The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Program also known as Public Policy and Good Governance supports future leaders from developing countries. The German Federal Foreign Office funds the program. It offers the chance to acquire a Master’s degree in a Master’s Program relevant to the social, political, and economic development in the students’ countries of origin.
The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship program for 2025 is now open for applications. Those who have successfully applied for fully funded scholarships to study in Germany are advised to return to their home countries after studying to impact development with the training they have gathered.
About the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarships
The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 934€ to selected candidates. Qualified candidates will also receive allowances for spouses and children where applicable and tuition coverage for a 6 months mandatory German language course from April – August before the studies start in September.
Applications will be open for the winter 2025 semester from June 1, 2024, until July 31, 2024.
During the fourth semester, the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 500€.
Summary of Scholarship
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded Scholarships
Number of Awards: Not Stated
Scholarship Sponsor(s): DAAD
Scholarship Worth: See Benefits (below)
Study Level: Masters
Nationality: Developing countries
Eligibility and selection criteria
For your scholarship application to be considered by the selection team, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of a developing country
- Have at least 5 months of practical social protection experience (paid or volunteer)
- English language proficiency, with a minimum level of C1 according to the common European framework. Students can submit a letter from their university stating that their official language of instruction is English.
The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship Program is open to graduates from developing countries (bachelor or equivalent);
- Who has already gained practical experience relevant to the program (professional experience, internships, Political/social commitment)
- With a well-qualified first university degree and above-average grades (upper third) in Social and Political Sciences, Economics, Law, Public Policy, and Administration.
- Willing to actively contribute to the social, political, and economic development of their home countries/regions
- The student must also acquire a bachelor’s degree from a relevant academic field such as public policy, political science, social science, international relations, business administration, public health, or psychology
- If your degree is not listed, the review committee will review transcripts for subjects relating to social protection that encompass a minimum of 15 credits per the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)
Application process for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarships
All applications must be submitted in English or German.
Please indicate clearly that you are applying for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Program (Master’s scholarship in Public Policy and Good Governance).
You may apply for up to two master’s courses listed below.
- complete the DAAD application form ‘Application for a research/study scholarship’ only once and indicate your selected master’s course or courses, in the latter case indicating your first and second priority
- Please read the DAAD selection criteria included in the checklist carefully and take care of every single point listed in the checklist.
If you are applying for two master’s courses: Please rank the courses in order of preference in your motivation letter, that is, 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 (see below). Scholarship applications must be sent directly to the master’s courses.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The vital criteria include the following:
- Practical experience relevant to the program (professional experience or internships, political activities or service to your community, such as volunteering or work for charities or NGOs)
- a conclusive account of your academic, professional and personal motivation for the study endeavor in Germany and for choosing and prioritizing the master’s courses
- a first higher education degree completed with above-average grades (upper third)
Formal requirements:
- The candidates’ last university degree should not date back more than six years (date of issue not before 1 January 2018).
- Candidates who already hold a master’s degree must make a well-argued case as to why they should be funded for another postgraduate degree.
- Candidates who have spent more than the past 15 months in a country not listed on the DAC list are not eligible.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The application period for all seven higher education institutions is from 1 June until 31 July 2024.
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
- a ticked off checklist and list of criteria, signed by hand indicating place and date of issue
- a single letter of motivation
- the DAAD application form
- a curriculum vitae in reverse chronological order
- copies of your higher education degree certificates.
- a copy of your full set of transcript of records
- proof of English language skills
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