DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships for Sub-Saharan Africa 2026 – Fully Funded Master’s

About the Programme

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) runs its In-Country/In-Region Programme to strengthen higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa. Instead of moving students to Germany, the programme funds them where they are: In-Country scholarships support study at a partner university in your own nation, while In-Region scholarships support study at a partner university elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa. The scheme targets development-relevant Master’s programmes — agriculture, public policy, development studies, education, engineering and related fields — taught at African universities that DAAD has vetted. Funding runs for the regular duration of the course, generally up to two years, and the current call under database ID 10000486 closes on 12 November 2026.

What the Funding Covers

A full In-Country/In-Region scholarship normally includes tuition fees paid to the host university, a monthly stipend for living costs, a study and research allowance (for fieldwork, data collection or specialist courses) and a printing allowance for the final thesis. For In-Region scholars studying outside their home country, a travel allowance may be added. The package is designed so that a scholar can complete a Master’s degree without needing parallel income — the realistic aim for a programme serving students from many different economic backgrounds across the region.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries.
• Admission (or a first degree qualifying for admission) to a participating Master’s programme at a DAAD partner university.
• Academic record above the threshold set by the host university, commonly well above average.
• Teaching or research experience and development relevance strengthen an application.
• Language of instruction (usually English or French, depending on the host programme).

How to Apply

Applications are submitted to the host university or programme coordinator, not directly to DAAD. First identify the participating programmes for the current call — the DAAD database entry (ID 10000486) lists the partner universities and their contact addresses. Then apply for admission to the Master’s programme and submit the DAAD application documents (application form, CV, transcripts, degree certificates, admission letter or proof of application, references and language evidence) to the coordinator before 12 November 2026. Shortlisted candidates are usually interviewed by the host university before final selection.

Important Notes

Calls differ slightly between partner universities — some close earlier than the central DAAD date, and each sets its own subject focus. Because the programme is administered regionally, the fastest route is always to email the coordinator listed for your target university and confirm the documents and exact closing date before submitting. Alumni of the scheme are well placed for subsequent DAAD funding for PhD study in Germany or Africa, including the competitive "Leadership for Africa" follow-on calls.