Looking to study in Germany for free? The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 is now open for applications. This fully funded scholarship is your chance to pursue a Master’s degree in Germany without worrying about costs. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, it’s one of the most popular scholarships for international students. The programme begins in September 2026, and you can study in English at one of the selected German universities. No application fee is required, and the scholarship covers everything from tuition to monthly stipends and even language training. Here’s everything you need to know about applying, including the courses, universities, benefits, and eligibility.
DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2026 Overview
- Host Country: Germany
- Scholarship Name: DAAD Helmut Schmidt Program
- Degree Level: Master’s
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: 31st July 2025
Check DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2025 in Germany
Financial Benefits
- No tuition fees
- Round-trip airfare
- Monthly stipend
- Full health insurance
- Research & study allowance
- Monthly rent assistance
- Family support (spouse/children) if eligible
- 6-month German language course before classes start
Also Check University of Sydney AGRTP Scholarship 2025/26 (Fully Funded)
Duration of Courses
- 1-year Master’s programmes
- 2-year Master’s programmes
Study Fields Available
- Public Policy
- Good Governance
- International Relations
- Public Management & Administration
- Civil Society
- Social Protection
- Peace & Conflict Studies
- Development and Socioeconomic Policy
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Participating Universities & Courses
You can apply to up to two programmes from the list below:
- University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg – Social Protection
- University of Duisburg-Essen – Development and Governance
- Willy Brandt School, University of Erfurt – Public Policy
- University of Magdeburg – Peace and Conflict Studies
- University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück – Nonprofit Organisation Management
- University of Passau – Development Studies
- University of Passau – Governance and Public Policy
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
- Be from a developing or emerging country
(Check eligible countries here) - Have a bachelor’s degree (16 years of education) in:
- Social or Political Sciences
- Law, Economics
- Public Policy or related fields
- Apply only to the eligible Master’s programmes
- Be fluent in English or German (proof required)
- There’s no age limit
Documents Required
- DAAD Application Form
- Motivation Letter (one for both programmes, if applying for two)
- Europass CV
- Degree Certificates & Transcript
- Proof of English proficiency
- Reference letter
- Any relevant practical or professional experience
How Candidates Are Selected
- Your motivation (academic, career, and alignment with programme goals)
- Practical experience or social/political engagement
- Strong academic performance (top third of your class)
How to Apply (DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship)
- Review the official checklist here.
- Fill in the DAAD application form once. Choose up to two Master’s courses.
- Rank your course choices in the motivation letter and explain why each programme fits your goals.
- Submit your complete application and documents directly to the respective university(ies) offering the course(s) — not to DAAD.
