The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2027, officially known as the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance), is a fully funded opportunity for graduates from developing and emerging countries. The programme supports master’s-level study in areas connected with public policy, good governance, development, public administration, social protection, peace and conflict studies and related disciplines. The programme is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and administered by DAAD.

Successful scholars receive financial support including a monthly scholarship of €992, insurance coverage, travel support and other allowances, depending on the applicable programme rules. The 2027 programme offers selected master’s courses at German higher education institutions, with the studies beginning in September or October 2027.

Scholarship Quick Facts

About the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship

The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme, also known as Public Policy and Good Governance, is designed to prepare future leaders for responsible positions in public administration, politics, law, economics, civil society and development-related sectors. The programme focuses on disciplines that are important for the social, political and economic development of developing and emerging countries.

For the 2027 intake, the selected master’s programmes have an international focus and are offered in English. Students begin their academic programmes in September or October 2027. Applicants should carefully review the requirements of the specific master’s course they wish to choose.

Applicants can apply for up to two master’s courses. If applying for two courses, they should clearly indicate their preferred order in their motivation letter.

Eligibility Criteria

• ✅ Applicants must be graduates from eligible developing or emerging countries.
• ✅ Applicants must hold a well-qualified first university degree or equivalent qualification.
• ✅ Applicants should have above-average academic results, preferably within the upper third of their graduating class.
• ✅ The academic background should generally be related to social and political sciences, law, economics, public policy, administration or a relevant field.
• ✅ Applicants should demonstrate practical experience such as professional work, internships, political or social engagement, volunteering or community involvement.
• ✅ Applicants must be willing to contribute to the social, political and economic development of their home country or region.
• ✅ Applicants must satisfy the language requirements of their selected master’s programme.
• ✅ The final university degree must meet the programme’s applicable recency requirement. For the 2027 intake, applicants should carefully check the official announcement for the exact degree-date rule.

Scholarship Benefits

• 🏆 Monthly scholarship of €992
• 🏆 Health, accident and personal liability insurance support
• 🏆 Travel allowance, subject to the applicable programme rules
• 🏆 Study and research allowance
• 🏆 Possible rent subsidy where applicable
• 🏆 Possible family allowance where applicable
• 🏆 German language preparation before the master’s programme, according to the applicable programme rules
• 🏆 Academic support, seminars and networking opportunities

The exact funding package can vary according to the selected master’s course and programme rules. Applicants should therefore consult the official DAAD announcement before applying.

Required Documents

• Signed checklist and required criteria documents
• Completed DAAD application form
• Motivation letter, according to the applicable programme requirements
• Curriculum Vitae, preferably in reverse chronological order
• Copies of higher education degree certificates
• Complete transcript of records
• Explanation of the grading system
• Evidence of relevant professional experience, internships or practical activities
• Evidence of political, social or community engagement where applicable
• Proof of language proficiency required by the selected programme
• Required academic or professional reference letters
• APS certificate where applicable to the applicant’s country and circumstances

Documents that are not in German or English may require certified translations. Always follow the document checklist and instructions in the current official announcement.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to prepare your application for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship:

1. Visit the official DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme page.
2. Read the latest official programme announcement and check the eligibility requirements.
3. Review the participating master’s courses and their individual admission requirements.
4. Select up to two eligible master’s courses.
5. If applying to two courses, clearly rank your choices in your motivation letter.
6. Complete the required DAAD application form according to the official instructions.
7. Prepare your motivation letter and all supporting documents.
8. Check language requirements and provide the required proof of proficiency.
9. Submit the application directly to the selected master’s course or courses before the applicable deadline.

Important: Applications for the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme are not simply sent directly to DAAD. Applicants must follow the programme’s specified procedure and submit their application to the participating master’s course or courses.

Frequently Asked Questions