DAAD Helmut-Schmidt 2020-2021 Masters in Public Policy and Good Governance Scholarship Programme

Published: 15 May 2020

Applications for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt 2020 scholarships are currently being accepted to studt in Germany. This scholarship is awarded to qualified and selected Masters students.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) intends to contribute to the support of good governance and civil society structures in selected partner countries and regions.

This programme is designed to further qualify future leaders in politics, law, economics and administration according to the principles of good governance and to prepare them in a praxis-oriented course for their professional life.

The knowledge and experience acquired in Germany should enable the scholarship holders to later contribute to the establishment of democratically oriented economic and social systems aimed at overcoming social differences.

In addition, the training at German institutions of higher education should qualify the scholarship holders to become partners in the political and economic co-operation with Germany.

DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Masters Scholarship

Benefits of DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Masters Scholarship

1. Prior to their study programmes all scholarship holders receive a 6- months-German language course from April 2019 to September 2019. The language courses take place at selected institutes in Germany and not at the universities of the selected master´s courses.
2. The language course is compulsory also for those who attend a master´s course taught in English. The scholarship holders are offered a special tutoring at their host institutions financed by DAAD.
3. Furthermore, there is the possibility to attend networking events. DAAD pays a monthly scholarship rate of currently 750 €.
4. The scholarship also includes contributions to health insurance in Germany.
5. In addition, DAAD grants an appropriate travel allowance and a study and research subsidy as well as rent subsidies and/or allowances for spouses and/or children where applicable.
6. DAADscholarship holders within the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme are exempted from tuition fees.

Requirements for DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Masters Scholarship

1. The scholarship scheme is open to graduates in the field of social sciences, political sciences, law, economics and in public administration from Africa, Latin America, South Asia and Southeast Asia, from countries in the Middle East as well as from the Ukraine.
2. The programme is open for very well qualified graduates with a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent) who want to actively contribute to the social and economic development of their home countries.
3. The scholarships are offered both for young graduates without professional experience and for mid-career professionals.

Selection Criteria: The main DAAD criteria for selection are the following:

1. the study results so far
2. knowledge of English (and German)
3. political and social engagement
4. a convincing description of the subject-related and
5. personal motivation for the study project in Germany and the expected benefit when returning to the home country.
6. The latest university degree should have been obtained during the six years prior to the application for the scholarship.
7. Applicants cannot be considered if they have stayed in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of application.

All master´s courses have further additional requirements that must be fulfilled by the applicants in any case.

Selection Process

In October/November 2020 a selection committee consisting of university professors and DAAD representatives meets and suggests potential candidates for a DAAD scholarship.

1. Afterwards the suggested candidates are contacted by DAAD to upload their complete application to the DAAD Portal.
2. Important: Make sure that you have a copy of each document of your application ready, as those documents (as PDF files) have to be uploaded to the DAAD Portal in case you are suggested for a DAAD scholarship!
3. The selection process will be finalized. All applicants will be informed at the end of the selection process – approx. by the end of December 2020.

Application Documents

The necessary documents are: ?

1. DAAD Application form for Research Grants and Study Scholarships (hand-signed, but electronically edited) 
2. Hand-signed and dated motivation letter (one single letter for both universities) containing a precise description of the applicants’ academic/professional and personal reasons for choosing those master´s programmes and universities (two pages maximum)
3. Hand-signed and dated full curriculum vitae including information about the precise field of your studies, your political and social engagement and, if applicable, description of job experience
4. Copy of acquired Academic Degrees (certified translation if necessary, please attach an explanation of the grading system)
5. Copy of the transcript of records (certified translation if necessary)
6. Recent language certificates (German and/or English)
7. One letter of recommendation, signed and recently dated by your university professor or current employer, supplemented by an official letterhead, and stamp (not in a sealed envelope) 
8. If applicable certificates of employment to support relevant professional experience mentioned in your CV by documentary evidence

Application Deadline

How to Apply