DAAD’s Helmut-Schmidt-Programme is back with its Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance for the year 2024. The programme is tailored for promising leaders from developing countries who are driven to champion democracy and social justice in their respective nations.
About the Programme
Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme offers aspiring students the opportunity to obtain a Master’s degree in disciplines that hold significance for the social, political, and economic progress in their home countries. The programme aims to produce highly competent graduates in fields such as political science, law, economics, and administration, thereby preparing them for leadership roles in their nations.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the scholarship will be provided with:
- A monthly scholarship of €934 for Master’s courses at German higher education institutions.
- Health insurance coverage in Germany.
- Appropriate travel allowances for trips between Germany and the scholars’ developing/emerging countries.
- A study and research grant.
- Rent subsidies and family supplements, where applicable.
- A mandatory German language course in Germany, lasting up to 6 months.
For the “Social Protection” Master’s course, owing to its blended learning concept, a sur-place rate of €500 per month is paid in the 4th semester when students study online in their country of origin or another developing/emerging country.
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is open to graduates from developing and emerging countries who possess:
- A high-quality first university degree and above-average grades (upper third) in Social and Political Sciences, Law, Economics, Public Policy, and Administration.
- An aspiration to contribute actively to the social, political, and economic development of their home countries/regions.
- Practical experience relevant to the programme (professional experience, internships, political/social commitment).
How to Apply
Candidates are required to submit the following application documents:
- A hand-signed and ticked-off checklist and list of criteria, indicating the place and date of issue.
- The DAAD application form “Application for a research/study scholarship”.
- A letter of motivation, explaining academic, professional, and personal reasons for participating in the Helmut Schmidt-Programme and detailing choice of master’s courses, maximum of two pages.
- A chronological curriculum vitae without any unexplained gaps.
- Copies of higher education degree certificates.
- A full set of transcript of records with an explanation of the grading system.
- Confirmation of relevant professional experience or internships and/or proof of relevant political activities or service to your community.
- Proof of English language skills.
- A current written reference from your current employer or a university lecturer.
All application documents for both the master’s course(s) and the DAAD scholarship should be submitted directly to the master’s course(s) of your choice, and not to the DAAD.
Wrapping Up
The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme Master’s Scholarships present a unique chance for emerging leaders from developing and emerging countries to further their education and contribute meaningfully to their nations’ development. For more details, visit the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme Master’s Scholarships page
