DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2025-26
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Program provides a fully funded chance for international applicants to undertake Master’s studies at leading universities in Germany. It includes comprehensive coverage of living costs, with a monthly stipend of up to €934. The application deadline for this scholarship is 31 July 2025.
Quick Overview
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Germany |
| Funded By | German Federal Foreign Office |
| Administered By | DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service |
| Degree Level | Master’s (Postgraduate) |
| Duration | 1 to 2 years |
| Language of Study | English |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Deadline to Apply | 31 July 2025 |
Benefits
- Monthly stipend of €934
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Travel expenses (flights to and from Germany)
- Health insurance
- Study and research grant
- Rent subsidy (if applicable)
- Allowance for spouses/children (if applicable)
- German language course (6 months before degree starts)
This package ensures that students can focus on their education without financial stress.
Eligible Fields of Study
The program supports Master’s degrees related to:
- Public Policy
- Public Administration
- Governance and Development
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Law and Social Studies
- Economics and Public Management
Participating Universities (Examples)
Students can choose from a list of DAAD-approved Master’s programs, such as:
- University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück – Management in Non-Profit Organizations
- University of Passau – Governance and Public Policy
- Hertie School Berlin – Master of Public Policy
- University of Erfurt – Public Policy
- University of Duisburg-Essen – Development and Governance
- University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg – Analysis and Design of Social Protection Systems
You can apply for up to two programs, but DAAD strongly recommends selecting just one for better chances.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be from a developing or emerging country.
- Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to a 4-year program) in a related field.
- Have excellent academic results (usually above-average grades)
- Show motivation for public service and leadership.
- Have relevant professional or volunteer experience (preferred)
- English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or university proof)
- Have completed your last degree within the past 6 years
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Motivation letter (one for both selected programs)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) in Europass format
- University degrees and transcripts (with official translation if needed)
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Reference letters (academic/professional)
- Work or volunteer experience certificates (if applicable)
- Passport copy
How to Apply?
- Select one or two eligible Master’s degree programs from the official DAAD Helmut Schmidt Program list.
- Download and complete the DAAD scholarship application form from the official DAAD website.
- Write a single motivation letter addressing both selected programs.
- Submit your complete application package directly to the respective university or universities offering the chosen program(s) — do not send your application to DAAD.
- The deadline is 31 July 2025
Pro tip: Don’t apply through agents. Use only the official channels provided by DAAD and the participating universities.
Selection Process
- Successful candidates will be notified by the end of 2025
- Selected students must attend a 6-month German language course in Germany before starting their degree in October 2026
Why Choose the Helmut Schmidt Program?
- Study in one of the most advanced and stable democracies
- Learn in an English-taught Master’s program
- Increase skills to influence policy and development in your home country
- Join a global network of public sector professionals
- Explore Europe with Germany as your base