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Study in Germany | DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship 2026–2027

November 2, 2025 9:21 am

Study in Germany | DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship 2026–2027

Germany has officially opened applications for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship 2026–2027 cohort at Hochschule Bonn Rhein Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS). This prestigious program invites passionate future leaders, reformers, and changemakers from developing countries to study in Germany under one of the most respected fully funded scholarships in the world.

Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and administered by DAAD, this scholarship aims to nurture professionals who will strengthen democratic governance, social justice, and sustainable development in their home countries.

About the 2026 DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Program

The 2026–2027 edition of the Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship focuses exclusively on the Master’s in Social Protection at H-BRS. This specialized program trains students to design, evaluate, and implement policies that protect vulnerable populations and promote equity.

As the world rebuilds from recent social and economic challenges, this scholarship gives aspiring policymakers the tools to rethink welfare systems, develop sustainable safety nets, and create inclusive social reforms. It’s more than a degree, it’s a pathway to leading meaningful global transformation.

What the Scholarship Covers

Successful applicants receive comprehensive financial support, ensuring they can focus entirely on their studies and professional development.

Scholarship Benefits Include:

Monthly Stipend: €992 for living expenses.
Full Health and Accident Insurance for the study duration.
Travel Allowance for round-trip international flights.
Study and Research Grant for academic expenses.
Rent Subsidies and Family Supplements (depending on personal circumstances).
German Language Course (June–August 2026): A four-month preparatory program to help scholars integrate linguistically and culturally before starting classes in September.
Research Support: An additional €500 stipend in the fourth semester for thesis-related research and academic costs.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a citizen of a developing or emerging country (as listed by the OECD-DAC).
Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields:
- Economics
- Law
- Political Science
- Psychology
- International Relations
- Social Sciences or related disciplines.
If your degree is not directly listed, you must show at least 15 ECTS credits in subjects related to social protection.
Have a minimum of five months of relevant work or volunteer experience.
Demonstrate English proficiency at the C1 level or provide proof that your undergraduate education was conducted in English.
Show a clear motivation to apply social protection principles in your country’s policy development.

How to Apply for the 2026 Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship

Applications open on 1 June 2026 and close on 31 July 2026. All submissions must be made through the DAAD Apollo online portal — email submissions will not be accepted.

Click Here to Apply

Required Documents:

Research proposal (maximum 800 words).
Signed motivation letter (maximum 2 pages).
Europass-format CV (with no unexplained gaps).
Certified copies of degrees and academic transcripts.
Proof of English language proficiency.
Verification of professional or volunteer experience.
A recommendation letter from an employer or university lecturer.
Valid passport copy.

Important: Incomplete or falsified documents will result in automatic disqualification.

Timeline:

Application Period: 1 June – 31 July 2026
Interviews: November 2026
Final Selection and Admission Confirmation: Early 2027

Why Apply?

The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship offers more than academic funding — it builds the next generation of global policy leaders. Graduates of this program work with governments, NGOs, and international institutions to advance social protection, economic reform, and inclusive governance across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Germany’s world-class education system, combined with DAAD’s network of global alumni, provides unparalleled opportunities for learning, collaboration, and leadership development.

If you’re ready to lead social change and shape a fairer world, this is your chance to turn ambition into action.