MastersFully-funded, including monthly scholarship, study and research allowance, thesis publishing costs, and tuition fees. In-Region scholarship holders also receive travel allowance and health insurance.

DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 for Sub-Saharan African students

Last verified 18 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters Scholarship Programme is open to graduates and postgraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa who hold a first academic degree and wish to pursue Master’s studies in their home country, country of residence, or another Sub-Saharan African country. The programme aims to foster strong, internationally oriented higher education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa by supporting individuals who plan to pursue a career in teaching and/or research at a higher education institution in the region. The scholarship is fully-funded and covers various costs, including a monthly scholarship, study and research allowance, thesis publishing costs, and tuition fees. In-Region scholarship holders will also receive a travel allowance and health insurance. The application deadline is April 29, 2026. Female applicants and candidates from less privileged regions or groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Specific application instructions and selection procedures vary by degree programme and host institution, so applicants must consult the individual calls for applications for detailed information and required documents. Further calls for applications for other fields and institutions will be published in the autumn of 2026. Applicants are advised to use a desktop computer for the online application due to limited mobile device usage.

Provider: DAAD
Host country: Africa
Deadline: Not available — check official website
Region: Africa

Official source

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 for Sub-Saharan African students is open to African students applying to study in Africa at the Masters level, with fully-funded, including monthly scholarship, study and research allowance, thesis publishing costs, and tuition fees. in-region scholarship holders also receive travel allowance and health insurance. funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Masters · applicants for Africa
Funding: Fully-funded, including monthly scholarship, study and research allowance, thesis publishing costs, and tuition fees. In-Region scholarship holders also receive travel allowance and health insurance.
Study level: Masters
Deadline: Not available — check official website

Key eligibility criteria

Graduates and postgraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa with a first academic degree if applying for a Master’s programme who want to pursue Master’s degrees in their home country or in the country for which they have a residence permit (so called In-Country scholarships) or in another Sub-Saharan African country, outside their home country/in the country for which they do not have a residence permit (so called In-Region scholarships). Female applicants and candidates from less privileged regions or groups are especially encouraged to apply for funding. Applicants must select their country and status from the provided lists to ensure eligibility. If an applicant's status and/or country is not included in the list, they cannot apply for this scholarship programme.

What the fully-funded, including monthly scholarship, study and research allowance, thesis publishing costs, and tuition fees. in-region scholarship holders also receive travel allowance and health insurance. award covers

Return airfare
Health insurance
Visa & residence costs
Research/thesis support

About the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 for Sub-Saharan African students (2026)

# DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 for Sub-Saharan African Students ## Overview This scholarship programme, provided by DAAD, aims to foster robust, internationally oriented higher education systems within Sub-Saharan Africa. It grants scholarships for development-related Master's studies to individuals aspiring to careers in teaching and/or research at higher education institutions across the region. The programme supports Master's degrees pursued either in the applicant's home country or country of residence (In-Country scholarships) or in another Sub-Saharan African country (In-Region scholarships). The overall objective is to contribute to sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Female applicants and candidates from less privileged regions or groups are particularly encouraged to apply. ## Benefits The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters Scholarship Programme provides comprehensive financial support for eligible students. The benefits generally include: * A monthly scholarship to cover living expenses. * A study and research allowance to support academic endeavors. * Coverage for thesis publishing costs. * Tuition fees for the selected Master's programme. For In-Region scholarship holders specifically, additional benefits are provided: * A travel allowance to cover relocation expenses. * Health insurance to ensure well-being during the study period. It is important to note that the specific amounts for these benefits will vary and applicants are advised to consult the call for applications for the degree programme they wish to apply for, which will contain detailed financial information. ## Eligibility To be eligible for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters Scholarship Programme, applicants must meet specific criteria: * Applicants must be graduates or postgraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa. * Candidates must possess a first academic degree if applying for a Master’s programme. * Applicants must intend to pursue a Master’s degree. * For In-Country scholarships, studies must be undertaken in their home country or in the country for which they have a residence permit. * For In-Region scholarships, studies must be undertaken in another Sub-Saharan African country, outside their home country/in the country for which they do not have a residence permit. * Female applicants and candidates from less privileged regions or groups are especially encouraged to apply. * Applicants' country and status must be listed in the application portal options. If an applicant's status and/or country is not included in the list, they cannot apply for this scholarship programme. ## Required Documents The official page markdown does not explicitly list universally required documents for the initial application. However, it states that a print version of the announcement (PDF) is available in the "Application requirements" tab. It also mentions that specific application instructions, including details regarding each host institution, are provided in the respective calls for applications. Therefore, prospective applicants should: * Refer to the specific call for applications related to their chosen degree programme for a comprehensive list of required documents. * Anticipate needing academic transcripts, degree certificates, a curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, and potentially a research proposal or statement of purpose, though these are not explicitly stated for this general overview. ## How to Apply Applying for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters Scholarship Programme involves several key steps: * **Identify a Degree Programme:** Review the list of funded degree programmes for which the application period is currently open. These are grouped by region and country, with specific institutions and Master's programmes listed (e.g., Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta Nigeria for Master of Science in Physics, University of Cape Town for Master of Philosophy in Urban Studies - Southern Urbanism, University of Pretoria for Master of Science in Mathematics). * **Access Call for Applications:** Click on the provided links for the chosen degree programme to access its specific call for applications. These individual calls contain detailed application instructions, including specific requirements, selection procedures, and contact persons. * **Prepare Application:** Gather all necessary documents as outlined in the specific call for applications. This will likely include academic records, a CV, and potentially a research proposal or statement of purpose. * **Online Application:** Utilize the application portal. It is important to note that the usage of the application portal is possible only to a limited extent with mobile devices; applicants are advised to use a desktop computer. * **Submit Application:** Submit the complete application by the stated deadline. ## Key Dates * **Application Deadline:** April 29, 2026 * **Further Calls for Applications:** Additional calls for applications in other countries, institutions, and academic fields that are not yet open will be published in the autumn of 2026. Applicants are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these deadlines and to check the individual calls for applications for any program-specific deadlines or timelines within the overall application window. ## Selection Criteria The selection process for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters Scholarship Programme varies between individual degree programmes. Therefore, applicants must consult the specific call for applications for the programme they wish to apply for to understand the detailed selection criteria. Generally, selection will likely be based on academic merit, research potential, the relevance of the proposed study to development goals in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the applicant's career aspirations in teaching or research within the region. The programme also prioritizes female applicants and candidates from less privileged regions or groups, suggesting these factors may play a role in the selection process. ## Tips * **Read Carefully:** Thoroughly review the general scholarship information and, most importantly, the specific call for applications for your chosen degree program. Every detail matters. * **Use a Desktop:** The application portal has limited functionality on mobile devices. Ensure you use a desktop computer for the application process. * **Check Eligibility:** Before starting the application, confirm your eligibility based on your country and academic status. The online tool allows you to select these to see if you qualify. * **Organize Documents:** Prepare all required documents well in advance of the deadline. The specific call for applications will provide a detailed list. * **Highlight Development Relevance:** Tailor your application to demonstrate how your proposed Master's studies and future career aspirations contribute to sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa. * **Contact for Information:** If specific contacts are mentioned in the call for applications, do not hesitate to reach out for clarification on any aspects of the scholarship or application process. * **Consider "Further Calls":** If your desired program isn't currently open, note that more opportunities will be published in autumn 2026. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official DAAD scholarship database at: [https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?detail=10000486](https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?detail=10000486). Additionally, general background information about the programme can be found here: [https://www.daad.de/en/information-services-for-higher-education-institutions/further-information-on-daad-programmes/in-countryin-region-scholarship-programme-background-and-objectives/](https://www.daad.de/en/information-services-for-higher-education-institutions/further-information-on-daad-programmes/in-countryin-region-scholarship-programme-background-and-objec#tives/). Further crucial scholarship information is available at: [https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/important-information-for-scholarship-applicants/](https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/important-information-for-scholarship-applicants/).

What the Fully-funded, including monthly scholarship, study and research allowance, thesis publishing costs, and tuition fees. In-Region scholarship holders also receive travel allowance and health insurance. DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 for Sub-Saharan African students covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Return airfare
Health insurance
Visa & residence costs
Research/thesis support

DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 for Sub-Saharan African students eligibility for Africa applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Graduates and postgraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa with a first academic degree if applying for a Master’s programme who want to pursue Master’s degrees in their home country or in the country for which they have a residence permit (so called In-Country scholarships) or in another Sub-Saharan African country, outside their home country/in the country for which they do not have a residence permit (so called In-Region scholarships). Female applicants and candidates from less privileged regions or groups are especially encouraged to apply for funding. Applicants must select their country and status from the provided lists to ensure eligibility. If an applicant's status and/or country is not included in the list, they cannot apply for this scholarship programme.

Documents required for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 for Sub-Saharan African students application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 for Sub-Saharan African students 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?detail=10000486 and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Graduates and postgraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa with a first academic degree if applying for a Master’s programme who want to pursue Master’s degrees in their home country or in the country for which they have a resi…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?detail=10000486, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by Not available — check official website (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, DAAD will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 for Sub-Saharan African students deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Editorial verification note

AI returned past date "April 29, 2026". The listed deadline is for the current application period, but the page also states that further calls will be published in autumn 2026 for the 2026-2027 cycle.

Last checked 5/18/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 for Sub-Saharan African students?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by DAAD, and be able to relocate to Africa for the duration of the programme.

Is the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 for Sub-Saharan African students fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully-funded, including monthly scholarship, study and research allowance, thesis publishing costs, and tuition fees. In-Region scholarship holders also receive travel allowance and health insurance.. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Not available — check official website. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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