Deadline: July 31, 2024.

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 CRITERIA

1. Graduates from developing and emerging countries (bachelor or equivalent).
2. Applicants with a well-qualified first university degree and above-average grades (upper third) in Social and Political Sciences, Law, Economics, Public Policy and Administration.
3. Applicants willing to actively contribute to the social, political and economic development of their home countries/regions.
4. Applicants who have already gained practical experience relevant for the programme (professional experience, internships, political/social commitment).

BENEFITS

The scholarship holders will receive

• Scholarships (of currently € 934 per month) for master’s courses at German higher education institutions.
• Health insurance cover in Germany.
• Appropriate travel allowances for travel between Germany and the respective developing and emerging countries.
• A study and research grant.
• Rent subsidies and family supplements, as applicable.
• Preceding German language course in Germany, lasting up to 4 months; participation is mandatory.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The most important selection criteria are:

• a conclusive account of your academic, professional and personal motivation for the study endeavour in Germany and for choosing and prioritising the master’s courses.
• this motivation should clearly relate to the goals of the Helmut Schmidt Programme
• practical experience relevant to the programme (professional experience or internships, political activities or service to your community, such as volunteering or work for charities or NGOs)
• a first higher education degree completed with above-average grades (upper third)

Formal requirements:

• Candidates who already hold a master’s degree must make a wellargued case as to why they should be funded for another postgraduate degree.
• The candidates’ last university degree should not date back more than six years (date of issue not before 1 January 2018).
• Candidates who have spent more than the past 15 months in a country not listed on the DAC list are not eligible.

Find more information on the OFFICIAL LINK