DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship 2025
The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship is currently being awarded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to worthy master’s students from developing nations. Future leaders from developing nations who wish to advance social justice and democracy in their native nations are supported by the scholarship.
DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship
The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Program, also known as Public Policy and Good Governance, supports future leaders from developing nations who wish to advance democracy and social justice in their home nations.
The program, which the German Federal Foreign Office supports, provides the opportunity to earn a Master’s degree in a field that is especially pertinent to the social, political, and economic advancement of the students’ home countries.
Highly qualified graduates with a first academic degree are being schooled in political science, law, economics, and administration, per the ideals of good governance, preparing them for future leadership roles in their home nations.
Benefits of the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship
1. Scholarships (currently € 992 per month) for master’s programs at German universities will be awarded to the scholarship recipients.
2. Germany’s health insurance coverage and suitable allowances for travel between Germany and the corresponding emerging and developing nations.
3. A grant for research and study.
4. Family supplements and rent subsidies, if any.
5. Take a four-month German language course in Germany; attendance is required.
Requirements for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship
1. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from developing and emerging nations.
2. Possessing a first-degree degree and above-average (upper third) grades in public policy, economics, law, social and political sciences, and administration.
3. Willing to make a significant contribution to their own countries’ or regions’ social, political, and economic development.
4. Those who have previously acquired program-relevant practical experience (internships, professional experience, political and social commitment).
Selection Process
The following are the most crucial selection criteria:
1. A detailed explanation of your academic, professional, and personal reasons for studying in Germany, as well as why you selected and prioritized the master’s courses.
2. This incentive ought to be directly related to the Helmut Schmidt Program’s objectives.
3. Relevant real-world experience for the curriculum, like as internships, professional experience, political involvement, or community service, like volunteering or working for non-profits.
4. A first degree in higher education earned with above-average (upper third) grades.
Formal Requirements:
5. Applicants with a master’s degree must present a compelling argument for funding their additional postgraduate studies.
6. No more than six years should have passed since the candidates’ last university degree was awarded (not before January 1, 2019).
7. Candidates are ineligible if they have lived in a nation not on the DAC list for longer than the last 15 months.
Application Documents
1. A checklist and criterion list that has been crossed off and signed by hand (print it out, sign it by hand, scan it, and add it to your docs), along with the location and date of issue
2. Application for a research/study scholarship (DAAD application form) (please type your answers or make sure they are legible)
3. One letter of motivation (even if you are applying to two master’s courses), no more than two pages long, should be included.
It should include the date of issuance, a precise description of your academic, professional, and personal reasons for wanting to participate in the Helmut-Schmidt-Program, and a thorough explanation of why you chose the master’s course or courses you did, including why your first choice is your first choice, why your second choice is your second choice, and how they will help you advance both academically and professionally.
For both courses you are applying for, you must submit the same letter of motivation.
4. A reverse chronologically ordered curriculum vitae with the date of issue (format: europass; please note that the europass template does not include a date; please add it yourself).
Give precise details regarding your coursework and real-world experience; Three-month or longer gaps need to be explained.
5. Copies of your degree credentials from higher education. If the original is not in English or German, kindly include a certified translation, making sure that it is easily readable.
6. A description of the grading system, together with a copy of your whole transcript of records. If the original is not in English or German, kindly include a certified translation, making sure that it is easily readable.
7. Proof of relevant political activities or community service, such as volunteering or working for charities or non-governmental organizations, along with confirmation of relevant professional experience or internships, on headed paper, with an original (not scanned) or code-certified digital signature, the date of issue, and a stamp. Please supply a certified translation if required.
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8. Evidence of proficiency in the English language
9. A current written reference on headed paper from your current job or, if you are currently enrolled in school, from a lecturer at the university, along with the date of issue, a stamp, and an original (not scanned) or code-certified digital signature. Please supply a certified translation if required.
Application Deadline
July 31, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some questions and answers you may likely have and need clarity on:
1. Can I Apply for More Than One Program?
Yes, applicants can apply to a maximum of two Master’s programs. It is advised to rank your preferences and provide tailored motivation letters for each.
2. Do I Need to Speak German to Be Eligible?
No, most Master’s programs are taught in English. However, selected candidates must attend a 6-month German language course in Germany before the start of their academic studies.
3. When Do the Studies Begin?
The scholarship includes a language course starting in February or March, followed by the Master’s program, which typically begins in September or October of the same year.
4. Can I Bring My Family With Me?
While it is possible, the scholarship does not automatically cover family members’ expenses. Bringing dependents requires careful financial and logistical planning.
5. Can I Work in Germany After My Studies?
Yes. Upon graduation, international students in Germany can stay for up to 18 months to look for a job related to their field of study. Many alumni also return to their home countries to apply their knowledge in public service roles.
