The Helmut-Schmidt Programme:

• Offers future leaders the opportunity to pursue master’s degrees in disciplines relevant to social, political, and economic development;
• Prepares students through practice-oriented academic programmes for responsible leadership positions in their home countries and regions;
• Contributes to the development of democratically oriented institutions and efforts to address social inequalities;
• Provides internationally focused programmes taught in English.

Degree Level

Master’s

Deadlines

Applications are open from 1 June to 31 July 2026 for studies commencing in September/October 2027. 

Fields of Study

Applicants may apply for up to two of the following master’s programmes:  

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be graduates from developing or emerging countries.
• Hold a well-qualified first university degree with above-average academic results (upper third of the class) in:
  • Social and Political Sciences
  • Law
  • Economics
  • Public Policy and Administration
  • Related fields
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to contributing to the social, political, and economic development of their home countries.
• Have relevant practical experience, such as:
  • Professional work experience
  • Internships
  • Political engagement
  • Social or community involvement

Please note that specific eligibility requirements may vary depending on the selected master’s programme (Information about the Master's Courses).

Scholarship Offer

Scholarship recipients will receive:

• A monthly scholarship of €992
• Health insurance coverage in Germany
• Fixed travel allowances between Germany and the home country
• Study and research grants
• Rent subsidies and family allowances (where applicable)
• A mandatory German language course of up to four months in Germany before the commencement of studies
• Access to networking opportunities, seminars, events, and support services organised by programme coordinators and DAAD 

Important: For the Social Protection programme, a reduced scholarship rate of €500 per month is provided during the fourth semester due to the programme’s mandatory online component completed in the student's home country or another developing/emerging country.

Application Process

Applicants should:

1. Select up to two eligible master’s programmes.
2. Submit applications directly to the respective universities, not to DAAD.
3. Submit applications in either English or German.
4. Complete only one DAAD application form.
5. Clearly indicate both the first and second programme choices.
6. Submit one motivation letter explaining the selection of both programmes.

Applicants are advised to consult the relevant university websites for programme-specific requirements and application procedures.

Contact

For general information and guidance, applicants may contact the DAAD Information Centre Johannesburg:

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For programme-specific enquiries, applicants should contact the relevant university directly.

Documents and links

Master's Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance

Checklist

Application Form

List of Eligible Countries

Frequently Asked Questions

Information about the Master's Courses

Note

Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.