The call for applications for the Helmut-Schmidt Programme (Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance) is now open for the 2026 academic year.

This programme is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and aims to strengthen good governance and civil society structures in developing and emerging countries. It offers highly qualified graduates the opportunity to pursue master's degrees in disciplines relevant to the social, political, and economic development of their home regions.

 

The Helmut-Schmidt Programme:

  • Prepares future leaders for public service and policy work.
  • Offers academically rigorous and practice-oriented master's courses.
  • Strengthens democratic institutions and social justice in participants' countries of origin.

All courses are taught in English and include dedicated support services, exclusive seminars, and networking opportunities with fellow international scholars.

Degree Level

Master’s

Deadlines

31 July 2025.

Fields of Study

Studies will commence in September/October 2026. Applicants may apply for up to two of the following master’s programmes:

Who Can Apply?

Graduates from developing and emerging countries who:

  • Hold a well-qualified bachelor’s degree in Social or Political Sciences, Law, Economics, Public Policy, or Public Administration;
  • Have achieved above-average academic results;
  • Are committed to the political, social, and economic development of their home country;
  • Have relevant professional or volunteer experience;
  • Meet additional criteria specific to each master's course.

Scholarship Offer

Scholarship recipients will receive:

  • A monthly stipend of €992
  • Health insurance coverage
  • Travel allowances to and from Germany
  • Study and research grants
  • Rent subsidies and family supplements (where applicable)
  • A mandatory German language course (up to 4 months) prior to starting the programme

Note: For the Social Protection course, due to its blended format, a reduced stipend of €500 is offered in the final semester (online study in home or a third country).

Application Process

  • Choose up to two eligible master’s programmes.
  • Submit your application directly to the respective universities, not to the DAAD.
  • Applications can be submitted in German or English.
  • Use the DAAD application form only once and clearly indicate:
    • Your first and second choice of master’s course.
    • A single motivation letter explaining your choices, submitted to both universities.

Important: Each university may have its own additional requirements and specific application process.

Contact

The DAAD Information Centre Johannesburg can be contacted via email for support, advice and information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Programme-specific Contacts:
Refer to each university’s email contact listed above.

Documents and links

Master's Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance

Checklist

Application Form

List of Countries

Frequently Asked Questions

Information about the Master's Courses

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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