DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2025-2026, also known as the Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG) Programme, is now accepting applications. This prestigious German government scholarship is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and administered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
It offers fully funded master’s scholarships in Germany for exceptional students from developing and newly industrialized countries who wish to pursue graduate studies in public policy, governance, law, economics, political science, and related fields.
Quick Overview
- Host Country: Germany
- Scholarship Name: DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme (PPGG)
- Degree Level: Master’s Degree
- Eligible Applicants: Graduates from developing countries
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
- Start Date: September/October 2025
- Fields of Study: Public Policy, Development Studies, Governance, Social Protection, Peace and Conflict, Non-Profit Management
- Language of Instruction: English or German
Key Scholarship Benefits
This fully funded scholarship in Germany includes:
- Monthly stipend of €934
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Health insurance coverage
- Round-trip travel allowance
- Study and research grants
- Rent support (if applicable)
- Family allowance for dependents
- 6-month compulsory German language course (even for English-taught degrees)
Duration of the Program
- Master’s programs last between 12 and 24 months, depending on the university and course.
Participating Universities & Courses
Applicants may apply to a maximum of two programs from the following German universities:
- Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg – Analysis and Design of Social Protection Systems (English, 4 semesters)
- Universität Duisburg-Essen – Development and Governance (English, 2 semesters)
- University of Erfurt – Willy Brandt School of Public Policy – Master of Public Policy (MPP) (English, 4 semesters)
- Universität Magdeburg – Peace and Conflict Studies (English, 4 semesters)
- Hochschule Osnabrück – Management in Non-Profit Organisations (German, 4 semesters)
- Universität Passau – Development Studies (English, 4 semesters)
- Universität Passau – Governance and Public Policy (English/German, 4 semesters)
- Universität Potsdam – Master of Public Management (MPM) (English, 2 semesters)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2025, applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields
- Have completed their degree within the last 6 years
- Be from a developing or newly industrialized country
- Demonstrate a commitment to public policy, governance, or development
- Provide proof of English or German language proficiency
- Submit one application package for up to two programs
Required Documents
Prepare the following for a complete application:
- DAAD Application Form (digitally filled and signed)
- Motivation letter addressing both selected master’s programs
- Signed and updated CV (including academic, social, and professional experience)
- Academic degree certificates and transcripts (with translations if needed)
- Language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF)
- One academic or professional recommendation letter
- Employment certificates (if relevant)
Eligible Countries
The scholarship is available to applicants from:
- Africa
- Asia
- Latin America
- Eastern Europe
- Middle East
Check the full list of eligible developing countries on the official DAAD website.
Application Process
- Choose up to two master’s programs from the list above
- Fill out the DAAD Scholarship Application Form (Annex 2)
- Write a single motivation letter for both programs
- Submit your complete application documents directly to the selected universities (not DAAD)
- Make sure your documents reach the universities by 31 July 2025
Apply Here
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