Helmut-Schmidt-Programme – Master's Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG) 2027
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
Application deadline
31 Jul 2026
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Overview
The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme is a fully funded master's scholarship from DAAD, Germany's academic exchange service, paid for by the German Federal Foreign Office. It supports graduates from developing and emerging countries — India is on the eligible DAC country list — who want to work on good governance, public policy and social development back home.
You can apply if you have a good first university degree (bachelor or equivalent) with above-average grades (upper third) in Social and Political Sciences, Law, Economics, or Public Policy and Administration. You also need relevant practical experience: a job, internships, political work, or volunteering with NGOs or charities. Your last degree must not be older than six years (issued on or after 1 January 2020).
The scholarship covers a two-year (or in one case one-year) master's course taught in English at one of seven German universities. You get about €992 per month, health insurance, a travel allowance, a study and research grant, rent and family supplements where applicable, and a free German language course of up to 4 months before your course starts. There are no tuition fees.
You apply directly to the master's course (maximum two choices), not to DAAD. Applicants from India must also submit an APS Certificate. Studies begin in September/October 2027.
At a glance
| Who can apply | PG |
|---|---|
| Streams | Social and Political Sciences, Law, Economics, Public Policy and Administration |
| Category | All |
| Age | — |
| Income limit | — |
| Gender | — |
| States | All India |
| Benefit / amount | Full scholarship of about €992 per month, plus health insurance in Germany, a fixed travel allowance, a study and research grant, rent subsidy and family supplement where applicable, and a compulsory German language course of up to 4 months before the degree starts. Scholarship holders pay no tuition fees. For the 'Social Protection' course only, a 'sur place' rate of €500 per month is paid in the 4th semester. |
| Duration | Full length of the master's course: 4 semesters for six of the seven courses; 2 semesters for 'Development and Governance' at the University of Duisburg-Essen. Studies begin September/October 2027. |
| Renewable | — |
| Last date | 31 Jul 2026 |
| Opened | — |
Documents you'll need
- Ticked-off checklist and list of criteria, signed by hand (printed, signed, scanned)
- DAAD application form
- One letter of motivation (max. 2 pages), the same letter for both course choices
- Curriculum vitae in reverse chronological order (europass format) with date of issue; gaps of three months or more must be explained
- Copies of higher education degree certificates (certified translation if not in German or English)
- Full set of transcript of records with an explanation of the grading system
- Proof of relevant professional experience or internships, and/or proof of political activities or community service (on headed paper, signed, dated, stamped)
- Proof of English language skills
- A current written reference from your employer, or from a university lecturer if you are still a student
- APS Certificate (specifically required from applicants from India)
How you're selected
You send your application directly to the master's course(s) you choose (maximum two), not to DAAD. A selection committee of professors from the participating master's courses and DAAD representatives decides in October/November 2026. Shortlisted candidates are contacted by DAAD by email and then asked to upload their full documents to the DAAD portal. All applicants are informed in writing after the process ends, expected in December 2026/January 2027. Main criteria: a convincing account of your academic, professional and personal motivation linked to the goals of the programme; relevant practical experience; and a first degree completed with above-average grades (upper third). Each master's course also has its own criteria. Formal rules: your last university degree must not be older than six years (date of issue not before 1 January 2020), and candidates who have spent more than the past 15 months in a country not on the DAC list are not eligible.
FAQs
Who can apply? Graduates from developing and emerging countries, including India, who hold a well-qualified first university degree (bachelor or equivalent) with above-average grades in the upper third, in Social and Political Sciences, Law, Economics, or Public Policy and Administration. You must also have relevant practical experience such as a job, internships, political activity, or volunteering. Your last degree must have been issued on or after 1 January 2020.
How much money do I get? The announcement says the scholarship is "currently € 992 per month". You also get health insurance in Germany, a fixed travel allowance, a study and research grant, and rent subsidy or family supplement if these apply to you. Tuition fees are waived. For the "Social Protection" course only, a lower rate of €500 per month is paid in the 4th semester, which is done online from home.
What is the last date to apply? The announcement states the application period is from 1 June until 31 July 2026 for all seven universities. Always check the official announcement PDF before you apply, as dates can change.
How do I apply? You send your application directly to the master's course you want, not to DAAD. Fill the DAAD application form once, pick up to two courses, and write one letter of motivation explaining your first and second choice. Applications sent to DAAD are not forwarded. Applicants from India must include an APS Certificate.
Which courses are covered? Seven English-taught master's courses: Social Protection (Bonn-Rhein-Sieg), Development and Governance (Duisburg-Essen), Public Policy (Erfurt), Peace and Conflict Studies (Magdeburg), Management in Nonprofit-Organisations (Osnabrück), and Development Studies plus Governance and Public Policy (both at Passau).
Is there an age limit? The official announcement does not state any age limit. It only says your last university degree must not be more than six years old at the time of application.
When will I know the result? Selection happens in October/November 2026. All applicants are informed in writing after the process ends, expected in December 2026 or January 2027. Courses start in September/October 2027.