Open calls for DAAD funding

This programme aims at fostering strong, internationally oriented higher education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa with the capacity to contribute to sustainable development. To this end, scholarships are granted for development-related Master studies for individuals who plan to pursue a career in teaching and / or research at a higher education institution in Sub-Saharan Africa.
More general background information about the programme can be found here).

To the Call

The deadline for application is 12 November 2026

Objective

The aim of this programme is to deepen the knowledge of the German language, both in general language and technical language and to augment the knowledge of the regional studies.

Who can apply?

• Applications are open to students and graduates in any subject area.
• Undergraduate students (e.g. Bachelor’s) must have completed at least two academic years of university study by the time the funding period begins.
  Students who are in their final year of higher education at the time of application are only eligible to apply if they intend to undertake postgraduate studies immediately after graduating.

What can be funded?

• Funding is provided for participation in language and cultural studies courses as well as technical language courses based on the course offerings listed below. The specific course offerings, including dates, language levels, course focus areas, etc., can be found here: Course list (Excel).
  If you have any difficulties opening the link, please use an alternative browser or open the PDF version of the course list: Course list (PDF).
• The courses are taught exclusively in German.
• Participation takes place exclusively in presence. Attendance in person is mandatory. Remote participation is not possible.

Duration of the funding

• The courses have a duration of four weeks (max. 5 days/week) with at least 25 teaching hours per week each.
• The grants are not extendable.
• The courses take place between the months of June and September.

More info

Objective

The programme is aimed at early career researchers as well as established academics and scientists from countries on the OECD DAC list in Sub Saharan Africa:Latin America and Asia are additionally envisaged as target regions. It funds short research stays in Germany as well as preparatory and cooperation visits to support the implementation of development related research projects and the establishment of international scientific collaborations.
Scholarship holders will deepen their subject specific, methodological and analytical skills, expand their scientific networks and increase their visibility in the international research context. After completion of the funding period, they will apply the knowledge and contacts gained at their home institutions and contribute there to research, teaching, knowledge transfer and institutional development.
The programme is financed by funds from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Who can apply?

Applications are open to doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, university teachers and established academics and scientists from countries on the OECD DAC list—primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa, but also in Latin America and Asia, who are employed at a university or a research institute in their home country.
Women, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals and persons from disadvantaged regions or groups are especially encouraged to apply.
You are not eligible to apply if you are already in Germany at the time of application or are conducting your entire doctoral or postdoctoral research at a German higher education institution.

More info