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.

Requirements:

Highly qualified graduates from developing and emerging countries (see list of countries) who have obtained their first higher education degree in the subject areas of political and social studies, economics and business administration, legal and administrative sciences.

Target Group

  • The programme is open for future leaders who would like to become actively involved in further social and economic development in their home countries and regions. It is addressed at young graduates, as well as junior managers with job experience (specific requirements apply for some of the participating courses of study, these must be taken into account).
  • The general success of the programme and its alumni shows that candidates with some work experience (including internships and part-time jobs) in, for example, an administration office, governmental structures, NGOs or international organisations tend to particularly benefit from this scholarship opportunity.
  • Political or social involvement (privately, in projects or societies) is also considered an asset.

    Selection Criteria:

The most important selection criteria are:

  • Higher education degree obtained with above average results (top third of graduates)
  • Language certificates (requirements vary depending on the respective course of study)
  • Political and/or social involvement (see above ‘Target group’) is considered an advantage
  • Evidence of internships and/or professional experience is also taken
    into account positively
  • A conclusive account of the applicant’s academic and personal motivation for the study endeavour in Germany and for choosing and prioritizing the courses of study
  • An account of the applicant’s perspectives upon returning to their
    home country or region

Benefits

  • Scholarships (of currently € 861 per month) for master´s degree courses at German higher education institutions.
  • Academic education in the courses of study selected by the DAAD that are listed below will take place from September/October
  • The courses of study have an international focus and are offered in German and/or English.
  • Health insurance cover in Germany
  • Appropriate travel allowances for travel between Germany and the developing countries in question and Germany
  • A study and research grant
  • Rent subsidies and family supplements, as applicable
  • Preceding German language course in Germany (or digitally in the country of origin, depending on the latest pandemic regulations), usually lasting 6 months. Participation is mandatory.
  • The following deviations regarding funding benefits apply for the ‘Analysis and Design of Social Protection Systems’ program, due to its blended learning concept:
  • A sur place rate of € 500 is paid in the 4th semester (mandatory
  • online semester in the student’s country of origin or another developing country).
  • No family supplements can be granted, as the programme comprises phases of study in Germany as well as in the students’ home countries.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage