✨ Should I Apply for Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance – PPGG)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
Low (Highly competitive global program)
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
934 EUR per month plus additional allowances
⏱
Duration
12 to 24 months depending on the specific master's program
🗓
Deadline
July 31st (Annually)
💼
Fields
Public Policy, Good Governance, International Relations, Social Protection, Public Management, and Development Studies.
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 80 per year
🏛️
Provider
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
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Acceptance
Check official website (Estimated below 5% based on previous cycles)
The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (formerly known as Public Policy and Good Governance) is one of DAAD's most prestigious scholarships. It is designed to train future leaders in politics, law, economics, and administration according to the principles of Good Governance. It prepares students from developing countries for future professional roles in their home countries, emphasizing social justice and democratic principles.
👥 Who Should Apply
Highly qualified graduates from DAC list countries with a Bachelor's degree (max 6 years old) who are committed to social and political involvement and intend to contribute to the development of their home countries.
🏛️ Host University
Participating German universities: Hertie School (Berlin), University of Duisburg-Essen, Willy Brandt School (Erfurt), University of Magdeburg, University of Osnabrück, University of Passau, and University of Potsdam.
🤝 Sponsor
German Federal Foreign Office
💼 Fields of Study
Public Policy, Good Governance, International Relations, Social Protection, Public Management, and Development Studies.
✨ Key Benefits
The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 934 EUR, full health insurance, travel costs, an annual study/research allowance, and a preparatory German language course. Tuition fees at the partner universities are fully waived.
🎯 Target Students
International students from developing and emerging countries (DAC list).
🏷 Tags
DAAD
Master's
Germany
Full Funding
Public Policy
Governance
Developing Countries
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes (Tuition fees are waived for scholarship holders at the selected universities)
Living Stipend
934 EUR per month
Total Award
934 EUR per month plus addit
✈️ Travel: Yes (Flat-rate travel allowance for arrival in and departure from Germany)
🏠 Accommodation: No (The monthly stipend is intended to cover accommodation costs, though a separate rent subsidy may be available in specific cases)
💊 Health Insurance: Yes (Comprehensive health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage provided)
🔄 Renewable: No
💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes (Tuition fees are waived for scholarship holders at the selected universities)
🏠 Living Stipend
934 EUR per month
🏡 Accommodation
No (The monthly stipend is intended to cover accommodation costs, though a separate rent subsidy may be available in specific cases)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (Flat-rate travel allowance for arrival in and departure from Germany)
💊 Health Insurance
Yes (Comprehensive health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage provided)
🎁 Other Benefits
Study and research subsidy of 460 EUR per year, monthly rent subsidy where applicable, allowances for spouses/children where applicable, and a mandatory 6-month German language course prior to the start of the study program.
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable as the scholarship covers the standard period of study for the chosen Master's degree.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Graduates from developing and emerging countries (DAC list) with a first university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) obtained no more than six years prior to the application.
🎓 Academic Level
Master's Degree
📊 Minimum GPA
Competitive (Typically equivalent to a 2.5 or better on the German scale; usually 3.0+ on a 4.0 scale).
🗣️ English Requirement
Required (TOEFL or IELTS required for English-taught programs; specific scores vary by university but generally IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 80+).
🎂 Age Limit
None (However, the most recent degree must have been obtained within the last six years).
💼 Work Experience
Highly recommended (Relevant internships or professional experience in public policy, administration, or social sectors are strongly preferred).
🏆 Leadership
Yes (Candidates must demonstrate leadership potential and a clear commitment to social or political development).
💰 Financial Need
No (Selection is primarily merit-based and centered on leadership potential).
🎯 Target Students
International students from developing and emerging countries (DAC list).
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (A detailed Letter of Motivation is required, maximum two pages).
Rec Letters
Yes (A recent letter of recommendation from a university professor or employer).
Interview
Varies (Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview by the DAAD selection committee or the respective university).
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Yes (A recent letter of recommendation from a university professor or employer). Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- Required (TOEFL or IELTS required for English-taught programs; specific scores vary by university but generally IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 80+).
- Interview: Varies (Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview by the DAAD selection committee or the respective university).
- Min GPA: Competitive (Typically equivalent to a 2.5 or better on the German scale; usually 3.0+ on a 4.0 scale).
📋 Application Process
Submit a single PDF for each course application. Focus your motivation letter on how the specific degree will help you solve a particular problem in your home country. Use the Europass CV format.
💡 Insider Tip: You can apply for up to two Master's courses. If applying for two, you must submit the same motivation letter to both, explaining your priority choice. Ensure all academic transcripts and degrees are officially translated into English or German.