Quick Summary
DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Program (Sub-Saharan Africa), administered by German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), is one of the funding options available to african postgraduates seeking to strengthen local and regional expertise in Sub-Saharan African Countries. The award covers Varies by country; typically 400 - 900 EUR monthly stipend plus tuition and allowances and is open to master's and phd students studying development-related fields including stem, agriculture, health, education, environment, and social sciences. The scholarship runs for master's: up to 2 years; phd: up to 3 years (sometimes extendable to 4) and may be renewed annually based on academic performance. Eligibility is generally based on applicants must be nationals or residents of a Sub-Saharan African country, hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree with above-average results, and plan to study at a participating partner institution outside their home country (In-Region) or within it (In-Country). The application deadline is Varies by host institution (typically between December and February for the following academic year), with an acceptance rate of low. EduAtlasHub tracks updated deadlines, coverage details and eligibility requirements for this scholarship as they change.
✨ Should I Apply for DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Program (Sub-Saharan Africa)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
Competitive (estimated 5-10% depending on the specific program and institution)
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Varies by country; typically 400 - 900 EUR monthly stipend plus tuition and allowances
⏳
Duration
Master's: Up to 2 years; PhD: Up to 3 years (sometimes extendable to 4)
📅
Deadline
Varies by host institution (typically between December and February for the following academic year)
🔬
Fields
Development-related fields including STEM, Agriculture, Health, Education, Environment, and Social Sciences
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 1,000 new scholarships awarded annually across the region
🌏
Study Country
Sub-Saharan African Countries
🏛️
Provider
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Program is designed to train future academic and professional leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa. By funding postgraduate education at high-performing African universities, the program aims to strengthen the regional higher education system and reduce brain drain, allowing students to gain advanced degrees within their own socio-cultural context.
👥 Who Should Apply
Applicants must be nationals or residents of a Sub-Saharan African country, hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree with above-average results, and plan to study at a participating partner institution outside their home country (In-Region) or within it (In-Country).
🏛️ Host University
Selected partner institutions across Africa (e.g., University of Nairobi, KNUST, UCT, Makerere University, etc.)
🤝 Sponsor
Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany
🔬 Fields of Study
Development-related fields including STEM, Agriculture, Health, Education, Environment, and Social Sciences
✨ Key Benefits
Comprehensive coverage including full tuition fees, a monthly subsistence allowance, annual study/research grants, travel costs for regional students, and health insurance coverage.
🎯 Target Students
African postgraduates seeking to strengthen local and regional expertise
🏷 Tags
Africa
Master's
PhD
STEM
Fully Funded
DAAD
Development
Sub-Saharan Africa
💸 Funding Breakdown
Total Award
Varies by country; typically 400 - 900 EUR monthly stipend plus tuition and allowances
✈️ Travel: Yes (Provided for In-Region students; In-Country students may receive local travel support)
🏠 Accommodation: Yes (Included as part of the monthly living stipend)
💊 Health Insurance: Yes
🔄 Renewable: Yes
💳 App Fee: None for the DAAD portal; host institutions may charge their own processing fees
🏡 Accommodation
Yes (Included as part of the monthly living stipend)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (Provided for In-Region students; In-Country students may receive local travel support)
🎁 Other Benefits
Study and research allowance, printing allowance, and family allowance in specific cases
📋 Renewal Conditions
Subject to satisfactory academic progress reports and annual review by DAAD and the host institution
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Citizens or permanent residents of Sub-Saharan Africa with a degree not older than 6 years
🎓 Academic Level
Master's and PhD
📊 Minimum GPA
Second Class Upper Division or equivalent (generally 3.0/4.0 or higher)
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency required (dependent on the host university's language of instruction; usually IELTS/TOEFL or proof of English medium instruction)
🍢 Age Limit
No specific age limit; however, the last academic degree must have been obtained within the last 6 years
💼 Work Experience
Preferred for Master's; often required for PhD candidates (especially in professional fields)
🏆 Leadership
Desired; candidates should demonstrate potential for social and professional leadership
💰 Financial Need
Considered as a secondary factor; the primary focus is academic merit and developmental relevance
🎯 Target Students
African postgraduates seeking to strengthen local and regional expertise
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Letter of Motivation and/or Research…
Rec Letters
Yes (Minimum of two academic reference…
Interview
Varies (Host institutions may conduct…
Application Fee
None for the DAAD portal; host institutions may charge their own processing fees
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- English Proficiency Proof
- Interview
- Minimum GPA Requirement
📋 Application Process
Align your research proposal or motivation letter with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and explain how your studies will benefit your home country.
💡 Insider Tip: You must often apply for admission at the host university before or simultaneously with the DAAD scholarship application. Check the specific 'Call for Scholarship Applications' for your chosen institution.