ScholarshipMaster's / PhDAfricaFully funded

DAAD In-Country / In-Region Scholarship Programme

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

What it coversA monthly scholarship, tuition fees, an annual research allowance and, in some programmes, a research stay abroad

DeadlineOct – Apr (annual; each host programme has its own call - the 2026/27 round closed on 27 Nov 2025 and a further call closed on 29 Apr 2026; see the DAAD open-calls list)

Host countryBurkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda

SubjectsMathematics & Natural Sciences, Health & Life Sciences, Agriculture & Food Security, Law, Governance & Public Policy

Application effortHigh: Dual Application (Host University + DAAD Portal) + Detailed PhD Research Proposal + Work Schedule + 2 Referees

Best suited toSub-Saharan African graduates who want DAAD funding without leaving Africa

Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Citizens of sub-Saharan African countries with a first degree (master's) or master's degree (PhD) applying to a selected African host institution in a sustainable-development field. Women and candidates from less privileged backgrounds are encouraged. Bangladeshi nationals are not eligible.

Watch: how to apply

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About this opportunity

DAAD funds master's and PhD study in sub-Saharan Africa itself, at selected host universities in nine countries, so graduates can train in a development-related field without leaving the region.

Documents to prepare

0 of 8 ready

Passport or national IDAcademic transcripts and degree certificatesCVStatement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested)Reference or recommendation letters (if requested)Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested)English-language test result or other language proof (if required)Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there)

How to apply, step by step

Check that you are eligible. Citizens of sub-Saharan African countries with a first degree (master's) or master's degree (PhD) applying to a selected African host institution in a sustainable-development field. Women and candidates from less privileged backgrounds are encouraged. Bangladeshi nationals are not eligible.
Note the deadline. Oct – Apr (annual; each host programme has its own call - the 2026/27 round closed on 27 Nov 2025 and a further call closed on 29 Apr 2026; see the DAAD open-calls list) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for DAAD In-Country / In-Region Scholarship Programme?

What does DAAD In-Country / In-Region Scholarship Programme cover?

A monthly scholarship, tuition fees, an annual research allowance and, in some programmes, a research stay abroad

When is the deadline for DAAD In-Country / In-Region Scholarship Programme?

Oct – Apr (annual; each host programme has its own call - the 2026/27 round closed on 27 Nov 2025 and a further call closed on 29 Apr 2026; see the DAAD open-calls list) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with DAAD In-Country / In-Region Scholarship Programme?

Host countries: Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda.

What documents do I need for DAAD In-Country / In-Region Scholarship Programme?

Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the DAAD In-Country / In-Region Scholarship Programme application?

High: Dual Application (Host University + DAAD Portal) + Detailed PhD Research Proposal + Work Schedule + 2 Referees

Go to the official application page