Are you looking to study for free in Germany? Learn everything about the DAAD Helmut Schmidt 2026 scholarship – eligibility, benefits, participating universities and how to apply for this entirely funded opportunity.
Introduction
Germany has long been a favorite destination for international students who are looking for world class education, rich cultural experiences and generous financing opportunities. The Daad Helmut Schmidt scholarship, entirely funded by the German Academic Exchange Exchange (DAAD).
If you are passionate about public policies, development, governance or social sciences – and you dream of pursuing a master’s degree in Germany – this scholarship program has been designed for you. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the Daad Helmut Schmidt 2026 scholarship, including eligibility, financial coverage, available courses, participating universities and request procedures.
What is the DAAD HELMUT Schmidt 2026 scholarship?
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Stock Exchange, also known as the Public Policy and Bonne Governance Stock Exchange (PPGG), is one of the most prestigious fully funded Germany in Germany for international and emerging countries.
Appointed according to former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, this scholarship aims to support future leaders around the world by offering them the possibility of studying mastery programs linked to public policy, social policy, law, economics and public administration in Germany.
The 2026 edition continues this tradition by offering:
Complete tuition fees
Monthly life allowance
Health insurance
Travel allowance
Study and research subsidies
Rent and family support subsidies (if applicable)
Key advantages of the DAAD Helmut Schmidt 2026 scholarship
It is a fully funded scholarship program, which means that all of the study expenses are covered. Here is what the selected candidates receive:
✅ The monthly allowance
A generous allowance of € 934 per month for subsistence costs throughout the duration of the program.
✅ Complete tuition fees coverage
Your tuition fees are paid for the complete master’s program.
✅ Travel allowance
The International Fluent Flights Flight Eyer between your country of origin and Germany.
✅ Health insurance and accident
Complete medical coverage during your stay in Germany.
✅ Study and research compensation
Financial support for academic equipment, research projects and excursions.
✅ Rent grant and family allowances
If necessary, DAAD provides additional financial assistance for rent and supporting family members.
✅ German language course
Before starting the master’s program, researchers receive an intensive German language course of 6 months to facilitate cultural integration and academic success.
Eligible study fields
The Helmut Schmidt scholarship focuses on the areas related to public policy and good governance. Eligible mastery programs generally cover areas such as:
Public policy
Public administration
Social protection
International relations
Rights and human rights
Development studies
Peace and conflict studies
Political science
Governance and Public Management
These programs are taught in English or German, according to the university.
Participating universities in Germany (2026 edition)
For the contribution in 2026, DAAD has teamed up with several prestigious universities through Germany offering eligible mastery programs, in particular:
Hertie School, Berlin
University of Duisburg-Essen
University of Passau
University of applied sciences Osnabrück
University of Magdeburg
University of Erfurt
Each university offers unique specializations within the framework of the public policy and good governance program (PPGG). Applicants can request up to two lessons from different universities.
Who can apply? (Eligibility criteria)
To be considered for the Daad Helmut Schmidt 2026 scholarship, the candidates must:
✔ Be citizen of a developing or emerging country (such as listed by the OECD-DAC).
✔ Stay a baccalaureate in a related field (generally with academic results above average).
✔ Demonstrate strong motivation and leadership potential in the fields of public service and social responsibility.
✔ Having relevant professional or voluntary experience in their country of origin, preferably linked to public policy, administration, development cooperation or governance.
✔ Respond to the linguistic requirements (English mastery for English programs or German linguistic skills for German courses).
✔ Ask up to two eligible mastery programs listed by DAAD for the scholarship year.
How to apply for the Daad Helmut Schmidt 2026 scholarship
Application process:
📌 Step 1: Choose up to two eligible mastery lessons from the DAAD list.
📌 Step 2: Prepare the required documents:
DAAAD request form
Cover letter (one for both courses)
Study program (in Europass format)
Academic diploma and transcription certificates
Proof of language mastery (IELTS, TOEFL or TESTDAF for German programs)
Work / voluntary experience certificates
Letters of recommendation (optional but recommended)
📌 Step 3: Send your applications supplemented directly to universities offering your chosen programs. You do not send applications to Daad himself.
📌 Step 4: Wait for the selection results. The candidates selected are informed by e-mail by universities and DAAD.
Deadline:
The request period for the 2026 contribution generally opens in June 2025 and ends by July 31, 2025. Always check the individual university deadlines because they can vary slightly.
Tips for solid application
💡 Develop a convincing cover letter explaining your career objectives, the reasons for the choice of Germany and how this scholarship will help you contribute to good governance in your country of origin.
💡 focus on leadership potential and community engagement in your CV and support documents.
💡 Apply early and adapt each application to the intervention areas of the specific master program.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I ask for more than one DAAD scholarship?
A: Yes – But not for the same academic year. If you ask for the Helmut Schmidt scholarship, you cannot simultaneously ask for other DAAD scholarships for this consumption.
Q: Is the mastery of the German language mandatory?
A: Not always. Many programs under this scholarship are taught in English, but a 6 -month German language course is given to all researchers before the start of their master’s program.
Q: Do I need work experience to apply?
A: Relevant work or voluntary experience is highly recommended and strengthens your application.
Q: Is the Helmut Schmidt scholarship renewable?
A: No. It covers the full duration of a master’s program (generally 12-24 months) but cannot be extended.
Conclusion
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Stock Exchange offers an incredible opportunity for future managers, political decision -makers and public sector professionals to study for a fully funded master’s degree in Germany. It is not only a scholarship – it is a development program for leadership aimed at feeding global changes.
If you are passionate about public policy, governance and social responsibility, this scholarship could open doors to international networks, world class education and a significant career in the public service.