Skip to main content
All Scholarships
Government Scholarship

DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme - Master's in Public Policy and Good Governance

by German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Stipend

992 EUR/month

Duration

24 months (2 years)

Level

Master

Deadline

Typically July-August for October start the following year. Check DAAD portal for exact deadline.

Advertisement

Overview

The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme offers fully funded Master's scholarships in Public Policy and Good Governance for future leaders from developing and emerging countries. Named after the former German Chancellor, it targets professionals committed to improving governance in their home countries.

Provider

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Type

government Scholarship

Who Can Apply

Developing and emerging countries (including India)

Degree Levels

Master

Benefits & Financial Support

Funding Amount

992 EUR/month + tuition + insurance + travel

About

The Helmut Schmidt Programme funds Master's studies in Public Policy and Good Governance at selected German universities. It targets future leaders who plan to drive positive change in their home countries and return to contribute to governance and public administration.

Benefits

  • Monthly stipend of 992 EUR
  • Tuition fees covered at participating universities
  • Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
  • Travel allowance
  • Study and research allowance
  • German language course (if applicable)

Eligibility

  • From a developing country (India is eligible)
  • Bachelor's degree with above-average results
  • Minimum 2 years of professional experience in a relevant field
  • Demonstrated leadership potential and commitment to public service

Eligibility Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree with above-average results
  • 2+ years professional experience
  • leadership potential
  • commitment to return to home country.

What This Scholarship Covers

Tuition Fees

Full or partial tuition waiver at German universities

Living Allowance

Monthly stipend for rent, food, and daily expenses

Travel Allowance

Contribution toward flights to and from Germany

Health Insurance

Mandatory health, accident, and liability insurance

In the provider's words

  • tuition
  • living
  • insurance
  • travel

How to Apply

1

Check Eligibility

Verify you meet the nationality, degree level, academic, and language requirements listed above.

2

Prepare Documents

Gather your academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, letters of recommendation, language certificates, and motivation letter.

3

Find a Programme

Identify the German university and programme you want to study. Some scholarships require university admission before applying.

4

Submit Application

Apply through the official application portal before the deadline. Upload all required documents as PDFs.

5

Interview & Selection

If shortlisted, attend an interview (may be online). Selection committees assess academic merit, motivation, and fit.

6

Receive Decision

Scholarship decisions typically arrive 3-6 months after the deadline. If awarded, complete visa and enrolment procedures.

Application Document Checklist

  • Completed application form
  • Curriculum vitae (CV / resume)
  • Motivation letter / statement of purpose
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree certificate
  • Academic transcripts with grades
  • Language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF, or DSH)
  • Letter(s) of recommendation from university professors
  • Valid passport copy
  • Passport-sized photograph
  • University admission letter (if already accepted)

Note: Exact document requirements vary. Always check the official scholarship page for the definitive list.

Need Help With Your Application?

Scholarship applications are competitive: a strong profile evaluation, polished SOP, and the right university selection make the difference. GradGermany's experts can help at every step.

Want our guides higher up in Google?

Mark GradGermany as a preferred source and Google gives our pages more room when you search about studying in Germany. Takes one tap, and you can undo it any time from the same screen.

Add as preferred source

Quick Facts

Amount
992 EUR/month + tuition + insurance + travel
Duration
24 months (2 years)
Degree Levels
Master
Deadline
Typically July-August for October start the following year. Check DAAD portal for exact deadline.
Who Can Apply
Developing and emerging countries (including India)

Frequently Asked Questions About the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme - Master's in Public Policy and Good Governance

The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme - Master's in Public Policy and Good Governance provides 992 EUR/month + tuition + insurance + travel. The exact amount may vary depending on your study level, programme, and personal circumstances.
Bachelor's degree with above-average results; 2+ years professional experience; leadership potential; commitment to return to home country.
The application deadline is: Typically July-August for October start the following year. Check DAAD portal for exact deadline.. We recommend starting your application at least 3 months before the deadline to allow time for document preparation.
The target group for this scholarship is: Developing and emerging countries (including India). Indian students are generally eligible for most German scholarships if they meet the academic and language requirements.
This scholarship covers: tuition fees, monthly living allowance, health insurance, travel costs.
To apply: (1) Check you meet the eligibility requirements, (2) Prepare all required documents including transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and language certificates, (3) Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline. Apply at: https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/scholarships/daad-scholarships/

Other Government Scholarships

The DAAD offers fully funded scholarships for international graduates from all disciplines to pursue a Master's degree at a German university. It is one of the...

992 EUR/month + insurance + travel allowance + language course
Master
10-24 months (standard period of the Master's programme)
Deadline: Varies by programme - typically July to November for October start. Check DAAD scholarship database for exact dates.
All international students (including Indian students)
Living costs Travel Insurance Books & materials

The DAAD scholarship for PhD in Germany funds international doctoral candidates completing an individual PhD or structured doctoral programme at a German univer...

1,400 EUR/month + 460 EUR/year research allowance + insurance + travel
PhD
Up to 4 years; initially awarded for up to 3 years
Deadline: Country-specific. Applications are possible between 1 June and the stated DAAD deadline.
All international students (including Indian students)
Living costs Travel Insurance Language course Research & thesis Family & childcare

DAAD Research Grants - Short-Term Grants

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Short-term research grants for doctoral candidates and young academics to carry out research stays of 1-6 months at a publicly funded German higher education in...

1,300 EUR/month (doctoral candidates) + insurance + travel
PhD, Postdoc
1-6 months
Deadline: Generally November for the following year. Country-specific deadlines apply - check DAAD scholarship database.
All international students (including Indian students)
Living costs Travel Insurance