The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship is a prestigious program designed for migrant students seeking to pursue a Master's degree in public policy and governance in Germany. This scholarship is specifically tailored to support students from developing countries, offering them a chance to study at one of Germany's esteemed universities. By providing financial support and an opportunity to engage in academic and professional development, the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship is an attractive option for migrant students looking to enhance their skills in public policy and governance.
Who Qualifies
To be eligible for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship, migrant students must fall under specific visa categories, including:
* Subsidiary protection
* Refugee status
* Asylum seeker
* Temporary protection
* Humanitarian admission
* Family reunification for refugees
* Family reunification for subsidiary protection holders
It is essential for applicants to verify their eligibility based on their current visa status, as the scholarship program is tailored to support migrant students who are legally residing in Germany.
Available Scholarships
DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme (PHD)
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme (PHD) offers a coverage amount of up to €1,200 per month, along with additional funds for health, accident, and personal liability insurance. Eligible candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree and have a strong academic record. The deadline for application is typically in July, and interested applicants can find more information on the official website: https://www.daad.de.
Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG) Scholarship
The Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG) Scholarship provides a coverage amount of up to €750 per month, with an additional €1,000 for research and study materials. Eligible candidates must have a strong academic record and demonstrate a commitment to public policy and governance. The deadline for application is typically in August, and interested applicants can find more information on the official website: https://www.daad.de.
Master's Scholarship in Public Policy
The Master's Scholarship in Public Policy offers a coverage amount of up to €850 per month, with an additional €500 for travel and accommodation. Eligible candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree and have a strong academic record, as well as a demonstrated interest in public policy. The deadline for application is typically in September, and interested applicants can find more information on the official website: https://www.university-of-hamburg.de.
Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship
The Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship provides a coverage amount of up to €1,000 per month, with an additional €150 for research and study materials. Eligible candidates must have a strong academic record and demonstrate a commitment to social democracy and public policy. The deadline for application is typically in October, and interested applicants can find more information on the official website: https://www.fes.de.
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship
The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship offers a coverage amount of up to €1,500 per month, with an additional €1,000 for research and study materials. Eligible candidates must have a strong academic record and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, democracy, and human rights. The deadline for application is typically in March, and interested applicants can find more information on the official website: https://www.boell.de.
Application Steps
- Review the eligibility criteria and ensure you meet the requirements for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship.
- Choose your preferred Master's program in public policy and governance and verify that it is recognized by the DAAD.
- Prepare your application documents, including your CV, letter of motivation, and academic transcripts.
- Submit your application through the DAAD online portal.
- Wait for the review process to be completed, which may take several weeks.
- If selected, you will be required to participate in an interview, either in person or via video conference.
- Upon successful completion of the interview, you will be offered a scholarship, which you must accept within the specified timeframe.
- Once you have accepted the scholarship, you will be required to enroll in your chosen Master's program and begin your studies in Germany.
Documents Checklist
* CV
* Letter of motivation
* Academic transcripts
* Bachelor's degree certificate
* Proof of language proficiency (English or German)
* Proof of visa status
* Health insurance certificate
* Passport copy
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the duration of the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship?
- Can I apply for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship if I am not a migrant student?
- What is the coverage amount of the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship?
- Can I study in English, or do I need to learn German?
- How competitive is the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship?
- Can I apply for multiple scholarship programs simultaneously?
- What is the deadline for application?
- What are the requirements for health insurance?
External Resources
For more information on the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship, please visit the official DAAD website: https://www.daad.de. Additionally, you can find information on studying in Germany on the official government website: https://www.study-in-germany.de.
To learn more about available scholarships and programs for migrant students, visit the Migrant Scholar blog for the latest updates and information.
Related Guides
- Germany scholarships for migrants
- DAAD scholarships
- scholarships for refugees
- fully funded scholarships
- scholarship deadlines 2026
- scholarship glossary
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Last Reviewed: 26 July 2026