Deadline
2025-06-10
Value of Scholarship
Full Scholarship , €11,904 Stipends, Accommodation & Travel Costs
Country Tenable
Germany
Renewable
No
The German Government is offering the DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship to talented and qualified Africans seeking to pursue a postgraduate degree at German universities.
This fully funded scholarship provides:
- 100% tuition coverage
- Annual stipend of €11,904
- Monthly rent subsidy
- Allowance for accompanying family members (spouse and/or children)
- Yearly study and travel allowances
- Free German language courses in the first year of study
About the DAAD Leadership for Africa (LfA) Scholarship
This program aims to support the academic advancement of young refugees and national scholars from Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, South Sudan, and Uganda at German higher education institutions.
In response to conflicts and displacement across Africa, this initiative seeks to educate and equip future leaders who will contribute to the development of their home countries.
Eligible Fields of Study
The DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship covers Master’s studies in all disciplines, except:
- Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
- Dentistry
- Law
- Fine Arts
- Architecture
All scholarship recipients participate in a mandatory training program focused on:
- Good governance
- Civil society engagement
- Career development
This complementary training must be completed alongside regular studies.
Eligibility Criteria for DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship 2025
To qualify for the DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
General Requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor's degree at the time of application, which qualifies them for a Master’s program at a recognized German university.
- Achieved at least a Second Class Upper Division in their Bachelor’s degree.
Target Groups & Specific Requirements:
Highly Qualified Refugees
Applicants must:
- Hold refugee status in their host country, granted before April 2, 2024.
- Be residing in Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, or Mauritania as their country of asylum.
- Have completed a Bachelor's degree at the time of application.
Highly Qualified Graduates from Selected African Countries
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, South Sudan, or Uganda.
- Reside in Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, South Sudan, or Uganda.
- Have completed a Bachelor's degree at the time of application.
Important Notes:
- Medicine Graduates: Can only apply for Public Health or Biomedical Master’s programs. Master’s degrees in Medicine are not eligible for funding.
- Artistic & Architecture Applicants: Should explore DAAD’s subject-specific scholarship programs for these fields, as they are not covered under this scholarship.
Duration and Benefits of the DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship
Pre-Study German Language Course:
Up to 6 months of German language training in Germany before your academic program begins, including coverage of test fees for German language certificates (TestDaF or DSH), pocket money, and accommodation during the course.
Monthly Scholarship Payment:
Receive a monthly stipend of €992.
Insurance Coverage:
Comprehensive health, accident, and personal liability insurance while in Germany.
Additional Allowances:
A travel allowance and an annual study allowance are provided.
Mandatory Training Program:
Participation in the additional LEAD! training program is required.
Family Support (If Applicable):
Eligible candidates may also receive a monthly rent subsidy and an allowance for accompanying family members (spouse and/or children).
Required Documents for Application
To apply, ensure you have the following documents ready:
Online DAAD Application Form:
Complete the form available on the DAAD portal.
Curriculum Vitae (CV):
A maximum of 3 pages outlining your academic career, previous scholarships, current address, and employment history. (Use the European specimen form available at Europass.)
Letter of Motivation:
A 1-3 page statement detailing your academic, professional, and personal motivations for your proposed study project. (Refer to the Important Scholarship Information, Section B, Point 1.)
DAAD “Study Course Profile” Form:
Complete this form by specifying three Master’s programs. Note that suggestions for programs that charge tuition fees will not be considered.
Proof of Language Proficiency:
Provide evidence of the necessary language skills required for your chosen Master’s programs.
Academic Records:
Include your university degree certificate with final grades and transcripts for all study years, along with an explanation of the grading system used.
Identification Documents:
Copies of your passport or national identification card, including the biodata page and any documents that confirm your current residence status.
For Refugee Applicants:
Submit your UNHCR registration or official proof of asylum.
Additional Supporting Documents:
Include any other relevant materials such as certificates of employment or internships, records of previous scholarships, evidence of extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, or even documentation of expired admissions to a German Master’s program.
How to Apply for the DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow the steps below to successfully submit your application for the DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship:
Step 1: Access the Application Portal
- Click the link below to visit the DAAD scholarship application page.
Step 2: Register & Apply Online
- Create an account on the DAAD portal.
- Log in and navigate to the scholarship application section.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
- Download and fill out the online application form provided on the portal.
Step 4: Prepare Required Documents
- Gather all necessary application documents (refer to the required documents list).
- If needed, translate documents into English or German before submission.
Step 5: Format & Upload Documents
- Scan all paper documents (except reference letters) and save them in PDF format.
- Ensure that translations (if applicable) are uploaded together with the original documents.
- Upload the completed application form and all supporting documents to the DAAD portal.
Step 6: Submit the Application
- Review all uploaded documents to ensure accuracy.
- Submit your application online via the DAAD portal.
- Applications submitted through other channels or authorities will not be accepted.
Step 7: Selection Process
Preselected candidates will be invited for a digital interview with an independent selection panel of university professors.
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