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DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme 2025-26

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The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme 2025-26 is a German government-funded scholarship for master’s studies in governance-related fields. It targets highly qualified applicants from developing and emerging countries who aim to become future political, administrative, economic, or law leaders. The program aims to further qualify future leaders from the areas of politics, law, business, and administration based on the principles of good governance. Scholars pursue a two-year Master’s degree in a participating German university programme that is especially relevant to social, political, or economic development in their home countries.

Further, Helmut-Schmidt scholars gain skills to promote democracy and social justice, and contribute to civil society in their home regions. This supports future leaders from developing countries…to promote democracy and social justice and offers them “a chance to acquire a Master’s degree” in a practice-oriented public policy. So what are you waiting for? Apply now and get a chance to study for free in Germany. Check Hubei Provincial Scholarship 2025–26| Study for Free in China

DAAD Scholarship Details

Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
Type: Fully Funded Scholarship
Location: Germany
Eligibility: International Students
Level: Master’s level

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Scholarship Benefits of DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme 2025-26

Selected Helmut-Schmidt scholars receive comprehensive funding to cover living and study costs in Germany. Key benefits include:

Monthly stipend. A generous living allowance (currently around €992 per month) helps cover food, local transport, etc. In the final (fourth) semester, the stipend is reduced to €500 as studies move to the thesis.
Health insurance. Full health insurance coverage in Germany is provided for the scholar and any family members.
Travel allowance. A lump-sum or reimbursement grant is provided for round-trip travel between the scholar’s home country and Germany.
Study/research grant. Additional funds are available for academic purposes.
Rent subsidy & family supplement. DAAD offers extra payments to help with housing costs and, if the scholar has dependents, a family allowance.
Language course. A mandatory pre-study German course (up to 3–4 months) is funded before the Master’s programme begins.
Tuition waivers (variable). While the DAAD scholarship itself does not directly pay tuition, many Helmut-Schmidt partner universities waive tuition or fees for scholarship holders. For instance, Erfurt’s Brandt School provides a full tuition waiver alongside the DAAD stipend.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet strict academic and personal criteria. In general, eligibility includes:

Country of citizenship. Applicants must be nationals of an eligible developing or emerging country. DAAD publishes a list of eligible countries (based on the OECD-DAC classification).
Academic background. You must hold a first university degree (Bachelor’s) with above-average grades. Preferred fields of study are those relevant to governance and development – for example, Social or Political Science, Law, Economics, Public Policy, Administration, Business or related social sciences. The degree should be recent.
Professional experience. Work or volunteer experience is required. Most courses require at least one year of relevant professional experience (full-time) after graduation. Some specialisations (e.g. Social Protection at H-BRS) may accept a shorter period (e.g. 5 months) of related experience.
Language skills. Proficiency in English (usually at least C1 level) is mandatory, since many Helmut-Schmidt Master’s programmes are taught in English. (Official test certificates or proof that prior university education was in English are accepted).

How to Apply for DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme 2025-26

Step 1: Choose a programme. First, select one or two eligible Master’s programmes in the Helmut-Schmidt network. These are typically in fields like public policy, governance, development, nonprofit management(For example, H-BRS offers an MSc in Social Protection; Erfurt Brandt School offers an MPP; Univ. of Passau offers M.A. in Governance and Public Policy; etc.) Check the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt list or partner university websites for programmes in the 2026 intake.

Step 2: Check application procedure. Application methods vary by programme:

At the Brandt School (Erfurt): Submit your Helmut-Schmidt scholarship application through the school’s online portal (no separate DAAD submission). Applicants rank up to two master’s courses and upload documents there. (Brandt specifically notes “all applications have to be submitted directly to the Brandt School via our online application portal” by the deadline)
At Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg (Social Protection): Use the DAAD Apollo scholarship portal. H-BRS’s announcement directs applicants to the Apollo site between 1 June and 31 July.
Other universities: Some may use their own admissions portals or require you to apply via DAAD’s portal. Carefully read each programme’s instructions. For further information, click here.

Step 3: Complete the application form. Obtain and fill in the official DAAD Helmut-Schmidt application form and checklist (if not using a programme-specific portal). If the programme requires an Apollo/DAAD portal, fill in the online form there. Include your data, academic history, proposed study choices, etc.

Step 4: Prepare required documents. Gather all application documents (see next section). Ensure each is signed or certified as needed.

Step 5: Submit by the deadline. Submit the online application and upload all documents by the deadline (see below). For the 2025 call, applications open June 1, 2025 and close July 31, 2025. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.

Step 6: Selection process. After the deadline, applications are reviewed by DAAD and university committees. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview (typically online in Oct–Nov). Final scholarship offers are usually announced in late fall/early winter, for studies beginning in October 2026.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit a complete set of documents. The exact list can vary by programme, but generally includes:

DAAD Application Form and Checklist. The official Helmut-Schmidt scholarship form (filled in and signed) and the DAAD checklist (signed)
Motivation Letter. A signed personal statement (≈1–2 pages) explaining your reasons for studying this Master’s and how it relates to Helmut-Schmidt goals. Address your professional/personal motivation, long-term goals, and why this programme fits your plans.
Curriculum Vitae. A detailed CV (reverse-chronological, no unexplained gaps) in Europass or similar format. Include education, work, internships, volunteer service, and (if applicable) political or community activities.
Academic Certificates and Transcripts. Certified copies of all university degrees (diplomas) and official transcripts of records. If the original is not in English/German, include a certified translation.
Proof of English proficiency. A copy of an English test certificate (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL) showing at least C1 level.
Proof of relevant experience. Official documentation of your work or volunteer experience (on company/institution letterhead, signed and dated). This should detail the period, hours, and duties of your positions.
Letter of Reference. One current reference (on official letterhead) from an employer or university lecturer. The letter should attest to your academic or professional abilities and potential.
Research Proposal (if required). Some programmes require a short (e.g. 1–2 page) research or study project proposal. Check if you’re chosen Master’s asks for this.

Every document must be uploaded by the deadline (via the portal or email, as specified). Paper copies are generally not accepted. Incomplete applications are disqualified.