DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships 2026–2027: Fully Funded Master’s Opportunities for Sub-Saharan African Students
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa 2026–2027 is offering scholarship opportunities for graduates and postgraduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa who wish to pursue selected development-related Master’s degree programmes within Africa.
Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the programme is designed to strengthen higher education systems across Sub-Saharan Africa by supporting talented graduates who have the potential to contribute to teaching, research and sustainable development in African higher education institutions.
Unlike scholarships that require students to relocate to Europe or another distant region, the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme enables successful applicants to undertake their Master’s studies within their home country or elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa, depending on the scholarship route and the applicant’s circumstances.
For the 2026–2027 application cycle, a number of development-related Master’s programmes are currently open across countries including Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Malawi.
The programme particularly encourages applications from women, recognised refugees, and candidates from marginalised regions or groups.
Application Deadline: November 12, 2026
What Is the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme?
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa is a scholarship initiative aimed at developing strong, internationally oriented higher education systems in Africa.
The programme recognises that sustainable development depends not only on financial resources and infrastructure but also on the availability of highly trained professionals, researchers and university educators who can contribute to knowledge production and capacity development within Africa.
Through the programme, scholarships are awarded for selected development-related Master’s degree programmes.
The broader objective is to support individuals who intend to build careers in teaching and/or research at higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
This makes the scholarship particularly relevant for graduates who want to develop advanced academic and professional expertise while remaining connected to African higher education systems.
What Does In-Country and In-Region Mean?
The programme provides two main study possibilities.
1. In-Country Scholarship
An In-Country scholarship allows an eligible applicant to pursue a Master’s degree:
- In their home country; or
- In a country where they already hold a valid residence permit.
For example, a qualified Ghanaian applicant may pursue an eligible Master’s programme at one of the participating universities in Ghana.
2. In-Region Scholarship
An In-Region scholarship supports applicants who wish to pursue an eligible Master’s degree in another Sub-Saharan African country outside their home country and outside a country in which they hold a residence permit.
This creates an opportunity for African students to benefit from specialised academic programmes offered by universities elsewhere in the region.
The distinction between In-Country and In-Region scholarships is therefore important because applicants should carefully examine the specific call for applications associated with the degree programme they intend to pursue.
What Does the DAAD Scholarship Support?
The scholarship supports selected development-related Master’s degree programmes.
The programmes available under the current call cover a diverse range of fields, including:
- Water and environmental engineering
- Seed science and technology
- Molecular cell biology of infectious diseases
- Agricultural economics
- Environmental health
- Plant breeding
- Education research
- Electrical power systems
- Geomatics
- Climate change and disaster management
- Aquaculture and fisheries science
- Irrigation engineering
The availability of a particular programme depends on the participating institution and the current application call.
Applicants should therefore not assume that every university or degree programme in Sub-Saharan Africa is covered by the DAAD scholarship. The programme specifically supports the degree programmes listed in the relevant calls for applications.
DAAD Scholarship Benefits
The financial support provided through the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme is designed to help successful scholars complete their Master’s studies.
Generally, scholarship support includes:
Monthly Scholarship
Successful scholars receive a monthly scholarship allowance to support them during their studies.
The exact amount is determined according to the applicable scholarship regulations and the specific call for applications.
Study and Research Allowance
The scholarship generally provides a study and research allowance, helping scholars meet eligible academic and research-related expenses associated with their Master’s programme.
Thesis Publishing Costs
The programme also provides support for thesis publishing costs, which can be particularly important for Master’s students completing research-based degrees.
Tuition Fees
The scholarship includes support for tuition fees where applicable under the programme.
Additional Benefits for In-Region Scholars
Applicants receiving an In-Region scholarship may additionally receive:
- A travel allowance
- Health insurance
The exact value and conditions of the benefits should be confirmed in the specific call for applications for the selected degree programme.
How Long Does the DAAD Scholarship Last?
Funding is generally provided for the regular duration of the Master’s programme, which is normally up to two years.
This means that applicants should carefully review the duration of their intended degree programme and the specific funding conditions contained in its corresponding call for applications.
The scholarship is intended to support scholars throughout the normal period required to complete the Master’s programme rather than providing a short-term academic grant.
Available DAAD Master’s Programmes for 2026–2027
The current DAAD scholarship database lists a number of participating universities and degree programmes whose application periods are currently open.
These opportunities are distributed across several regions of Sub-Saharan Africa.
West and Central Africa
Burkina Faso
Institut International d’Ingenierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE)
Applicants can apply for:
This programme is particularly relevant to applicants interested in water resources, environmental management, engineering and sustainable development.
Ghana
Ghana has several participating programmes under the current DAAD In-Country/In-Region scholarship call.
West African Center for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana
Available programme:
This programme is relevant to applicants interested in seed systems, crop improvement, agricultural research and food security.
West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana
Available programme:
This programme provides an opportunity for applicants interested in molecular biology, infectious diseases, biomedical research and related areas.
University for Development Studies (UDS)
Available programme:
This programme is suited to applicants interested in agricultural economics, economic analysis, agricultural policy and development.
Eastern Africa
Ethiopia
Jimma University
Available programme:
The programme is relevant to applicants interested in environmental health and related public health and environmental development issues.
Kenya
Chuka University
Available programme:
This opportunity may be particularly relevant to applicants interested in agricultural science, crop improvement and plant breeding research.
Moi University
Available programme:
This programme provides an opportunity for applicants interested in education research and the development of research capacity within education.
Rwanda
University of Rwanda
Available programme:
The programme is relevant to applicants interested in electrical engineering, energy systems and power infrastructure.
Tanzania
Ardhi University
Available programme:
This programme provides an opportunity for students interested in geomatics and related spatial and technical applications.
Uganda
Busitema University
Available programme:
This programme is particularly relevant to applicants interested in climate change, disaster risk management, environmental sustainability and resilience.
Southern Africa
Malawi
Malawi has several programmes included in the current scholarship call.
Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS)
Available programme:
Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR)
Available programmes:
These programmes cover important areas related to food production, natural-resource management, water management, agriculture and sustainable development.
Additional Programmes Expected to Open in 2027
The DAAD scholarship database also identifies several programmes whose calls are not currently open but are expected to be published in spring 2027.
These include programmes in Nigeria and South Africa.
Nigeria
Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
Expected programme:
South Africa
University of Cape Town (UCT)
Expected programme:
University of Pretoria (UP)
Expected programme:
Applicants interested in these programmes should monitor the relevant university and DAAD announcements for the publication of their calls.
Who Should Consider Applying?
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme is particularly relevant to graduates and postgraduate applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa who have already obtained a first academic degree and want to undertake a development-related Master’s degree.
The programme is especially suited to people who see postgraduate education as preparation for careers in:
- University teaching
- Academic research
- Higher education leadership
- Agricultural research
- Environmental research
- Climate and disaster management
- Engineering
- Public health and environmental health
- Education research
- Science and technology
- Sustainable development
The programme is also designed to contribute to the long-term strengthening of African higher education institutions.
Applicants should therefore consider not only whether they meet the academic requirements of a particular Master’s programme, but also whether their academic and professional aspirations align with the broader development objectives of the scholarship.
Women and Applicants from Marginalised Groups Are Encouraged to Apply
The DAAD specifically states that certain groups are especially encouraged to apply.
These include:
- Female applicants
- Refugees with recognised refugee status
- Candidates from marginalised regions
- Candidates from marginalised groups
This encouragement reflects the programme’s broader goal of improving access to advanced education and strengthening higher education capacity across Sub-Saharan Africa.
However, applicants should still meet the academic and programme-specific requirements established by the relevant university and scholarship call.
How the Selection Process Works
The selection procedure is not necessarily identical for every participating programme.
The DAAD states that:
The selection process differs between the individual degree programmes.
This means applicants should not rely on a single universal selection procedure for every university.
The relevant university’s individual call for applications should be carefully reviewed because it contains the programme-specific application instructions and selection information.
The application process may also differ depending on the region and host institution.
For this reason, applicants should identify their preferred degree programme first and then read the corresponding call for applications before submitting their application.
Important Application Considerations
Applicants should pay close attention to the specific requirements of their chosen programme.
The DAAD scholarship database provides an overview of the opportunities, but the detailed calls for applications contain the programme-specific information applicants need to make a complete application.
Before applying, prospective scholars should therefore:
- Identify the Master’s programme that matches their academic background and career goals.
- Confirm that the programme is currently accepting applications.
- Read the specific DAAD call for applications linked to that programme.
- Check the academic and admission requirements.
- Review the application procedure of the host university.
- Prepare all required documents.
- Follow the university-specific submission instructions.
- Submit the application before the stated deadline.
Applicants should also pay attention to the distinction between In-Country and In-Region scholarships because this can affect where they are eligible to study.
Why This Scholarship Matters for Sub-Saharan Africa
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme is more than an individual scholarship opportunity.
At a broader level, it is designed to strengthen African higher education systems by developing individuals who can contribute to teaching and research.
This is important because universities and research institutions require highly trained academics and professionals capable of producing knowledge that responds to local and regional development challenges.
By supporting Master’s education within Sub-Saharan Africa, the programme also contributes to strengthening regional academic networks and reducing the need for all African postgraduate students to seek advanced training outside the continent.
The range of supported disciplines further demonstrates the programme’s development-oriented character.
Fields such as climate change, environmental health, agricultural economics, plant breeding, water engineering, electrical power systems and disaster management address major development challenges facing African societies.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the currently listed DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme opportunities is:
November 12, 2026
Applicants should not wait until the final day to begin the application process.
Because the application procedures can vary between participating universities, prospective applicants should review the relevant call for applications as early as possible and allow sufficient time to obtain academic documents, prepare application materials and complete any university-specific requirements.
Programmes Not Currently Open
It is also important to distinguish between programmes that are currently accepting applications and programmes that the DAAD database indicates will be published later.
The current database identifies the following programmes as expected to be published in spring 2027:
- Master of Science in Physics — Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria
- Master of Philosophy in Urban Studies – Southern Urbanism — University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Master of Science in Mathematics — University of Pretoria, South Africa
Applicants interested in these programmes should monitor future DAAD announcements rather than attempting to apply through the current open calls.
How to Find the Correct Call for Applications
The DAAD scholarship database provides a separate call for applications for each participating degree programme.
For example, applicants interested in the University of Ghana’s WACCI programme should consult the specific call for the Master of Philosophy in Seed Science and Technology, while applicants interested in WACCBIP should consult the separate call for Master of Philosophy in Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases.
This programme-specific approach is important because the exact admission requirements, application instructions and selection procedures may vary.
Applicants should therefore avoid treating the general scholarship database page as a substitute for the detailed programme call.
A Strong Opportunity for Future African Researchers and University Educators
One of the most important features of the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme is its emphasis on applicants who intend to pursue careers in teaching and/or research at higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
This makes the opportunity particularly relevant for graduates who see postgraduate education as part of a longer-term academic or research career.
For example, a Master’s degree supported through this programme could provide an academic foundation for someone seeking to develop expertise in agricultural research, environmental science, climate studies, engineering, education research, public health or other development-related fields.
The programme therefore connects postgraduate education with the broader objective of developing African knowledge institutions.
Visit HERE to find the full details about the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme Sub-Saharan Africa 2026–2027.
Conclusion
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme Sub-Saharan Africa 2026–2027 provides an important opportunity for graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue selected development-related Master’s degrees while remaining within Africa.
With funding generally covering the regular duration of the Master’s programme, usually up to two years, successful scholars can receive a monthly scholarship, study and research support, thesis publishing costs and tuition support. In-Region scholars may additionally receive travel support and health insurance.
The current programme includes Master’s opportunities in areas such as water and environmental engineering, seed science and technology, molecular cell biology, agricultural economics, environmental health, plant breeding, education research, electrical power systems, geomatics, climate change and disaster management, aquaculture and fisheries science, and irrigation engineering.
The programme also places particular emphasis on strengthening higher education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa and encourages applications from women, recognised refugees, and candidates from marginalised regions or groups.
Most importantly, applicants should remember that the general DAAD scholarship page is only the starting point. Each participating university and degree programme has its own detailed call for applications, and applicants must follow the specific instructions applicable to their chosen programme.
The application deadline for the currently open opportunities is November 12, 2026.
Prospective applicants should begin preparing early, carefully review the relevant programme-specific call, confirm their eligibility and submit a complete application before the deadline.
For the official scholarship database and detailed programme-specific calls, visit the DAAD scholarship database:
https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?status=&origin=145&subjectGrps=&daad=1&intention=&q=in-country&page=1&detail=10000486
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