step application procedure.

DAAD Leadership for Africa (LFA) Scholarship 2025-2026 is a fully funded scholarship for African students. This scholarship is available to pursue masters at the top German Universities. DAAD LFA scholarships cover monthly payments of 934 euros and adequate health, accident and private/personal liability insurance in Germany and more.

The scholarship programme “Leadership for Africa” (LfA) aims to support the academic qualification and advancement of young refugees and national scholars from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda at higher education institutions in Germany.

Well-trained experts, who are networked with international partners, play an important part in the sustainable development of their countries. They are the best guarantee for a better future with less poverty, more education, and health for all. With its development-oriented postgraduate study programs, the DAAD promotes the training of specialists from developed and newly industrialized countries.

Also check: Chinese Government Scholarship | Step-by-Step Application Procedure

The scholarships offer foreign graduates from developed and newly industrialized countries from all disciplines the chance to take a postgraduate or Master’s degree at a state or state-recognized German university, and in exceptional cases to take a doctoral degree, and to obtain a university qualification (Master’s/PhD) in Germany.

DAAD LFA Scholarship 2025 Summary

  • Level of Study: Masters
  • Institution: DAAD
  • Study in: Germany
  • Courses Offered:
  • Program Period: Between 12 and 36 months depending on the length of the chosen study program.
  • DAAD Scholarship Deadline: June 7th 2024

DAAD LFA Scholarship Coverage

DAAD LFA Scholarship 2025 for Masters and PhD Germany provides the recipient with the following benefits:

  • German language course (up to 6 months) in Germany before the start of the university studies
  • Tuition-free M.A. or M.Sc. degree programme at a public or state-recognized university in Germany starting in winter term 2025 (September/October 2025)
  • Additional mandatory training programme LEAD!

Duration of the funding

Generally, selected candidates will start their German language course in April 2025 and take up their studies at a German institution of higher education by approx. October 1st, 2025. The duration of funding is determined by the standard period of study of the chosen programme. In general, eligible master’s programmes require two years of full-time study.

Value

  • German language course (up to 6 months) in Germany before the start of the study programme, including the coverage of the test fees for a German language certificate (TestDaF or DSH test), pocket money and accommodation (only during the language course). The DAAD decides whether to fund participation and for how long depending on German language skills and study requirements. Participation in a language course is compulsory.
  • Monthly scholarship rate payments of 934 EURO
  • Adequate health, accident and private/personal liability insurance in Germany
  • Travel allowance
  • Yearly study allowance
  • Additional mandatory training programme LEAD!
  • If applicable, monthly rent subsidy and monthly allowance for accompanying family members (spouse and/or children)
    Please note that family reunions may be time-delayed or even not be possible during the duration of the scholarship, due to the duration of the visa processes for some home or host countries.

Eligibility Criteria for DAAD LFA Scholarship 2025

To be eligible for DAAD LFA Scholarship 2025 for Masters and PhD Germany, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Required Languages: English or German.
    • The language of instruction in study programmes in Germany is usually German, or in international programmes English and/or German. To be admitted to a programme, you are therefore usually required to submit an appropriate language certificate (e.g., DSH or TestDaF if the language of instruction is German, TOEFL/IELTS in case of English). The necessary language skills for the desired field of study must be proven at the latest by the start of study programme. Suitable proof of necessary language skills or the ability to acquire them within the German language course must be submitted with the application documents.
      Find more information on the Important Scholarship Information / A.9 and A.10.
  • Eligible Countries: Young refugees and national scholars from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda

What requirements must be met?

  • Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree at the time of application which meets the requirements of German universities for entering a Master’s degree.
  • A Bachelor’s degree of at least 2nd class upper division level is required.
  • As a rule, not more than 6 years should have passed since the completion of the last academic degree (see important information for scholarship applicants / Section A, point 2).
  • Good English or good German language skills
  • For Refugees: Copy of Refugee ID card issued before 02.04.2023
Also check: Fulbright Scholarship USA | Fully Funded | Application Process

How to Apply for the DAAD LFA Scholarship 2025?

To apply for the DAAD Scholarship for a Master and PhD in Germany please follow the following step-by-step application procedure:

Can you Apply for more than one course under the DAAD LFA scholarship?

You can apply for up to three courses. If applying to more than one course, please list courses in order of priority in the DAAD application forms (see 7. Choice of host university/institution in Germany), and do not change the priorities in the application form!

Required Documents for DAAD LFA Scholarship 2025

  • Online DAAD application form duly completed (available on the DAAD portal)
  • Curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages) containing information about your academic education to date, current and previous employment, former scholarships, current address and relevant language and other skills.
  • Letter of Motivation (1-3 pages) containing a precise description of your academic/professional and personal reasons for the planned study project. Please also read our Important Scholarship Information / Section B, Point 1.
  • DAAD Form “Study course profile” duly completed (please specify 3 Master’s programmes). Please be aware that DAAD does not consider your suggestions of master’s programmes which charge tuition fees. This should be taken into consideration while deciding for the master’s programmes. Please also note the information on how to fill in the form ‘Study course profile’. The form can be subject to change every year, therefore only access the most recent version by using the link above.
  • Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree or are in the process of completing a Master’s degree can only be considered in well-justified cases, if they can explain conclusively, why they would like to obtain another Master’s degree. Please fill in the form “Additional Master’s Degree”.
  • Proof of necessary language skills for the desired Master’s programmes. Please also read our important information for scholarship applicants / Section A, Point 9.
  • University degree certificate indicating final grade(s) including transcripts of records for all study years with all individual grades incl. explanation of grading system
  • Copies of your passport/national identification card and copies of your passport’s/national identification card’s biodata page and other documents containing information about you and your current residence status
  • For refugees: Refugee ID-Card and UNHCR registration/official proof of asylum by authorities or government

Optional:
Other documents that might be of relevance to your application (e.g., certificates of employment and/or internship, proof of former scholarships, extracurricular engagement, recommendation letters, (expired) admissions to a German Master’s programme).

Please note

Applications have to be submitted exclusively to the DAAD portal.
Applications submitted through other channels or to other authorities will not be considered.
The DAAD portal closes at 24.00 hrs. Central European Summer Time (CEST) on the last application day.
Incomplete applications cannot be considered. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their applications are complete.
Please note that the “Application portal” tab in the scholarship database only appears while the current application period is running. Once the application deadline is expired, the portal for this programme is not accessible until next year’s application period.

Also, apply for the Turkey Government Scholarship | Fully Funded | Application Process

Step-by-Step Application and Selection Procedure for DAAD Scholarship

  1. Choose suitable courses of your interest. (You can apply for a maximum of three courses)
  2. Apply to universities offering those courses.
  3. You send your complete application(s) (with the above documents) directly to the universities.
  4. A selection committee suggests potential candidates for a DAAD scholarship.
  5. The suggested candidates will be contacted by DAAD to upload their complete application to the DAAD Portal. (The link to the DAAD Portal will be provided by DAAD through email)
  6. The selection process will be finalized, and the suggested candidates will be informed accordingly.

Important Note:
Make sure that you have a copy of each document of your application ready, as those documents (as PDF files) have to be uploaded to the DAAD Portal in case you are suggested for a DAAD scholarship!

Website

To learn more about DAAD Scholarship for Masters and PhD Germany, please visit the official website:

Apply for LFA

Official Website

Why Study in Germany?

Why is Germany a great study destination? Located in the heart of Europe and without tuition fees, find out why Germany could be the perfect place to get your degree abroad.

1. Quality institutions

Germany is the most popular non-English-speaking study destination in the world and has some of the best-ranked universities in Western Europe. In 2020, the Times Higher Rankings placed LMU Munich in 29th position in the world, Heidelberg University in 37th place, and Humboldt University of Berlin in 49, while many other institutions are listed after 100.

Recognized for the Quality of its latest-generation teaching and facilities, the German Government is also very dedicated to higher education. German state funds research projects are carried out every year, which allows students to carry out their projects and cutting-edge research.

2. There are 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 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 the registrations are 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, socialization, and know nearby places.

3. Job Opportunities 

After graduation, international students can stay up to 18 months in Germany to look for a job, a generous amount of time compared to many other European countries, such as the United Kingdom, where they can be three months after graduation. In 2020, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) reported that about 50% of international students reside in the country after graduation, reflecting the appetite and demand to remain in the nation to work.

Universities also have excellent links with companies, which gives them an advantage in the search for internships or placements. According to the results of the Times Higher Education’s Global Employability University Ranking,

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, 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 is a breeding ground for students and international multiculturalism. With so many university studies taught in English and no tuition fees, international students from all over the world are naturally attracted to the country. Last year, more than 300,000 international students studied in the nation, and that amount is expected to increase even more. It is also located in the heart of Western Europe which allows easy access and travel to other countries in the area, where you can discover new cultures and visit places of interest.

What are you waiting for? Start your study adventure in Germany today!

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