Helmut-Schmidt Programme – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes31 Jul, 2026

The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme, also known as the DAAD Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG) Scholarship, is a fully funded master’s scholarship offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The scholarship provides a fully funded study package in Germany. It typically includes a monthly stipend, health insurance, travel allowance, German language preparation courses, and additional academic support. Therefore, students can focus entirely on their studies and research without financial burden. In addition, scholars benefit from internships, academic mentoring, and networking opportunities that enhance their professional growth.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Helmut-Schmidt Programme before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, South-Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

Development Studies, Governance and Public Policy

GPA / Grade

GPA 2.5

Languages

B2 First

Tests

Study Levels

Master's, MS

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Yes (2)

Result Date

Program Start

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Yes

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount
Deadline31 Jul, 2026
LevelMaster's, MS
InstitutionUniversity of Passau
CountryIreland
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The Helmut-Schmidt Programme, also known as the DAAD Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG) Scholarship, is a fully funded master’s scholarship offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It supports highly qualified graduates from developing and emerging countries who want to pursue advanced studies in Germany. The program focuses on preparing future leaders in politics, public administration, law, economics, and public policy. In addition, it aims to strengthen democratic governance, social justice, and sustainable development in the scholars’ home countries.

Background and Purpose

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) established this program to support capacity building in governance and public policy. It encourages talented individuals to contribute to improving public institutions and addressing political, social, and economic challenges in their home countries. Furthermore, the scholarship promotes international cooperation and knowledge exchange. At the University of Passau, the program is linked to interdisciplinary master’s degrees such as Development Studies and Governance and Public Policy, which integrate political science, economics, law, and social sciences.

Helmut-Schmidt Programme Benefits

The scholarship provides a fully funded study package in Germany. It typically includes a monthly stipend, health insurance, travel allowance, German language preparation courses, and additional academic support. Therefore, students can focus entirely on their studies and research without financial burden. In addition, scholars benefit from internships, academic mentoring, and networking opportunities that enhance their professional growth.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be graduates from developing or emerging countries with strong academic records and leadership potential. The program prioritizes candidates with a clear commitment to social responsibility and public service. Moreover, applicants must demonstrate that their previous studies are relevant to public policy, governance, law, economics, or related fields. Selection is highly competitive and based on academic excellence, motivation, and social engagement.

Helmut-Schmidt Programme Application Process

Applicants must apply through the DAAD application system and meet the requirements of the selected master’s program at the University of Passau. After submission, candidates may be required to provide academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a motivation statement. In addition, the selection process evaluates leadership potential, academic performance, and commitment to development goals in the applicant’s home country.

Opportunities for Scholars

The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme offers students an excellent opportunity to study in Germany at a world-class university while receiving full financial support. Scholars gain strong academic training in public policy and governance, along with practical skills for policy-making and leadership. Furthermore, the program helps students build international networks and prepares them to become future leaders who can contribute to sustainable development and good governance in their countries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

It is open to highly qualified graduates from developing and emerging countries with a strong academic background and interest in public policy, governance, or related fields.

How long is the program duration?

It usually covers a two-year Master’s degree, including preparatory German language training before the main studies.

What is the main aim of the Helmut-Schmidt Program?

It aims to train future leaders in good governance, democracy, and social development so they can contribute to reforms in their home countries.