DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme 2021-2022 Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance - PPGG

Published: 09 May 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.

DAAD Masters Scholarship

Benefits of DAAD Masters Scholarship

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 2022. 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 applicablePreceding 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.

The following deviations regarding funding benefits apply for the ‘Analysis and Design of Social Protection Systems’ programme, due to its blended learning concept:

1. A sur place rate of € 500 is paid in the 4th semester (mandatory online semester in the student’s country of origin or another developing country).
2. No family supplements can be granted, as the programme comprises phases of study in Germany as well as in the students’ home countries.

Throughout their studies, all scholarship holders of the Helmut-SchmidtProgramme benefit from accompanying support services provided by the programme coordinators at the respective study locations. Scholarship holders benefit from events and seminars organised specifically for them, as well as close exchange with other international scholarship holders. Planning also provides for participation in interdisciplinary networking events.

DAAD scholarship holders are exempt from paying tuition fees

Requirements for DAAD Masters Scholarship

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.

Target Group:

1. 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. 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).
2. The general success of the programme and its alumni shows that candidates with some work experience (including internships and part-time jobs) in, for example, an administration office, governmental structures, NGOs or international organisations tend to particularly benefit from this scholarship opportunity.
3. Political or social involvement (privately, in projects or societies) is also considered an asset.

The following groups are not eligible:

1. Applicants who obtained their most recent higher education degree more than six years before submitting their application.
2. Applicants who have resided in a country that is not included in the DAC list of developing and emerging countries for more than 15 months at the time of the application deadline.

Applicants who already hold a master's degree in a similar discipline can only be considered in well-justified cases, if they can explain conclusively, why they would like to obtain another master's degree.

All courses of study have their own application requirements (degree, grades, language skills, work experience, etc.) that must also be met by any interested individuals.

Selection Process

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

Application Documents

1. DAAD application form
2. A single letter of motivation for both higher education institutions
3. A gap-free curriculum vitae (if possible, please use the europass template available at http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/)
4. Copies of your higher education degree certificates
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)

Application Deadline

How to Apply