Applications are now open for the German DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2027. It is a Fully Funded Scholarship in Germany for International students to pursue a Master’s Program. The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship is one of the Popular scholarship programs, similar to the DAAD EPOS Scholarship. There is no application fee, and the scholarship covers all the expenses funded by the German Federal Foreign Office. The Academic Program will begin in September 2027 and is offered in English. Applicants can only apply for the Eligible Master’s Program in an Eligible German University that is selected by the DAAD for the Helmut Schmidt Scholarship. More details are below.
Scholarship Details
- Host Country: Germany
- Scholarship Name: Helmut Schmidt Program
- Degree Level: Master’s Degree
- Financial Benefits: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 31st July 2026
Purpose of the Scholarship
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt program aims to train future decision-makers who can contribute to democratic governance and sustainable development in their countries.
Financial Benefits
The Scholarship Covers:
- Monthly Rent
- Tuition Fee
- Monthly Stipend
- Health Insurance
- Study and Research Subsidy
- 6-month German language course.
- Round Airfare Tickets Travel Allowance
- Allowances for Spouses and/or Children, where applicable
Course Duration
- One-Year Master
- Two-Year Master
Focus Area
Peace and Conflict Studies, Public policy, Public Management, Good Governance, International Relations, Public Administration, Civil Society, Social Protection, Development and Socioeconomic Policies.
Eligible Universities and Master’s Programs
Applicants may apply for up to two of the Master’s courses listed below. There are scholarships for seven Master’s programs at the following universities:
- University of Passau: Governance and Public Policy
- University of Passau: Development Studies
- University of Magdeburg: Peace and Conflict Studies
- University of Duisburg-Essen: Development and Governance
- University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg: Social Protection
- Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt: Public Policy
- University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück: Management in Nonprofit Organisations
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants from the List of Eligible Countries can apply for the Helmut Schmidt Scholarship.
- Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in social and political science, law, economics, public policy, and management, or a related field.
- Applicants must have completed a 16-year Bachelor’s degree program from a university.
- Applicants must apply for the Master’s degree program indicated.
- You can apply for up to two Master’s degree programs.
- All applications must be submitted in English or German.
- There is no age limit.
Documents Checklist
- Transcript
- DAAD Application Form
- University Certificates
- Letter of Motivation
- Currently written reference
- Proof of English language skills
- CV (format: Europass)
- Practical experience relevant to the Helmut-Schmidt Programme (gained through professional experience, internships, political/social commitment).
Selection Criteria
- Motivation (academic, professional, personal, related to program goals)
- Relevant work experience
- Above average undergraduate grades (top three)
How to Apply?
Steps:
- Carefully review the DAAD selection criteria.
- Complete the DAAD “Application Form” once, indicating your chosen Master’s course(s).
- If you apply for two courses, put them in your motivation letter, explaining your interests and how each will benefit your academic and professional development. Use the same cover letter for both.
- Send the application form and all required documents directly to the Master course(s) you are applying for (maximum of two). Scholarship applications are sent directly to Master’s programs.
