DAAD Germany In-Country/In-Region Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)

The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme 2026 is now open for applications. This fully funded scholarship supports Master’s and PhD studies for students in Sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America, South and Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The program offers generous tuition coverage, monthly stipends, research and travel allowances, and more. The application deadline is November 27, 2025 and selected students will begin their studies between August and November 2026.

About the Programme

The In-Country/In-Region Programme, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), aims to train future university teachers, researchers, and professionals in development-related fields. It empowers universities in developing countries by helping them educate the next generation of experts locally or within the region.

Programme Objectives

Strengthen local and regional higher education systems
Train highly qualified professionals for development
Improve gender balance and access for disadvantaged groups
Support institutional capacity-building in partner universities

In 2023, 267 new scholarships were awarded, with 38.2% going to students from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and 38.6% of the recipients were women.

Degree Level

Masters
PhD

Available Subjects

All Subjects

Benefits

Full tuition fee coverage
Monthly stipend for living expenses
Study and research allowance
Printing costs for the final thesis
Travel allowance (In-Region only)
Health insurance support (In-Region only)

Eligible Nationalities

Eligibility extends to qualified students who are citizens of, and reside in:

Sub-Saharan Africa
Central and South America
South and Southeast Asia
Middle East

Applicants may study in their home country (in-country) or at a regional partner institution (in-region).

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from one of the eligible developing regions.
Open to individuals from Sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America, South and Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Candidates should be pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree in a development-related field.
Eligible for those applying to study within their own country (in-country) or in a neighboring country within the region (in-region).

Application Procedure

Deadline: 27 November 2025

Scholarship Start Date: Between August and November 2026

Visit the DAAD Scholarship Database
Find your region’s specific “Call for Applications”
Follow the application guidelines in the PDF documents
Submit your application according to the instructions provided by the host institution or DAAD regional office

Final Note

This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for students in developing countries who aspire to earn a postgraduate degree without financial burden while contributing to the development of their home countries. Women, disadvantaged students, and those interested in development-related research are highly encouraged to apply.

For additional support, contact the relevant DAAD regional office or your target host institution listed in the call for applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible to apply for the DAAD In-Region Scholarship 2026/27?

Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of a Sub-Saharan African country. They should hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or a Master’s degree (for PhD applicants). Candidates must plan to study either in their home country (In-Country) or in another Sub-Saharan African country (In-Region).

What expenses are covered under the DAAD In-Region Scholarship?

The scholarship offers full tuition coverage, a monthly living stipend, research and travel grants, and academic support through the DAAD network. Scholars also gain access to German language courses and networking opportunities with German institutions.

Which fields of study are supported under this scholarship?

The program supports development-related fields aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include public health, climate change, environmental sciences, governance, agriculture, renewable energy, education, and engineering.

How can I apply for the DAAD In-Region Scholarship?

Applications must be submitted online through the DAAD application portal. Applicants are encouraged to attend WebEx info sessions for guidance on the process. All required documents — academic transcripts, degrees, motivation letter, and research proposal (for PhD) — must be uploaded before the deadline on 27 November 2025.

Are there any special preferences in the selection process?

Yes. DAAD strongly encourages applications from female students and candidates from underrepresented or less privileged regions. The selection focuses on academic merit, motivation, and the potential to contribute to sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa.