Applications are open for the 2027-2028  DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Program for the Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the Willy Brandt School in Germany. This two-year interdisciplinary program in Germany prepares young academics and professionals for careers in public service, including government agencies, international organizations, and the non-profit sector. It emphasizes practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed for sound policy decisions and public interest advancement.

The Willy Brandt School collaborates with the DAAD’s Helmut-Schmidt Programme to support future leaders from developing countries by providing Scholarships that cover full expenses.

The following programs are also available under the DAAD’s Helmut-Schmidt-Programme:

• DAAD Scholarship for the MA Development and Governance Program 
• Master Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship Program for Public Policy and Good Governance (DAAD PPGG) in Germany
• DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Program for Master of Public Policy at the Willy Brandt School, Germany
• DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Program in M.A. Development Studies at the University of Passau
• DAAD Scholarship for Management in Nonprofit-Organisations at the University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück

Key Details and Dates

• Scholarship Application Deadline: July 31, 2026
  Program admission application deadline: February 2027
• Program start: October 1, 2027
• Funding Type: Scholarships available through the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Program
• Host Institution: Willy Brandt School of Public Policy, University of Erfurt
• Eligible Countries: Developing countries (list below)
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Young academics and professionals with a background in social sciences, economics, or law
• Field: Public Policy
• Study Level: Master’s degree
• Number of Opportunities: Limited
• Duration: Two years (four semesters)
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Germany

Benefits and Financial Aids

Selected candidates will benefit from the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Program as follows:

• Cover tuition fees
• Monthly stipend of €992
• Health insurance coverage
• Travel allowance
• Study and research grant
• Rental support and family supplements (if applicable)
• German language course (up to 4 months, mandatory)

Read full benefits on Master Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship Program for Public Policy and Good Governance (DAAD PPGG) in Germany

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must submit the following criteria:

• DAAD Scholarship application is to applicants from developing and emerging countries in the list below
• Applicants must provide a higher education entrance qualification (e.g., high school diploma, Abitur)
• Provide a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (minimum of six semesters) or upper third grades in Social and Political Sciences, Law, Economics, Public Policy, and Administration.
• Minimum of one year of professional work experience
• Above-average grades or professional performance
• Strong analytical skills and interest in political problem-solving
• Proficiency in English (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent)
• Willing to contribute to home country’s development
• Demonstrated practical experience relevant to the program
• Includes professional experience, internships, political or social commitment

Eligible Countries

Applicants from these developing countries can apply for the DAAD Scholarship:

Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Syrian Arab Republic, Algeria, Bhutan, Bolivia, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Eswatini, Ghana, Honduras, India, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Micronesia, Mongolia, Morocco, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tokelau, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe, Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, China (People’s Republic of), Colombia, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Indonesia, Iraq, Jamaica, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Gabon, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Montserrat, Namibia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Helena, Nauru, Niue, North Macedonia, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, South Africa, Suriname, Thailand, Tonga, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank and Gaza Strip

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare these application supporting documents:

• Completed the DAAD checklist form
• DAAD scholarship application form
• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae (Europass template)
• Higher education degree certificates and transcripts (with certified translations if not in German or English)
• APS certificate (for applicants from China, India, and Vietnam)
• Proof of professional experience or internships
• English language proficiency certificate
• Current written reference from an employer or a university lecturer

Selection Process

Following is the selection process for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Program for Master of Public Policy:

• Submit an online application via the Brandt School portal
• Applications reviewed by the Admissions Committee
• Conditional admission based on online application
• Submission of true-certified hard copies for final admission
• Final decisions on scholarships by DAAD and Brandt School representatives in November/December

How to Apply?

• Submit Helmut-Schmidt DAAD scholarship applications directly to the Brandt School online portal.
• No paper-based applications are accepted.
• No additional application to the DAAD is required.

Apply Now

Check More Scholarships:

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DAAD Scholarship for MA Development and Governance Program 2026/27

For further details and specific application guidelines, visit the official website of the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy and the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme page.

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DAAD EPOS Scholarships 2026-2027 for Master’s and Ph.D. Degree in Development-Related Courses in Germany

Master Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship Program for Public Policy and Good Governance (DAAD PPGG) in Germany