The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is offering a limited number of scholarships to up to 10 highly qualified applicants from developing countries.

Join students from around the world for this full-time, four-semester programme that offers a unique blend of research, lectures, and practical experience at DW headquarters in Bonn.

This scholarship supports young professionals with a first academic degree and at least one year of professional experience in development-related fields to pursue a postgraduate or Master’s degree at a German university.

The Master’s Degree programme is targeted at individuals aspiring to hold positions of responsibility in journalism or the communications sector. It is particularly suited for:

  • Journalists-in-training.
  • Media representatives (radio, TV, online, print).
  • Communication experts.

Degree Level

Master's

Deadline

31 March 2025

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Hold a recognized undergraduate degree (bachelor’s or equivalent).
  • Have at least one year of professional experience in a media-related field after their first degree (two years required for scholarship applicants).
  • Provide proof of English language proficiency (minimum C1 level).

Who Can Apply?

The IMS programme is designed for:

  • Media professionals (radio, TV, online, print).
  • Journalists-in-training, particularly in electronic media.
  • Journalists and managers from community radio stations.
  • Communication experts, NGO employees, and staff from ministries or cooperative development projects.
  • Media association and regional working group representatives.

Fields of Study

Media Studies

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship includes:

  • Tuition fees;
  • Cost of living and accommodation;
  • Inbound flight to Bonn.

Required Documents

  • Letter of Motivation (in English, max. 700 words, Arial font, size 10, line spacing 1.5, dated);
  • Current CV (in English, Europass format, dated);
  • Degree Certificate (with list of grades);
  • Proof of Professional Experience (certificate with employer's letterhead, media-relevant title, employment duration, date, and signature);
  • Proof of English Proficiency (C1 level or confirmation of English-language instruction during prior studies);
  • APS Certificate (for degrees obtained in China, India, or Vietnam).

For Scholarship Applicants:

  • Letter of Recommendation (current employer, on letterhead, stamped, signed, and dated);
  • Completed DAAD Application Form;
  • Completed DAAD Checklist (handwritten signature and date).

Application Process

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the online platform Apollo.

Important:

  • Review all required documents before starting your application.
  • For guidance on your motivation letter and CV format, refer to the FAQs.

Contact

The DAAD Information Centre Johannesburg can be contacted for support, advice and information:

Website: www.daad.org.za/contact

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Documents and Links

Information on the scholarship programme 

What should the motivation letter contain?

How do I apply online and which documents do I need?

Motivation Letter Example

Master’s Examination Regulations

DAAD Form Example

Recommendation Letter Example

EPOS Brochure 2025/2026 Development-Related Postgraduate Courses - Educating Professionals for Sustainable Development

Note

Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

 

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