Grant opportunity
DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme 2027
DAAD's Helmut-Schmidt Programme supports future leaders from developing and emerging countries to complete selected master's degrees in public policy and good governance in Germany.
- Funder
- German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- Applications close 31 July 2026
- Applications close 31 July 2026: Jul 31, 2026
- Award
- Fully funded master's scholarship including stipend, insurance, travel support and a preparatory German-language course under DAAD terms
- Applicant
- Highly qualified graduates from eligible developing and emerging countries who hold a first university degree and seek a participating master's programme in public policy, governance, law, economics or administration.
- Discipline
- Public Policy and Governance
- Region
- Developing and emerging countries / Germany
- Posted
- Jul 27, 2026
Call summary
Overview
The programme combines graduate study in Germany with preparation for leadership in democratic governance, public administration and inclusive socioeconomic development.
Who can apply
Applicants need a strong first degree, relevant motivation and the academic and professional profile required by one or two participating master's courses. Eligible countries and detailed documents are defined in the current DAAD call.
What it supports
- Public policy, governance, law, economics and administration.
- Leadership for democratic institutions and inclusive development.
- Master's study at selected German universities.
Funding and duration
- The scholarship covers the participating master's programme under DAAD conditions.
- Benefits normally include a monthly stipend, insurance, travel support and a preparatory German-language course.
Applications close 31 July 2026
Applications close 31 July 2026: Jul 31, 2026
How to apply
Apply directly to no more than two participating master's programmes using the current Helmut-Schmidt application documents by 31 July 2026.
Call details
Source-based overview
The Helmut-Schmidt Programme equips graduates from developing and emerging countries with advanced training in public policy and good governance. Scholars complete one of the selected master's programmes in Germany and are prepared to contribute to democratic, socially inclusive institutions in their home countries and regions.
Eligibility
Applicants need a strong first degree, relevant motivation and the academic and professional profile required by one or two participating master's courses. Eligible countries and detailed documents are defined in the current DAAD call.
Funding and benefits
The scholarship covers the participating master's programme under DAAD conditions.
Benefits normally include a monthly stipend, insurance, travel support and a preparatory German-language course.
Themes and supported activities
Public policy, governance, law, economics and administration.
Leadership for democratic institutions and inclusive development.
Master's study at selected German universities.
Deadline and timeline
Applications close 31 July 2026: Applications close 31 July 2026: Jul 31, 2026.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.
How to apply
Apply directly to no more than two participating master's programmes using the current Helmut-Schmidt application documents by 31 July 2026.
Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.