Applications are open for the 2026 intake of the German DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2025, a fully funded opportunity tailored for international students aiming to pursue a Master’s degree in Germany. This scholarship is backed by the German Federal Foreign Office and is recognized alongside other prestigious programs like the DAAD EPOS Scholarship.
The program kicks off in September 2026 and is taught entirely in English. There’s no application fee. However, applicants must choose from a list of eligible Master’s programs offered by specific German universities approved for the Helmut Schmidt initiative.
Quick Overview DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship
- Country: Germany
- Program: Helmut Schmidt Scholarship
- Level: Master’s Degree
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 31 July 2025
Also See: DAAD Germany Scholarship 2025 -Eligibility, Benefits, & Application Process
Scholarship Covers
Recipients of this scholarship will receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Round-trip airfare and travel allowance
- Monthly living stipend
- Health insurance
- Study and research grants
- Housing allowance
- Family allowances (if applicable)
- A 6-month German language course
Program Duration
- One-year Master’s
- Two-year Master’s
Study Fields
The Helmut Schmidt Scholarship targets areas including:
- Public Policy
- Good Governance
- International Relations
- Public Management
- Public Administration
- Civil Society
- Social Protection
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Development and Socioeconomic Policy
Eligible Universities and Programs
Applicants can apply to a maximum of two of the following seven programs:
- 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 – Management in Nonprofit Organisations
- University of Passau – Development Studies
- University of Passau – Governance and Public Policy
Who Can Apply?
- Citizens from developing or emerging countries
- Must hold a 16-year bachelor’s degree in areas like Social or Political Sciences, Law, Economics, Public Administration, or related disciplines
- Eligible to apply for up to two Master’s programs
- Applications must be in English or German
- No age restriction
Required Documents
- DAAD Application Form
- Motivation Letter (for both choices if applying to two programs)
- CV (Europass format)
- University certificates and transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency
- Relevant practical experience (internships, jobs, or social/political work)
What Makes a Strong Application?
- A clear and focused motivation letter
- Strong academic performance (top third of your class)
- Meaningful work or volunteer experience in relevant fields
Application Timeline
- October/November 2025: University-level selection
- Dec 2025 – Jan 2026: Final selection process
- September/October 2026: Program start
How to Apply?
- Review the DAAD checklist and eligibility criteria
- Fill out one DAAD application form listing up to two Master’s programs
- Rank your program preferences in the motivation letter and explain why both options suit your goals
- Send your complete application directly to the universities offering those programs – not to DAAD
Note: Use the same motivation letter if applying to two programs.