Applications are open for the 2027/28 DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Program Scholarship for the Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS). The Master’s program in Peace and Conflict Studies at Otto-von-Guericke-University (OvGU) Magdeburg is part of the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German Federal Foreign Office.

PACS Master’s Program is a globally recognized four-semester English-language program. The program provides in-depth knowledge of conflict research theories and methods, practical skills for conflict management, and insights into the work of international organizations. The students’ diverse backgrounds and close student-teacher relationships create an enriching learning environment. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in international organizations, NGOs, governmental agencies, and academia.

Graduates from developing countries in social sciences, political sciences, law, economics, and public administration are eligible. Candidates must currently live in one of the listed developing countries.

Also, check the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Program Scholarship for the MA in Governance and Public Policy 2026/27

Key Details and Dates

• Application Start: 1 June 2026
• Application Deadline: 15 July 2026
• Result Announcement Dates: By the end of December 2026
• Funding Organization: DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme Scholarship
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Host Institution: Otto-von-Guericke-University (OvGU) Magdeburg
• Eligible Countries: Graduates from developing countries
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Graduates with a first university degree in social sciences, political sciences, law, economics, or public administration
• Field: Peace and Conflict Studies
• Study Level: Master’s degree (M.A.)
• Duration: 4 semesters (2 years)
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Germany

Benefits and Financial Aids

The 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
• Study and research subsidy
• Monthly rent subsidy and allowances for spouses or children (upon application)
• Four-month German language course from June 2026 to September 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet these requirements:

• Academic Background:

  • Degree in social or cultural sciences (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or equivalent) with above-average grades (German system: 2.5 or better, min. 180 ECTS).
  • If the degree is incomplete: min. 150 ECTS at the time of application.
• Non-social science applicants:

• • • At least 30 ECTS in social/cultural science subjects with a GPA equivalent to 2.5 or better.

• English Proficiency (C1 level CEFR)- Accepted certificates:

  • UNIcert III
  • IELTS: 7.0–8.0
  • Cambridge (CAE): 180+
  • TOEFL: iBT 95–120, CBT 263–300, PBT 627–677, ITP Level 1 627–677
  • TOEIC: Listening/Reading 945–990, Speaking/Writing 180–200
  • telc C1, Pearson PTE Academic
  • IELTS Indicator & TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition are also accepted
  • A degree from English-speaking countries (Australia, UK, NZ, USA, Ireland, Canada) may suffice

• Additional Criteria:

  • Other language skills are a plus
  • At least 3 months of international experience (work or study)
  • Strong motivation and clear study objectives
  • Expected impact on home country/region after graduation
  • Relevant academic/professional background in PACS
  • Clear post-graduation career plans

• Application Limits:

  • The last degree must be obtained within 6 years before applying
  • Applicants in Germany for over 15 months at the deadline are not eligible

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

• DAAD Checklist (hand-signed, dated)
• DAAD Application Form for Study Scholarships and Research Grants (hand-signed)
• Application Form for Admission to Studies
• Letter of motivation (one letter for both study courses applied for)
• CV in Europass format (hand-signed, dated)
• Simple copy of passport and residence permit (if applicable)
• Simple copies of degree certificates and transcripts (later officially certified copies)
• Recent English language certificate (Level C1)
• Proof of international experience (work or study experience)
• A letter of recommendation from a university professor or current employer
• Certificate of employment (if applicable)
• Proof of social or political engagement

Note: Please prepare a copy of each application document as a PDF file, as you will need to upload it to the DAAD portal if the committee suggests you for a DAAD scholarship.

Selection Process

Below is the selection process:

• A selection committee comprising university professors and DAAD representatives will review the applications in October or November 2026.
• Selected candidates will receive a call to upload their complete application to the DAAD Portal.
• All applicants will receive information about the selection outcome by the end of December 2026.

How to Apply?

• Prepare and merge all required documents into one single PDF file.
• Submit your complete application via email to the submission email below
• Please submit your application between June 1, 2026, and July 15, 2026.

Submission Email: pacsapplicationdaad@ovgu.de

If you have questions, contact pacs@ovgu.de or refer to the FAQ document on the DAAD website. You can also visit the official Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) webpage.

Read the FAQ about

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