Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 DAAD Leadership for Africa Master’s Scholarship Programme. This initiative aims to support the academic advancement of young refugees and nationals from Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Mauritania by providing scholarships for Master’s studies at higher education institutions in Germany. In light of conflicts and displacement in various African nations, this program seeks to contribute to the education of future leaders who will play crucial roles in the development of their home countries.
The “Leadership for Africa” scholarship covers Master’s studies in Germany across all fields except Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Fine Arts, and Architecture. Additionally, recipients of this scholarship participate in a complementary training program focused on good governance, civil society, and career development, which is mandatory alongside regular studies.
The program targets two groups:
1) Highly qualified refugees with refugee status granted before April 2, 2023, residing in Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, or Mauritania, and holding a completed Bachelor’s degree.
2) Highly qualified graduates from Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, or Mauritania, with citizenship or residency in one of these countries, and possessing a completed Bachelor’s degree.
Applicants must meet several conditions, including holding a Bachelor’s degree that meets German universities’ requirements for Master’s entry, achieving at least a 2nd class upper division level, having English or German language proficiency, and, for refugees, providing a copy of their Refugee ID card issued before April 2, 2023.
Note that applicants with a degree in Medicine are eligible to apply only for Public Health or Biomedical Master related programs, as this funding does not cover Master’s programs in Medicine. Additionally, DAAD offers separate scholarship programs for applicants from artistic disciplines and architecture.
Value:
- Provision of a German language course in Germany lasting up to 6 months prior to the commencement of the study program, covering test fees for a German language certificate (TestDaF or DSH test), as well as pocket money and accommodation (only during the language course). DAAD determines funding and duration based on German language proficiency and study needs. Participation in the language course is obligatory.
- Monthly scholarship payments totalling 934 EURO
- Comprehensive health, accident, and personal liability insurance in Germany
- Travel allowance
- Annual study allowance
- Participation in an additional mandatory training program called LEAD!
- Potential monthly rent subsidy and allowance for accompanying family members (spouse and/or children), if applicable. Note that family reunions may be delayed or not feasible due to visa processing durations for some home or host countries.
Benefits:
- Inclusion in a German language course in Germany lasting up to 6 months before the commencement of university studies
- Enrollment in a tuition-free Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree program at a public or state-recognized university in Germany, starting in the winter term of 2025 (September/October 2025)
- Participation in an additional mandatory training program known as LEAD!
Funding Duration:
- Typically, successful candidates will commence their German language course no earlier than April 2025 and begin their studies at a German higher education institution around October 1st, 2025. The funding period aligns with the standard duration of the selected program of study. Generally, eligible Master’s programs entail two years of full-time study.
For additional details,
Application Deadline: June 7th, 2024.
