Applications are currently being accepted for the 2025 DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme Master’s Scholarships. This initiative, also known as Public Policy and Good Governance, aims to support aspiring leaders from developing countries who are dedicated to advancing democracy and social justice in their home countries. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, the program provides opportunities for individuals to pursue Master’s degrees in fields crucial for the social, political, and economic development of their countries of origin. In line with the principles of Good Governance, the program focuses on educating highly qualified graduates in political science, law, economics, and administration, preparing them for future leadership roles in their respective regions.
Program Overview:
- Offers Master’s courses in disciplines vital for social, political, and economic development
- Prepares students for leadership positions in their home regions, fostering the establishment of democratically oriented institutions and the reduction of social inequalities
Eligibility Criteria:
- Graduates from developing and emerging countries with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Demonstrated academic excellence, particularly in Social and Political Sciences, Law, Economics, Public Policy, and Administration
- Commitment to contributing actively to the development of their home countries or regions
- Relevant practical experience, such as professional experience, internships, or political/social engagement
Program Details:
- Academic education in selected master’s courses will commence from September/October 2025.
- Courses have an international focus and are primarily taught in English.
- Scholarship holders receive ongoing support services from program coordinators at their respective study locations.
- Participants benefit from tailored events, seminars, and networking opportunities with other international scholars.
Formal Requirements:
- Candidates with a master’s degree must justify why they seek funding for another postgraduate degree.
- The candidate’s last university degree should not be older than six years (issued after January 1, 2018).
- Candidates who have resided in a country not listed on the DAC list for more than 15 months are ineligible.
Benefits
Scholarship recipients will receive the following benefits:
- Monthly scholarships (currently €934) for master’s courses at German higher education institutions.
- Health insurance coverage in Germany.
- Allowances for travel expenses between Germany and the corresponding developing and emerging countries.
- Study and research grant.
- Rent subsidies and family supplements, where applicable.
- Mandatory German language course in Germany prior to the program, lasting up to four months.
- For the “Social Protection” master’s course, a sur place rate of €500 per month is provided in the 4th semester due to its blended learning concept.
Selection Criteria
- The selection process will be conducted by a committee in October/November 2024.
- The committee is composed of professors from the participating master’s courses and representatives of the DAAD.
- Subsequently, candidates nominated for a scholarship will be contacted by the DAAD and requested to upload their full documents to the DAAD portal.
- Applicants are advised not to upload any application documents unless nominated by the DAAD via email.
- It is essential for applicants to ensure they possess a full set of copies of their application documents in PDF format.
- Original documents should only be submitted if explicitly requested by the master’s course.
- Upon the conclusion of the selection process, all applicants will be notified in writing, expectedly in December 2024/January 2025.
Application Documents
The necessary application documents include:
- A completed checklist and list of criteria, signed by hand, indicating the place and date of issue.
- The DAAD application form “Application for a research/study scholarship,” with clear and legible responses.
- A single letter of motivation, regardless of applying for one or two master’s courses, detailing academic, professional, and personal reasons for participating in the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme. The letter should also explain the choice of master’s course(s), indicating preferences and how they will contribute to academic and professional advancement. It should not exceed two pages in length, and the same letter of motivation must be submitted for both courses applied to.
- A curriculum vitae in reverse chronological order, formatted in Europass style, includes precise information about studies and practical experience. Any gaps of three months or more must be explained.
- Copies of higher education degree certificates. Certified translations are required if the original documents are not in German or English.
- A copy of the full set of transcripts of records, along with an explanation of the grading system. Certified translations are necessary if the original documents are not in German or English.
- Confirmations of relevant professional experience or internships, and/or evidence of political activities or community service, such as volunteering or work for charities or NGOs. These should be on headed paper, including an original (not scanned) or code-certified digital signature, the date of issue, and a stamp. Certified translations should be provided if necessary.
- Proof of English language skills.
- A current written reference from the current employer or a university lecturer, if applicable, on headed paper, including an original (not scanned) or code-certified digital signature, the date of issue, and a stamp. Certified translations should be provided if necessary.
Method of Application
For More Information,
Application Deadline: 31 July, 2024.
