Are you a graduate from a developing or emerging country who wants to drive real change in governance, democracy and social justice back home? Imagine earning a world-class master’s degree in Germany, fully funded, while building the skills, network and practical experience to lead transformation in your region.
The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (also known as Public Policy and Good Governance – PPGG) makes this possible. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, this prestigious scholarship prepares highly qualified young professionals for leadership roles that promote good governance and sustainable development in the Global South.
Applications for the current cycle are open right now. If you meet the criteria, this could be your pathway to studying in Germany without financial barriers.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Germany
- Host University: Universities in Germany
- Scholarship Type: MSC Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition fee, Living stipend, etc.
Overview of DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (PPGG)
The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme supports future leaders who are committed to strengthening democracy, social justice and effective institutions in their home countries. It targets graduates in political science, law, economics, public administration and related fields who already show strong academic performance and practical commitment.
Instead of a generic scholarship, the programme funds specific English-taught master’s courses at carefully selected German universities. These programmes combine academic excellence with practical skills in policy analysis, governance reform, conflict management, social protection and development.
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The goal is clear: equip you with knowledge and networks so you can return home and contribute meaningfully to political, social and economic progress in your country.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
Germany is renowned for high-quality, tuition-free (or low-fee) higher education and strong public administration traditions. The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme goes further by covering almost every cost and adding unique support:
- A monthly stipend of €992 (with a reduced rate in the final blended semester of one programme)
- Full health insurance in Germany
- Travel allowance between Germany and your home country
- Study and research grant
- Rent subsidies and family supplements where applicable
- Up to four months of German language training before or alongside your studies (mandatory participation)
- Complete exemption from tuition fees at the participating universities
- Access to networking events, seminars and an alumni community of future and current leaders
This is more than funding — it is structured preparation for impactful careers in government, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks and academia.
Participating Master’s Programmes
You can apply to a maximum of two of the following English-taught programmes (some have specific professional experience requirements):
1. Social Protection – University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg (4 semesters, blended learning) Focuses on designing, reforming and managing social protection systems. Includes an internship or field research semester. Ideal for those interested in social policy and welfare systems. Contact: msc-socialprotection@h-brs.de
2. Development and Governance – University of Duisburg-Essen (2 semesters) Combines development studies, international relations, peace and conflict, and policy analysis with strong regional expertise. Requires at least one year of relevant professional experience. Contact: ma-devgov@uni-due.de
3. Public Policy – Willy Brandt School of Public Policy, University of Erfurt (4 semesters) Practice-oriented programme with specialisations in global policy, sustainable development, peace and conflict, social entrepreneurship, or digital policy and AI. Includes project work with external clients and a mandatory internship. Contact: admissions-mpp@uni-erfurt.de
4. Peace and Conflict Studies – Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg (4 semesters) Interdisciplinary focus on conflict analysis, management, global justice and sustainable development. Features workshops and a mandatory internship. Contact: pacs@ovgu.de
5. Management in Nonprofit-Organisations – University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück (4 semesters) Prepares leaders for the non-profit sector with training in fundraising, impact measurement, project management, ethics and social innovation. Requires at least two years of professional experience in the non-profit sector plus volunteer work. Contact: ppgg@hs-osnabrueck.de
6. Development Studies – University of Passau (4 semesters) Emphasises economic, social and cultural contexts of development with opportunities for international field research and an applied module including internship. Contact: information.ppgg@uni-passau.de
7. Governance and Public Policy – University of Passau (4 semesters, bilingual with full English option) Deep dive into statehood, institutional transformation, policy design, multi-level governance and comparative research on political systems and authoritarianism. Contact: information.ppgg@uni-passau.de
Each programme has its own academic and professional experience requirements. Always check the detailed “Information about the Master’s Courses” PDF and contact the programme coordinators directly for the latest guidance.
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Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme 2026 you generally need:
- Citizenship of a developing or emerging country (see the official List of Countries PDF on the DAAD website — most countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia and parts of Eastern Europe and the Pacific are included)
- A first university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) with above-average grades (usually upper third of your class), preferably in social sciences, political science, law, economics, public policy or administration
- Relevant practical experience (professional work, internships, political or social engagement) — the exact minimum varies by programme (from a few months to two years)
- A strong motivation to promote democracy, social justice and good governance in your home region
- Last university degree issued on or after 1 January 2020 (exceptions considered with justification)
- If you already hold a master’s degree, you must provide a convincing argument why a second postgraduate degree is necessary
- You must not have spent more than 15 months in a country not on the DAC list in the recent past
Language requirements (usually proven English proficiency via IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) and any additional criteria are specified by each master’s course.
Tip: Requirements differ slightly between programmes. Review the Current Announcement and the specific course information carefully before applying.
How to Apply – Step by Step
Unlike many DAAD scholarships, you do not apply directly to DAAD first.
- Choose up to two master’s programmes from the list above.
- Prepare all required documents (see checklist below).
- Submit your complete application directly to the university/programme(s) you selected (by email or their online portal as instructed).
- If nominated by the programme(s), DAAD will contact you to upload documents to the DAAD portal for final selection.
- Final decisions are communicated in writing by December 2026 or January 2027.
Important: Applications sent only to DAAD (instead of the universities) will not be considered.
Required Documents (Checklist)
- Signed checklist (print, sign, scan)
- Completed DAAD application form
- One motivation letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining your academic, professional and personal reasons, why you chose the specific course(s), and how the studies will help you contribute to your home country’s development. Clearly rank and justify your first and second choice if applying to two programmes.
- Europass-format CV in reverse chronological order (include date of issue)
- Copies of university degree certificate(s) and full transcripts (with grading system explanation; certified translations if not in English or German)
- Proof of relevant professional experience, internships or political/social commitment (on headed paper with stamp/signature where possible)
- Proof of English language proficiency (requirements vary by course)
- Current reference letter from employer or university lecturer
- APS certificate (only for applicants from India and the People’s Republic of China)
All documents must be complete. Incomplete applications are excluded.
Download the official documents here: Current Announcement PDF (full details) List of Countries PDF Checklist and Application Form PDFs are available on the DAAD scholarship database page.
Key Deadlines for 2026
- Application period to the master’s programmes: 1 June – 31 July 2026
- Nominated candidates upload documents to DAAD portal: after nomination (expected autumn 2026)
- Final selection results: December 2026 / January 2027
Start preparing your documents now — strong applications take time, especially the motivation letter and gathering experience proofs.
Selection Criteria
Selection committees (university professors and DAAD representatives) look for:
- Convincing motivation clearly linked to the programme’s goals of good governance and development in your home region
- Above-average academic performance
- Relevant practical experience
- Clear potential to become a future leader and change-maker
The process is competitive. Tailor every part of your application to show genuine commitment to returning and contributing to your country.
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Your Next Steps
The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme 2026 is one of the most targeted and generous opportunities for future public policy and governance leaders from the developing world. With applications open until 31 July 2026, now is the time to act.
Official resources to visit and bookmark today:
- Main DAAD scholarship page for the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (PPGG): https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?origin=165&status=3&subjectGrps=&daad=&q=public%20policy&page=1&detail=50026397
- Current Announcement PDF (essential reading): https://static.daad.de/media/daad_de/pdfs_nicht_barrierefrei/in-deutschland-studieren-forschen-lehren/daad_helmut_schmidt_programme_current_announcement.pdf
- List of Eligible Countries PDF: Available via the DAAD page above
Contact the programme coordinators directly for questions about specific master’s courses — their emails are listed in the announcement.
If you are passionate about shaping better governance and social justice in your country, this programme can give you the knowledge, credentials and network to make it happen. Prepare your strongest application and take the first step toward becoming a leader who creates lasting impact.
Good luck — your future in public policy and good governance starts with a well-prepared application before 31 July 2026.