DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Program (Sub-Saharan Africa)
by German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Β· Selected partner institutions across Africa (e.g., University of Nairobi, KNUST, UCT, Makerere University, etc.)
π Fully Fundedπ’ Activeπ Master's and PhDπ Sub-Saharan African Countriesπ Merit-based / Full Scholarship
Master's: Up to 2 years; PhD: Up to 3 years (sometimes extendable to 4)
Deadline
Varies by host ins
Level
Master's and PhD
Acceptance
Low
Difficulty
High
β¨ Should I Apply for DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Program (Sub-Saharan Africa)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
72%
Eligibility Match
20%
Win Probability
7/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
30β45 hrs
Time Required
Competitive (estimated 5-10% depending on the specific program and institution)
Competition
π Overview
π°
Award Amount
Varies by country; typically 400 - 900 EUR monthly stipend plus tuition and allowances
β±
Duration
Master's: Up to 2 years; PhD: Up to 3 years (sometimes extendable to 4)
π
Deadline
Varies by host institution (typically between December and February for the following academic year)
π¬
Fields
Development-related fields including STEM, Agriculture, Health, Education, Environment, and Social Sciences
π
Awards/Year
Approximately 1,000 new scholarships awarded annually across the region
π
Study Country
Sub-Saharan African Countries
ποΈ
Provider
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
π
Acceptance
Low
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.
π₯ 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).
ποΈ Host University
Selected partner institutions across Africa (e.g., University of Nairobi, KNUST, UCT, Makerere University, etc.)
π€ Sponsor
Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany
π¬ Fields of Study
Development-related fields including STEM, Agriculture, Health, Education, Environment, and Social Sciences
β¨ 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.
π― Target Students
African postgraduates seeking to strengthen local and regional expertise
π· Tags
AfricaMaster'sPhDSTEMFully FundedDAADDevelopmentSub-Saharan Africa
π Statistics & Competitiveness
Varies (Estimated over 10,000 applications across all regional centers)
Applicants Last Year
Approximately 1,000
Winners
Low
Acceptance Rate
Competitive (estimated 5-10% depending on the specific program and institution)
Competition Level
Win Probability
20%
Match Score
72%
Competition
75%
πΈ Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes
Living Stipend
Yes
Total Award
Varies by country; typically
βοΈ Travel: Yes (Provided for In-Region students; In-Country students may receive local travel support)π Accommodation: Yes (Included as part of the monthly living stipend)π Health Insurance: Yesπ Renewable: Yesπ³ App Fee: None for the DAAD portal; host institutions may charge their own processing fees
π Tuition Coverage
Yes
π Living Stipend
Yes
π‘ Accommodation
Yes (Included as part of the monthly living stipend)
βοΈ Travel Allowance
Yes (Provided for In-Region students; In-Country students may receive local travel support)
π Health Insurance
Yes
π Other Benefits
Study and research allowance, printing allowance, and family allowance in specific cases
π Renewable
Yes
π Renewal Conditions
Subject to satisfactory academic progress reports and annual review by DAAD and the host institution
β Eligibility Requirements
π Eligible Nationalities
Citizens or permanent residents of Sub-Saharan Africa with a degree not older than 6 years
π Academic Level
Master's and PhD
π Minimum GPA
Second Class Upper Division or equivalent (generally 3.0/4.0 or higher)
π£οΈ English Requirement
Proficiency required (dependent on the host university's language of instruction; usually IELTS/TOEFL or proof of English medium instruction)
π Age Limit
No specific age limit; however, the last academic degree must have been obtained within the last 6 years
πΌ Work Experience
Preferred for Master's; often required for PhD candidates (especially in professional fields)
π Leadership
Desired; candidates should demonstrate potential for social and professional leadership
π° Financial Need
Considered as a secondary factor; the primary focus is academic merit and developmental relevance
π― Target Students
African postgraduates seeking to strengthen local and regional expertise
π Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Letter of Motivation and/or Research Proposal for PhD candidates)
Rec Letters
Yes (Minimum of two academic reference letters from university professors)
Interview
Varies (Host institutions may conduct interviews during the shortlisting phase)
Application Fee
None for the DAAD portal; host institutions may charge their own processing fees
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Minimum of two academic reference letters from university professors) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Proficiency required (dependent on the host university's language of instruction; usually IELTS/TOEFL or proof of English medium instruction)
Interview: Varies (Host institutions may conduct interviews during the shortlisting phase)
Min GPA: Second Class Upper Division or equivalent (generally 3.0/4.0 or higher)
π 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.
π‘ 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.
πΊοΈ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
β High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
β High Risk Stage
π Key Dates & Timeline
π Opens
Usually September or October
β° Deadline
Varies by host institution (typically between December and February for the following academic year)
π€ Interview
Varies (Host institutions may conduct interviews during the shortlisting phase)
π Study Starts
Varies (usually September or January depending on the host university calendar)
Usually September or October
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Varies by host institution (typically between December and February for the following academic year)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application β no late entries
Varies (Host institutions may conduct interviews during the shortlisting phase)
Shortlisting & Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Varies (usually September or January depending on the host university calendar)
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
βοΈ Selection Process
π Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, quality of the research project (for PhD), and the socio-economic development relevance of the field of study.
β‘ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Program (Sub-Saharan Africa)Current
Sub-Saharan African Countries
Full Funding
Master's and PhD
β
πΉπ· BoΔaziΓ§i University Success and Need-Based Scholarships
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).
This scholarship covers: Comprehensive coverage including full tuition fees, a monthly subsistence allowance, annual study/research grants, travel costs for regional students, and health insurance coverage.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Varies by host institution (typically between December and February for the following academic year). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Competitive (estimated 5-10% depending on the specific program and institution). Acceptance rate: Low. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Proficiency required (dependent on the host university's language of instruction; usually IELTS/TOEFL or proof of English medium instruction), Yes (Minimum of two academic reference letters from university professors) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.