DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is proud to announce the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2027 in Germany, one of Germany’s most prestigious and impact-driven scholarship opportunities for graduates from developing and emerging countries. Officially known as the Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance, this fully funded programme is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will drive meaningful change in their home countries and regions.

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The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship provides a monthly stipend of €992, full health insurance coverage, travel allowances, a study and research grant, and access to seven carefully selected Master’s programmes at leading German universities — all taught in English.

In this post, we will provide a complete breakdown of the Helmut Schmidt Programme 2027 — its objectives, who can apply, what it covers, the available programmes, eligibility requirements, and a step-by-step guide on how to apply.

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DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2027 in Germany Summary

• Host Country: Germany
• Study Abroad: Study in Europe
• Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships
• Eligible Countries: Developing and Emerging Countries (DAC List)
• Reward: €992 Monthly Stipend | Health Insurance | Travel Allowance | Study & Research Grant | Rent Subsidy | Family Allowance
• Deadline: 31 July 2026

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2027 DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship in Germany Details

Named in honour of former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, this programme is not simply a scholarship — it is a long-term investment in the future leaders of developing nations. Scholars are expected to return to their home countries and regions equipped with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and a powerful international network to contribute meaningfully to social, political, and economic progress.

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What sets this programme apart from other DAAD scholarships is its sharp focus. Rather than being open to all academic disciplines, the Helmut Schmidt Programme is specifically targeted at fields of direct relevance to governance, public policy, development, peace, and civil society. All seven participating Master’s programmes are internationally oriented and taught entirely in English, making them accessible to qualified graduates from across the developing world regardless of their German language skills.

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Available Master’s Programmes Under the Helmut Schmidt Programme

The scholarship is available for seven carefully selected Master’s programmes at the following German universities:

• Social Protection — University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg (4 semesters, blended learning)
• Development and Governance — University of Duisburg-Essen (2 semesters, one-year programme)
• Public Policy — Willy Brandt School of Public Policy, University of Erfurt (4 semesters)
• Peace and Conflict Studies — Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg (4 semesters)
• Management in Nonprofit-Organisations — University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück (4 semesters)
• Development Studies — University of Passau (4 semesters)
• Governance and Public Policy — University of Passau (4 semesters)

All programmes begin in September or October 2027 and are taught in English. Scholars may apply for a maximum of two programmes and must clearly rank their preferences in their motivation letter.

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Benefits for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2027 in Germany

Recipients of the Helmut Schmidt Scholarship receive a rich and comprehensive package of financial and academic support throughout their studies in Germany:

• Monthly Stipend of €992 to cover all living expenses during the scholarship period
• Full Tuition Fee Exemption — all scholarship holders are completely exempt from tuition fees
• Health, Accident, and Liability Insurance coverage in Germany for the full scholarship period
• Fixed Travel Allowance (lump sum) for travel between Germany and the scholar’s home country
• Annual Study and Research Grant of €460 to assist with academic and research-related costs
• Rent Subsidy available upon application after the start of the scholarship
• Family Allowance for scholars with accompanying spouses or children, available from the start of studies
• Mandatory German Language Course held in Germany for up to 4 months before the start of the Master’s programme — fully covered by DAAD
• Networking Events and Tailor-Made Workshops organised exclusively for Helmut Schmidt scholars
• Group Tutoring and Academic Support provided at the host university throughout the programme
• Interdisciplinary Networking opportunities with other international scholarship holders

Special Note for Social Protection Programme: Due to its blended learning structure, scholars enrolled in the Social Protection programme at the University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg receive a reduced sur place rate of €500 per month during the mandatory online fourth semester, which takes place in the scholar’s home country or another developing nation.

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Eligibility Criteria of the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2027 in Germany

To be considered for the Helmut Schmidt Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Academic Requirements:

• A well-qualified first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in Social and Political Sciences, Law, Economics, Public Policy, or Administration
• Grades must be above average — specifically in the upper third of your graduating class
• Your most recent university degree must not have been issued more than six years before the application deadline (not before 1 January 2020)
• Applicants who have not yet received their official degree certificate may submit a confirmation letter from their university

Residency Requirements:

• Applicants must be from a developing or emerging country as listed on the OECD DAC List of ODA Recipients
• Applicants who have lived outside a DAC-listed country for more than 15 months at the time of the application deadline are not eligible
• Applicants already living in Germany are eligible only if they have been resident there for fewer than 15 months at the deadline

Professional Experience:

• Practical experience relevant to the goals of the programme is an essential requirement — this may include professional work experience, internships, political activities, volunteering, or community service
• The specific minimum experience required varies by programme — applicants should check the requirements of each Master’s course they are applying to

Language Requirements:

• All programmes are taught in English, so German language skills are not required for admission
• Each programme has its own English proficiency requirements — applicants must check the specific requirements of their chosen programme(s)
• A mandatory German language course of up to 4 months in Germany is included as part of the scholarship before studies begin

Additional Notes:

• Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree must provide a strong and well-reasoned explanation for why a second postgraduate degree is necessary
• Applicants from India and the People’s Republic of China must submit an APS Certificate with their application

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Required Documents for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2027 in Germany

To apply for the Helmut Schmidt Scholarship, the following documents must be submitted directly to the chosen Master’s programme(s) — not to the DAAD:

• Signed and ticked-off DAAD checklist (printed, signed by hand, and scanned)
• Completed DAAD Application Form
• Single letter of motivation (maximum 2 pages, including the date of issue) — the same letter must be sent to both programmes if applying for two
• Curriculum vitae in Europass format, in reverse chronological order, with the date of issue added manually (gaps of 3 months or more must be explained)
• Copies of all university degree certificates (with certified translation if not in German or English)
• Full transcript of records including grading system explanation (with certified translation if needed)
• Proof of relevant professional experience, internships, or community service — on headed paper with original or code-certified digital signature, date, and stamp
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Current written reference from employer or university lecturer (on headed paper with original signature, date, and stamp)

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Here is an easy-to-follow guide for starting your scholarship application and crafting a compelling personal statement:

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• How to Write a Personal Statement for Scholarship | Tips and Free Template
• Tips on How to Win a Scholarship

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How to Apply for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2027 in Germany (Step by Step)

• Review the DAAD selection criteria carefully using the official checklist
• Choose one or two Master’s programmes
• Complete the DAAD Application Form once, indicating your chosen programme(s)
• Write your letter of motivation — if applying for two programmes, clearly rank your first and second choice and explain why each advances you academically and professionally
• Gather all required supporting documents
• Submit your complete application directly to the Master’s programme(s) of your choice — not to the DAAD
• If shortlisted, you will be contacted by the DAAD to upload your full documents to the DAAD portal

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Deadline

31 July 2026

Application Link

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