Full funding · Study in Germany
DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme
Fully funded: monthly stipend of around €992, tuition waivers, health insurance, travel and study allowances
- Funder
- German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Coverage
- Full
About this scholarship
The Helmut Schmidt Programme (Master's Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance) funds graduates from South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America to take English-taught master's degrees in public policy, governance and development at a group of eight German universities.
It targets future leaders in government, civil society and academia — the full package covers everything from tuition to insurance, and includes a German language course before the degree begins.
🗓️ Deadline
Typically closes at the end of July each year for courses starting the following autumn
Award cycles shift year to year. Confirm the current deadline on the official site before you plan around it.
Eligibility
- Citizen of an eligible country in South or Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America or the Middle East — Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan are typically included
- A bachelor's degree, usually completed within the last six years
- Very good academic results and demonstrated interest in public policy or governance
- Relevant voluntary or professional engagement strengthens the application
- English proficiency (typically IELTS 6.5 or equivalent); no German required at application
How to apply
- Choose up to two of the participating master's programmes
- Prepare a single application: CV, motivation letter, references and transcripts
- Submit through the DAAD portal by the annual summer deadline
- Selection committees shortlist and interview candidates in autumn
- Awards are confirmed early in the new year for an autumn start
Studying in Germany
Low or no tuition at public universities, engineering excellence and an 18-month job-seeker visa. Post-study work: Up to 18 months.
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DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme: your questions, answered
What does the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme cover?
Fully funded: monthly stipend of around €992, tuition waivers, health insurance, travel and study allowances. The Helmut Schmidt Programme (Master's Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance) funds graduates from South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America to take English-taught master's degrees in public policy, governance and development at a group of eight German universities.
Who is eligible for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme?
Core requirements are: Citizen of an eligible country in South or Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America or the Middle East — Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan are typically included; A bachelor's degree, usually completed within the last six years; Very good academic results and demonstrated interest in public policy or governance; Relevant voluntary or professional engagement strengthens the application; English proficiency (typically IELTS 6.5 or equivalent); no German required at application. Eligibility rules are set by the funder and can change each cycle, so confirm on the official site before applying.
When is the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme deadline?
Typically closes at the end of July each year for courses starting the following autumn. Because award cycles shift year to year, always check the official programme website for the current date.
Is the university placement service really free?
Yes, our service is 100% free. Counselling, university matching, application support and guidance right up to your offer cost you nothing. There are no consultation fees and no agent fees, because we are funded by our university partners. The only cost you take on is the university’s own tuition or semester fees, which you pay directly to the university after you accept your offer.
What exactly do you help with?
Everything from start to finish: understanding your options, shortlisting the right programme, preparing your application and personal statement, submitting to the university, and guiding you through the offer, enrolment and visa paperwork, all with a dedicated counsellor.
Which universities can you place me into?
We place students into a range of UK and international universities, and we shortlist the best-fit options for your grades, budget and goals rather than pushing a single school. On some pages we run dedicated free placement drives for a specific partner university, and we are always adding more partners. Tell us your goals and your counsellor will map out your options.