The Leadership for Africa Scholarship is a fully funded master’s programme launched by the DAAD with funding from the German Federal Foreign Office. This scholarship supports the academic qualification of young refugees and national scholars from selected Subsaharan African countries at German universities, aiming to foster sustainable development through well-trained experts.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the world’s largest funding organisation for the international exchange of students and researchers. With its development-oriented postgraduate study programs, the DAAD promotes the training of specialists from developed and newly industrialised countries, playing a crucial role in global education cooperation.
Leadership for Africa Scholarship Benefits
- German language course (up to 6 months) in Germany before the start of the university studies
- Tuition-free M.A. or M.Sc. degree programs at a public or state-recognized university in Germany
- Monthly scholarship rate payments of 934 EURO
- Adequate health, accident, and private/personal liability insurance in Germany
- Travel allowance
- Yearly study allowance
- Additional mandatory training program: LEAD!
- If applicable, a monthly rent subsidy and a monthly allowance for accompanying family members
Leadership for Africa Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Young refugees and national scholars from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda
- Completed a bachelor’s degree at the time of application
- Bachelor’s degree of at least 2nd class, upper division level
- Not more than 6 years should have passed since the completion of the last academic degree
- Good English or good German language skills
- For Refugees: Copy of Refugee ID card issued before 02.04.2023
How to Apply for the Leadership for Africa Scholarship
- Choose suitable courses of your interest (a maximum of three courses)
- Apply to universities offering those courses
- Send complete application(s) directly to the universities
- The selection committee suggests potential candidates for a DAAD scholarship
- DAAD contacts suggested that candidates to upload their complete application to the DAAD Portal
- DAAD finalises the selection process and informs the suggested candidates accordingly
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Leadership for Africa Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility requirements, benefits, application deadlines, and the step-by-step application process to help you successfully apply for this fully funded opportunity.
What is the Leadership for Africa Scholarship?
The Leadership for Africa Scholarship is a DAAD programme that supports master’s degrees for scholarship holders from several Subsaharan African countries at German universities. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, it aims to support the academic qualification and advancement of young refugees and national scholars.
Which countries are eligible for this scholarship?
The scholarship targets young refugees and national scholars from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda. Each year the target countries both in East Africa and West and Central Africa are announced prior to the call for application.
What level of study does this scholarship support?
The Leadership for Africa Scholarship supports master’s degree programs at German universities. The scholarships offer foreign graduates the chance to take a postgraduate or master’s degree at a state or state-recognized German university.
What are the main benefits of this scholarship?
Benefits include a German language course (up to 6 months), tuition-free master’s programs, monthly payments of 934 euros, health insurance, travel allowance, yearly study allowance, and participation in the additional LEAD! training program.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree of at least 2nd class upper division level, completed within the last 6 years. Good English or German language skills are required, and refugees need a Refugee ID card issued before April 2, 2023.
When is the application deadline?
The application window typically runs from April to June each year. For the 2026 intake, the deadline is expected to be around June 30, 2026, but applicants should check the official DAAD portal for exact dates.
How do I apply for this scholarship?
Applications must be submitted exclusively to the DAAD portal. The process involves choosing suitable courses, applying to universities, and then being suggested by a selection committee for the DAAD scholarship before uploading documents to the portal.
What documents are required for application?
Required documents include the DAAD application form, curriculum vitae, letter of motivation, study course profile form, proof of language skills, university degree certificates, passport copies, and for refugees: Refugee ID card and UNHCR registration.
Can refugees apply for this scholarship?
Yes, the programme specifically includes young refugees from the target countries. Refugee applicants need to provide a copy of their Refugee ID card issued before April 2, 2023, along with UNHCR registration or official proof of asylum.
What is the duration of the scholarship funding?
The duration of funding is determined by the standard period of study of the chosen program. Generally, selected candidates start their German language course in April 2026 and begin studies by October 1, 2026, with master’s programs typically requiring two years of full-time study.
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