The DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship, a transformative study in Germany initiative, invites African students to pursue master’s degrees at top German universities, including Technical University of Munich (#28, QS World University Rankings 2025), Heidelberg University, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and University of Freiburg. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and managed by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), these fully funded scholarships for Africans foster African leadership pioneers in fields like public health, sustainable development, engineering, social sciences, data analytics, and environmental policy. Scholars embark on a transformative German education, engaging in cutting-edge research to drive regional progress.
The DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship supports tuition-free master’s programs at public universities, targeting scholars from Sub-Saharan African countries like South Sudan, Uganda, Cameroon, Senegal, and Togo. Scholars access world-class facilities, such as TUM’s Sustainability Innovation Lab or Heidelberg’s Global Health Research Center, collaborating with expert faculty on challenges like climate adaptation, digital governance, and social equity, with 85% of alumni leading development initiatives in Africa post-graduation. The program, supporting 55+ master’s degrees annually, includes a mandatory LEAD! training in governance and career development, enhancing leadership skills. Germany’s research-driven education strengthens scholars’ global competitiveness.
The scholarship champions global professional networks. Scholars join the DAAD Alumni Network, connecting with peers, mentors, and industry leaders through conferences, workshops, and events like Berlin Sustainability Summit, Munich Innovation Forum, or Hamburg Global Policy Symposium. This inclusive framework supports diverse perspectives, with 70% of scholars from conflict-affected regions. Campus activities, such as AI research symposiums, Berlin Diversity Festival, or Freiburg Green Tech Week, enrich the research-driven experience, with 80% forming international professional ties. DAAD’s partnerships with African, European, and global institutions enhance cross-border research opportunities.
Studying in Germany, scholars explore landmarks like Berlin Wall, Bavaria’s Neuschwanstein Castle, or Rhine Valley, immersing in German cultural vibrancy. Events like Oktoberfest, Berlin Art Week, or Stuttgart Wine Festival deepen engagement. German campuses, equipped with advanced labs, digital libraries, and innovation hubs, support global academic excellence, with connectivity to Amsterdam, Paris, and Zurich. Germany’s safe, student-friendly cities (QS Best Student Cities 2025: Berlin #6, Munich #11) complement academic pursuits, ideal for master’s studies.
Candidates must apply through the DAAD Portal, selecting a master’s program (excluding medicine, law, arts, architecture) and submitting an online application with a motivation letter and CV. Join a global cohort to champion sustainable leadership, embrace German cultural diversity, and redefine career horizons with the DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship!
DAAD Master’s Scholarship for African Students in Germany:
Host Country:
•Germany.
Funded By:
•The German Academic Exchange Service
Degree Level:
•Master’s Degree Program
Courses Offered Under DAAD Scholarship:
•Social Protection.
•Development and Governance.
•Public Policy.
•Peace and Conflict Studies.
•Management in Non-Profit Organizations.
•Development Studies.
•Governance and Public Policy.
•Public Management.
Benefits of the DAAD Masters Scholarship for African Students:
•Free tuition fee.
•Monthly stipend of 861 Euros.
•Traveling allowance.
•Yearly study allowance.
•Monthly rent subsidy and accommodation allowance for family members.
•Health, accident, and personal/private liability insurance in Germany is given.
•Candidates will be given the privilege to attend the Language course in Germany prior to their actual university study.
•An additional training program of LEAD, which will be mandatory for all.
Eligibility Criteria of DAAD Scholarship in Germany:
1. Highly qualified graduates from the listed eligible countries can apply.
2. The country of residence or citizenship should be among the listed eligible countries.
3. Successfully completed a bachelor’s degree at the time of application.
4. At least 2nd class upper division level bachelor’s degree.
5. The degree’s completion year should not be more than 6 years older.
6. Good English or German language.
7. Highly qualified refugees, fulfilling the program’s requirements can also apply.
8. The refugees should be granted this status before April.
9. For a bachelor’s degree in medicine, you can only apply for the Public Health or Biomedical master’s degree program.
10. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.
Documents Required for the DAAD Master’s Scholarship for African Students in Germany:
1. Recommendation letter (if available).
2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Graduation of bachelor’s degree.
3. Academic transcript of bachelor’s program (if required).
4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).
5. CV (if required).
6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).
7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.
8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).
9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).
10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).
11. For refugees, UNHCR registration or official proof of asylum by respective authorities will be required.
12. Other documents may include Employment certificate, internship proof, former scholarship proof, extracurricular engagement proof, recommendation letters, and proof of admissions to a German master’s program.
Scholarship Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in June 2026!
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.
