DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme: Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance 2025

The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (known as Public Policy and Good Governance) supports future leaders from developing countries (see list of countries), who want to promote democracy and social justice in their home countries. The programme, which is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, offers the chance to acquire a Master’s degree in Master programmes of particular relevance for the social, political and economic development in the students’ countries of origin. In the light of the principles of Good Governance, highly qualified graduates with a first academic degree are being educated in political science, law, economics and administration and prepared for future leading positions in their home countries.

The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme, administered by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), stands as a beacon for fostering good governance and civil society structures in developing and emerging nations. This initiative aims to equip future leaders with the necessary skills to drive social, political, and economic development in their home countries. Here’s all you need to know about the programme:

Objective: The primary goal of the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme is to nurture responsible leadership and advance social and economic institutions geared towards democratic principles and the mitigation of social inequalities in developing and emerging countries.

Programme Details:

• The programme offers master’s courses in disciplines crucial for societal development.
• It provides a practice-oriented curriculum to prepare students for leadership roles in their home regions.
• Students engage in establishing democratically oriented economic and social institutions.

Who Can Apply? The programme is open to graduates from developing and emerging countries with a bachelor’s or equivalent degree. Ideal candidates possess:

• A well-qualified first university degree with above-average grades in Social and Political Sciences, Law, Economics, Public Policy, and Administration.
• A commitment to contribute actively to the development of their home countries/regions.
• Relevant practical experience such as internships or political/social engagement.

Funding: Selected scholars receive comprehensive support, including:

• Monthly scholarships (currently €934) for master’s courses in Germany.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Travel allowances.
• Study and research grants.
• Rent subsidies and family supplements where applicable.
• German language course prior to commencement.

Application Process:

• Applications must be submitted in English or German.
• Candidates can apply for up to two master’s courses.
• Selection criteria include academic excellence, professional experience, and alignment with programme goals.

Selection Process:

• A selection committee evaluates applications based on academic, professional, and personal motivations.
• Successful candidates are invited to upload their documents to the DAAD portal.

Application Requirements: Applicants must provide various documents, including a motivation letter, curriculum vitae, and proof of language proficiency.

Application Deadline: The application period runs from June 1st to July 31st, 2024.

Contact Information: For further details, candidates can reach out to the respective master’s courses or visit their websites.

List of Master’s Courses:

1. Social Protection – University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg
2. Development and Governance – University of Duisburg-Essen
3. Public Policy – Willy Brandt School of Public Policy, University of Erfurt
4. Peace and Conflict Studies – University of Magdeburg
5. Management in Nonprofit-Organisations – University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück
6. Development Studies – University of Passau
7. Governance and Public Policy – University of Passau

Important Links

• Current Announcement
• Checklist
• Application Form
• List of Countries
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Information about the Master’s Courses

The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme stands as a gateway for aspiring leaders to receive world-class education and contribute meaningfully to the development of their societies. Apply now to be a part of this transformative journey!