Applications for the 2027/28 DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme Scholarship for M.A. Governance and Public Policy are open. The M.A. Governance and Public Policy at the University of Passau is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of political theory, governance, and public policy. The program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by globalization, preparing graduates for careers in public administration, multinational corporations, and academia. The University of Passau’s program is a member of the Helmut-Schmidt Programme, which provides scholarships to highly qualified students from developing and emerging countries.

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

• DAAD Scholarship for M.A. Development and Governance Program 2026/27
• 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

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline:
  • Winter semester: 15 April – 15 July 2026 (direct applications), 1 April – 30 June 2026 (uni-assist)
  • Summer semester: 1 November 2026 – 15 January 2027 (all applicants)
  • Scholarship application period: June 1- July 31, 2026
• Funding Organization: DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme Scholarship
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Host Institution: University of Passau
• Eligible Countries: Developing and emerging countries as specified by DAAD
• Eligible Gender: All
• Target Group: Graduates with a background in social sciences, business studies, or related fields
• Field: governance and Public policy
• Study Level: Master’s (M.A.)
• Number of Opportunities: Up to ten scholarships per year
• Duration: 4 semesters (2 years)
• Program Language: German
• Host Country: Germany
• Host institution: University of Passau

Benefits and Financial Aids

DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Program Scholarship provides the following benefits for the selected candidates:

• A monthly scholarship of approximately 992 euros
• Contributions to health insurance
• Travel allowance for travel between Germany and the respective country
• Study and research grant
• German Language Course (up to 4 months with mandatory participation)
• Rent subsidies and Family supplements, as applicable
• Exemption from paying tuition fees
• Opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary networking events
• benefit from events and seminars organized specifically for them

Eligibility Criteria

All applicants should meet the following criteria:

The scholarship program is open to highly qualified graduates from developing and emerging countries who aspire to contribute to the social and economic development of their home countries. Key requirements include:

• At least an upper second-level bachelor’s degree in social sciences, political science, law, economics, or public administration.
• Applicants who have lived outside DAC-listed developing and emerging countries for more than 15 months at the application deadline are ineligible.
• Applicants must have obtained their most recent higher education degree within the past six years.
• Applicants with a master’s degree in a similar field may only be considered if they provide a compelling reason for pursuing another master’s degree.
• At least four months of relevant professional or practical experience or significant social/political engagement is required.
• The overall result of at least 2.3 on the German grading scale or the top 50% of the cohort
• Language Requirements:
  • German language skills at level B2 CEFR or higher
  • English language skills at level B2 CEFR if not a native speaker

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, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, 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

Submit the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Relevant first-degree certificates and transcripts
• Proof of German language skills (if applicable)
• Proof of English language skills (if applicable)
• Copy of the identity page of the passport or national identity card (for EU citizens)
• Additional documents may be required depending on the country of academic qualification

Selection Process

Below is the selection process for the DAAD-PPGG Scholarships 2025/26 for M.A. Governance and Public Policy:

• Applications are initially submitted online through uni-assist or directly to the University of Passau based on the applicant’s academic background and country of origin.
• After submission, documents are reviewed for eligibility.
• Qualified candidates may be selected based on academic merit, language proficiency, and alignment with the program’s focus areas.
• DAAD-PPGG scholarship applicants are selected through a competitive process managed by DAAD.

How to Apply?

For DAAD Scholarship Recipients: Apply through the designated DAAD-PPGG applications portal.

Apply Now

Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the Helmut-Schmidt Programme governance and Public Policy website of the University of Passau and the DAAD for detailed application procedures and further information.

Get the full info about the program here https://www.uni-passau.de/fileadmin/dokumente/studium/infoschriften/Governance_MA_EN.pdf and about the scholarship HERE

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