DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme 2026 in Germany | Fully Funded

The DAAD Helmut‑Schmidt-Programme (also known as “Public Policy & Good Governance”) is a prestigious, fully funded Master's scholarship aimed at future leaders from developing and emerging countries, including Azerbaijan. It prepares scholars for careers in public administration, governance, policy-making, and civil society. The scholarship is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and administered by DAAD.

Application & Timeline

• Application Period: 1 June – 31 July 2025
• Selection Phase: Shortlisting in Oct–Nov 2025, final decisions announced Dec 2025–Jan 2026
• Program Start: German language prep in mid‑2026; Master's begins Sept/Oct 2026 

Eligibility

• Nationality: DAC-listed developing countries
• Academic Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields (e.g., Public Policy, Law, Economics, Social Sciences)
  • Strong GPA: top one‑third of class
  • Graduation date: No earlier than January 1, 2019
• Experience: Professional, internship, or voluntary experience relevant to governance or public policy
• Language: English proficiency required (B2); German prep course provided (~4–6 months)
• Residency Restriction: Applicants must not have lived/studied in non-DAC countries for more than 15 months prior to application 

Covered Courses & Universities

Eligible full-time Master’s programs (up to two choices), all taught in English, include:

1. Social Protection – Bonn-Rhein-Sieg UAS
2. Development & Governance – Duisburg-Essen
3. Public Policy – University of Erfurt
4. Peace & Conflict Studies – Magdeburg
5. Nonprofit Management – Osnabrück UAS
6. Development Studies – Passau
7. Governance & Public Policy – Passau 

Scholarship Benefits

• Stipend: €992/month (€500/month during final blended-semester for Social Protection program)
• Tuition fees: Fully covered
• Health insurance, travel allowance, research grants, rent/family support (if applicable)
• German language course: Mandatory 4–6 months before the start of studies 

Application Process & Documents

• Choose: Up to two programs and rank them in the motivation letter
• Submit To: Directly to universities (not to DAAD). Nominees later upload materials via DAAD portal
• Required Documents:
  • DAAD application form and signed checklist
  • Motivation letter (max. 2 pages)
  • CV (Europass format)
  • Bachelor’s transcripts/degrees (certified if needed)
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Experience certificates
  • 1 reference letter
  • Additional (e.g. German translation, family proof if relevant, APS for China) (

University-Specific Application Instructions

You apply to the university and DAAD simultaneously through Apollo. For example:

• Brandt School (University of Erfurt) – permits DAAD Helmut-Schmidt applications via their portal
• Osnabrück UAS (Nonprofit Management) – details and Apollo link available on their site 

For the complete list of eligible Master’s programs and their entry portals, check the DAAD info and each university’s “apply now” section

 How Apollo Works for DAAD Helmut-Schmidt

• DAAD uses the "Apollo" portal for online applications.
• But each university sets up its own unique Apollo link, which is usually listed on their program webpage.
• So, you apply separately to each university you're choosing (max 2 programs), and use the Apollo link provided by that specific university.