Deadline: July 31, 2021.

The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (known as Public Policy and Good Governance) supports future leaders from developing countries (see list of countries), who want to promote democracy and social justice in their home countries. The programme, which is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, offers the chance to acquire a Master’s degree in Master programmes of particular relevance for the social, political and economic development in the students’ countries of origin. In the light of the principles of Good Governance, highly qualified graduates with a first academic degree are being educated in political science, law, economics and administration and prepared for future leading positions in their home countries.

ELIGIBILITY

1. Highly qualified graduates from developing and emerging countries (see list of countries) who have obtained their first higher education degree in the subject areas of political and social studies, economics and business administration, legal and administrative sciences.
2. The programme is open for future leaders who would like to become actively involved in further social and economic development in their home countries and regions.
3. It is addressed at young graduates, as well as junior managers with job experience (specific requirements apply for some of the participating courses of study, these must be taken into account).
4. Political or social involvement (privately, in projects or societies) is also considered an asset.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The most important selection criteria are:
1. Higher education degree obtained with above average results (top third of graduates)
2. Language certificates (requirements vary depending on the respective course of study)
3. Political and/or social involvement (see above ‘Target group’) is considered an advantage
4. Evidence of internships and/or professional experience is also taken into account positively
5. A conclusive account of the applicant’s academic and personal motivation for the study endeavour in Germany and for choosing and prioritising the courses of study
6. An account of the applicant’s perspectives upon returning to their home country or region

BENEFITS

1. Scholarships (of currently € 861 per month) for master´s degree courses at German higher education institutions.
2. Academic education in the courses of study selected by the DAAD that are listed below, will take place from September/October The courses of study have an international focus and are offered in German and/or English.
3. Health insurance cover in Germany
4. Appropriate travel allowances for travel between Germany and the developing countries in question and Germany
5. A study and research grant
6. Rent subsidies and family supplements, as applicable
7. Preceding German language course in Germany (or digitally in the country of origin, depending on the latest pandemic regulations), usually lasting 6 months. Participation is mandatory.

APPLICATION

The required application documents are:
1. DAAD application form ‘Application for a research/study scholarship’ (please complete the form electronically and sign it by hand)
2. A single letter of motivation for both higher education institutions including a precise account of your academic, professional and personal reasons for wishing to participate in the programme, as well as a detailed explanation of your choice of courses of study and prioritisation. The letter may be up to two pages long and must bear the current date and your signature.
3. A gap-free curriculum vitae (if possible, please use the europass template available at http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/) with exact information about your studies, political/social involvement, and any work experience, as well as the current date and your signature.
4. Copies of your higher education degree certificates (certified translation if necessary, including an explanation of the grading system), please make sure these are clearly legible
5. Copy of your transcript of records incl. grading system, certified translation if necessary
6. Working time certificates for any listed internships, volunteer work and work experience must be included. These must be signed and bear the date, letterhead and stamp
7. Recent language certificates (for German and/or English)
8. A recently written letter of reference, preferably from your current employer or from a university lecturer, bearing a signature, letterhead and stamp (not in a sealed envelope)

OFFICIAL LINK