Germany is once again opening its doors to outstanding international students through the prestigious DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2025. This fully funded scholarship, provided by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), is a golden opportunity for talented graduates from developing and emerging countries to pursue a master’s degree in Germany. With a focus on public policy and good governance, the scholarship aims to foster democracy and social justice in the scholars’ home countries.
Scholarship Overview
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship is a renowned program in Europe, dedicated to young leaders who aspire to make a significant impact in their societies. This scholarship covers a wide range of disciplines including law, economics, political science, and public administration. Successful applicants will embark on their academic journey in September/October 2025.
Financial Support and Benefits
The scholarship offers comprehensive financial support, ensuring that scholars can focus on their studies without financial worries. The benefits include:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- A monthly stipend of €934
- Health insurance contributions
- Travel allowance for round-trip flights to Germany
- Study and research grants
- Monthly rental subsidies (if applicable)
- Additional allowances for spouses and children (if applicable)
- Participation in a four-month German language course
Areas of Study
The scholarship program encompasses a variety of courses, ensuring a broad educational experience:
- Social Protection
- Development and Governance
- Public Policy
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Management in Non-Profit Organizations
- Development Studies
- Governance and Public Policy
Host Universities
Several top German universities host the Helmut Schmidt Scholarship program, providing a diverse and rich academic environment. These institutions include:
- University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg
- University of Duisburg-Essen
- Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt
- University of Magdeburg
- University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück
- University of Passau
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be citizens of eligible developing or emerging countries
- Have an excellent academic record
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as social sciences, law, economics, or public policy
- Have relevant professional or volunteer experience
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to social and economic development
Selection Criteria
The selection process is rigorous, focusing on:
- Academic performance
- Language proficiency
- Personal motivation for studying in Germany
- The potential impact of their studies on their home countries
- Recentness of the applicant’s university degree (obtained within the last six years)
- Applicants should not have spent more than 15 months in Germany at the application deadline
Required Documents
Applicants must submit a complete set of documents, including:
- Copy of transcript
- Signed checklist form
- DAAD application form
- Single letter of motivation
- CV in reverse chronological order
- Proof of English language skills
- Copies of higher education degree certificates
- Written reference from an employer or university lecturer
- Certificates of work experience, internships, volunteer work, or professional experience
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2025 is July 31, 2024. Interested candidates should ensure they have all required documents ready and submit their applications via the DAAD scholarship database.
For more information and to apply, visit the DAAD scholarship database.
This scholarship represents a significant opportunity for students from developing countries to gain world-class education and contribute to global development through their enhanced skills and knowledge.
