The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships 2027 represent one of the most practical and impactful fully funded opportunities currently open to graduates across Sub-Saharan Africa. Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), these scholarships enable students to pursue development-related Master’s degrees at participating African universities rather than relocating to Europe.
Unlike many international awards that require study in Germany, this programme strengthens higher education systems inside Africa. It supports both In-Country scholarships (study in your home country or country of residence) and In-Region scholarships (study in another Sub-Saharan African country). The goal is clear: train the next generation of university teachers, researchers and professionals who will contribute to sustainable development on the continent.
With the main application deadline set for 12 November 2026 and studies scheduled to begin between January and July 2027, interested candidates have a narrow window to prepare strong applications. These fully funded scholarships for African students cover core costs that often prevent talented graduates from advancing their education.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Multiple countries across Sub-Saharan Africa (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda)
- Host University: Participating institutions including Institut International d’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), University of Ghana (WACCI and WACCBIP), University for Development Studies, Jimma University, Chuka University, Moi University, University of Rwanda, Ardhi University, Busitema University, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Scholarship Type: MSC Scholarships (development-related and SDG-oriented programmes)
- Eligible Countries: Sub-Saharan African countries (nationals or permanent residents)
- Scholarship Benefits: Full or partial tuition fees paid directly to the host university, monthly living stipend (typically €300–€500 depending on In-Country or In-Region status and specific call), annual study and research allowance (commonly €460), thesis publication/printing allowance (typically €400), and for In-Region holders: travel allowance and health insurance. Additional opportunities for research stays in Germany and online training may be available.
- Application Deadline: 12 November 2026
Why These DAAD Scholarships Stand Out
Many African graduates face high tuition fees, limited research funding and the need to support themselves or their families while studying. The DAAD Scholarships Sub-Saharan Africa address these barriers directly. By covering tuition at the partner university and providing a monthly stipend plus research support, the programme allows students to focus on their academic work and long-term career goals in teaching or research.
Female applicants, recognised refugees and candidates from less privileged regions or groups receive particular encouragement. This focus helps broaden access and builds more inclusive academic communities. Scholarship holders may also access additional benefits such as short-term research stays in Germany or competence-building online modules offered by DAAD.
Participating Universities and Programmes for 2027
Current open calls cover selected Master’s programmes in development-related fields. Here is an overview of the main opportunities:
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West and Central Africa
- Institut International d’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), Burkina Faso: Master of Science in Water and Environmental Engineering
- West African Center for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana: Master of Philosophy in Seed Science and Technology
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana: Master of Philosophy in Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases
- University for Development Studies (UDS), Ghana: Master of Philosophy in Agricultural Economics
Eastern Africa
- Jimma University, Ethiopia: Master in Environmental Health
- Chuka University, Kenya: Master of Science in Plant Breeding
- Moi University, Kenya: Master of Education in Research
- University of Rwanda: Master of Science in Electrical Power Systems
- Ardhi University, Tanzania: Master of Science in Geomatics
- Busitema University, Uganda: Master of Science in Climate Change and Disaster Management
Southern Africa
- Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS): Master of Science in Environmental Health
- Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Malawi: Master of Science in Aquaculture and Fisheries Science and Master of Science in Irrigation Engineering
Exact programme details, admission requirements and any programme-specific deadlines appear in the individual calls for applications published by DAAD. Applicants should review the official call for their preferred programme carefully, as admission processes at the host university may run in parallel with the scholarship application.
Scholarship Benefits in Detail
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships 2027 typically include:
- Payment of eligible tuition fees directly to the host university
- Monthly stipend for living costs (amounts vary by programme and whether the award is In-Country or In-Region; examples range from €300 to €500)
- Annual study and research allowance (commonly €460)
- Thesis publication or printing allowance (typically €400)
- For In-Region scholarship holders: travel allowance and health insurance
Funding usually covers the regular duration of the Master’s programme, generally up to two years, and is subject to satisfactory academic progress. Exact figures appear in each programme’s call for applications, so always consult the official document for the university and degree you intend to pursue.
These benefits make the awards among the strongest fully funded scholarships for African students available for study within the region. Recipients gain both financial support and membership in a broader DAAD network that offers further training and networking opportunities.
See Also:
- 2027 DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships for Africans: Fully Funded Master’s Opportunities
- Fully Funded SA-CERN Excellence Scholarships 2027 : Open for African Students
- Fully Funded Masters and PhD Research Scholarship at Federal University Teaching Hospital Lafia: Your Complete 2026 Application Guide
Eligibility Requirements for DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships 2027
To apply for the DAAD Scholarships Sub-Saharan Africa under this programme, candidates generally need to meet the following criteria:
- Be a national or permanent resident of a Sub-Saharan African country
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with above-average results, typically second-class upper division or better
- Plan to pursue one of the listed development-related Master’s programmes
- Demonstrate clear motivation for a career in teaching, research or a related development field
- Possess thorough knowledge of the language of instruction
- Meet any additional academic or professional requirements set by the specific host university and programme
The last degree should generally not be older than six years at the time of application. Female applicants and candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Exact requirements differ slightly by programme, so review the relevant call for applications before submitting.
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How to Apply for DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships 2027
Applications for the current 2027 calls are submitted through the DAAD portal. Most candidates must also complete the admission process at the chosen host university. Key steps usually include:
- Identify an eligible programme and review its specific call for applications
- Prepare required documents, typically including a CV, letter of motivation (often 300–1,000 words), academic transcripts, degree certificates, passport or national ID, and any programme-specific forms or references
- Submit the scholarship application via the DAAD online portal by the deadline
- Complete any parallel university admission requirements
The main deadline for the currently open calls is 12 November 2026. Individual programmes or universities may set earlier internal deadlines for admission documents, so start early. Official information and links to the open calls are available on the DAAD website and the DAAD Scholarship Database (programme reference often listed as 10000486).
Official resources to help you apply:
- DAAD Scholarship Database – In-Country/In-Region Programme Sub-Saharan Africa (detail=10000486)
- Official DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme page
- DAAD South Africa – Programme overview and current calls
- DAAD Kenya – Information for applicants
Tips for a Strong Application
Competition is real, yet well-prepared candidates succeed every year. Focus on a clear motivation letter that connects your academic background, career goals and the specific programme to development challenges in your country or region. Highlight any relevant research, work experience or community engagement. Secure strong academic references and ensure all documents are complete and correctly formatted.
If you are eligible for both In-Country and In-Region options, consider the advantages of studying in another African country: broader networks, exposure to different academic environments and, for In-Region awards, additional travel and insurance support.
Final Thoughts
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships 2027 offer a rare combination of full funding, study within Africa and a clear focus on building local capacity. For Sub-Saharan African graduates aiming for careers in higher education, research or development-related fields, these awards remove major financial obstacles while keeping talent on the continent.
With the deadline of 12 November 2026 approaching quickly, now is the time to review the open calls, select the programme that best matches your goals and begin assembling your application. These fully funded scholarships for African students represent a concrete pathway to advanced training and long-term impact across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Check the official DAAD pages regularly for the most up-to-date programme lists and application instructions, as details can vary by host institution.

