DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Masters Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance

The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship is a fully-funded scholarship in Germany for international students. The main focus of this program is to groom quality professionals who can take future decisions. Highly qualified graduates with a first academic degree will be educated in political science, law, economics and administration and prepared for future leading positions in their home countries.

The German Federal Foreign Office funds the programme and provides a chance to acquire a Master’s degree in Master programmes of particular relevance for the social, political and economic development in the students’ countries of origin.

The Helmut Schmidt Programme is highly competitive, attracting talented and motivated individuals from around the world. Successful candidates exhibit a strong sense of social responsibility and a vision for positive change.

Let’s explore the eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits of the Helmut Schmidt Programme. In this blog, we’ll discover how this prestigious scholarship is shaping the future of public policy and good governance worldwide.

Scholarship Amount	€934 per month (84,437 INR)
Funded By	German Federal Foreign Office
Applicable for	Graduates from developing and emerging countries
Deadline	June 1- July 31

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be eligible for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Masters Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG), you must meet the following criteria:

• You need to be a graduate from a developing and emerging country (bachelor or equivalent) in a discipline related to social sciences, political sciences, law, economics, or public
• You must be willing to actively contribute to the social, political and economic development of your home countries/regions
• Having prior work experience in a relevant field (professional experience, internships, political/social commitment) is highly desirable.
• Most courses supported by the Helmut Schmidt Programme are conducted in English. However, it is advisable to have basic knowledge of the German language, as it will benefit daily life and integration in Germany.

If you require more detailed information on the eligibility criteria and application process, it is recommended to visit the official DAAD website or refer to the specific guidelines provided by the participating universities.

Benefits

If you are struggling financially yet very ambitious in your dreams, this scholarship is an opportunity for you to remove the economic hurdles that stand in the way of education.

The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Masters Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG) offers numerous benefits. Here are some of the key advantages and opportunities provided by the scholarship that you can consider before applying:

• You will be accompanied by support services provided by the programme coordinators at the respective study locations.
• You can participate in informative seminars and interdisciplinary networking events.
• You will receive a scholarship amount of  € 934 per month for master’s courses at German higher education institutions
• Along with the scholarship, you have benefits like health insurance, travel allowances and rent subsidies.
• Access to preceding German language courses in Germany, lasting up to 6 months; participation is mandatory

How to Apply?

For applying to the  DAAD Helmut Schmidt Masters Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG), you need to follow these generic steps:

1. Research Your Eligibility: Visit the official DAAD website and explore the available Master’s programs in the field of public policy and good governance. Take note of the eligibility criteria, specific requirements and application deadlines for each program.

2. Prepare your documents: Gather all the necessary documents for the application process. Typical documents may include a CV, SOP, LOR, academic transcripts and more.

3. Contact the Universities: Reach out to the universities offering the Master’s programs you have shortlisted and seek further information. They can provide guidance on the application process and any specific requirements.

4. Submit the Application: Complete the DAAD application form ‘Application for a research/study scholarship’ only once and indicate your selected master’s course or courses,  indicating your first and second priority. Attach all the required documents as specified in the application guidelines. Ensure that you submit your application before the deadline.

Documents required

The required documents for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Masters Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG) vary depending on the participating universities’ specific requirements. Here is a list of typical documents that are commonly required for the application process:

• A ticked checklist and list of criteria, signed by hand (do not insert a scanned signature), along with the place and date of issue.

• Completed DAAD application form

• A single letter of motivation, including a precise account of your academic, professional and personal reasons for wishing to participate.

• A curriculum vitae in reverse chronological order without any unexplained gaps with exact information about your studies and practical experience, including the date of issue

• Copy of your higher education degree certificates. Please provide a certified translation if the original is not in German or English, and make sure these are clearly legible.

• A copy of all your transcript of records, including an explanation of the grading system. Please provide a certified translation if the original is not German or English.

• A confirmation of relevant professional experience or internships. Also, attach proof of relevant political activities or service to your community, such as volunteering or working for charities or NGOs, on headed paper, including an original (not scanned) or code-certified digital signature, the date of issue and a stamp. 

• A proof of English proficiency

• A written recommendation from your current employer or from a university lecturer if you are a student at present, on headed paper, including an original (not scanned) or code-certified digital signature, the date of issue and a stamp. 

Conclusion

The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Masters Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance open doors to a world-class education, valuable practical experience, and a global like-minded community of professionals.

It empowers students to become agents to bring an impact in their home countries and equips them with the knowledge, skills and most resourceful networks necessary to tackle complex challenges in the field of public policy.

By nurturing the next generation of leaders, the Helmut Schmidt Programme is pivotal in advancing the principles of good governance, fostering international cooperation, and shaping a better future for societies worldwide.

If you’re looking for a leadership role in public policy and governance, this scholarship is perfect. Apply to this scholarship and make a lasting impact in your home country, contributing to sustainable development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)