“Leadership for Africa” Programme: Master’s degree scholarships in Germany • DAAD

Who can apply?

The programme targets two groups:

1) Highly qualified refugees who hold refugee status and fulfil the necessary qualifications for Master’s studies in Germany.

Applicants must fulfil the following conditions:

• Holding refugee status in their host countries, being granted before 2nd of April 2024. Refugee status must be valid at least until April 2026. In case of renewal of status, please provide sufficient proof.
• Country of asylum must be either Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo
• Completed Bachelor’s degree at the time of application

2) Highly qualified graduates from Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo who fulfil the necessary qualifications for Master’s studies in Germany.

Applicants must fulfil the following conditions:

• Citizenship of either Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo
• Country of residence is Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo
• Completed Bachelor’s degree at the time of application

Please note:

• With a Degree in Medicine, you can apply for Public Health or Biomedical Master related programmes only. A Master's programme in Medicine is not eligible for funding.
• For applicants from artistic disciplines and the field of architecture, the DAAD offers subject-specific scholarship programmes (see "Further information").

What requirements must be met? 

• Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree at the time of application that meets the requirements of German universities for admission to a Master’s programme.
• A Bachelor's degree of at least 2nd class upper division level is required. (Most common francophone: A Bachelor’s degree at the level of at least “Assez Bien” or better).
• As a rule, not more than 6 years should have passed since the completion of the last academic degree (see important information for scholarship applicants / Section A, point 2)
• Good English or good German language skills
• For Refugees: Copy of Refugee ID card issued before 02.04.2024.

Explanatory note: Please note that you are responsible for ensuring to apply for admission at the German host university by the due date. Please be aware that the application process for the winter term 2026 will not be available at the time of application for the scholarship. Application periods for winter term programmes at German universities usually start in spring each year. Please be aware that a Scholarship Award Letter from the DAAD is only valid if you have been admitted to a Master’s study programme at a public German Institute for Higher Education.

Language skills

The language of instruction in study programmes in Germany is usually German, or in international programmes English and/or German. To be admitted to a programme, you are generally required to submit an appropriate language certificate (e.g., DSH or TestDaF for programmes taught in German, or TOEFL/IELTS for those taught in English). The required language skills for the chosen field of study must be proven at the latest by the start of study programme. Suitable proof of the necessary language skills - or the ability to acquire them through the German language course - must be submitted with the application documents.

What can be funded?

The scholarship includes:

• German language course (up to 6 months) in Germany before the start of the university studies
• Tuition-free M.A. or M.Sc. degree programme at a public or state-recognized university in Germany starting in winter term 2026 (September/October 2026)

Duration of the funding

Generally, selected candidates will start their German language course in April 2026 at the earliest and begin their studies at a German institution of higher education by around 1 October 2026. The duration of funding is determined by the standard period of study of the chosen programme. In general, eligible Master’s programmes require two years of full-time study.

Value 

• German language course (up to 6 months) in Germany before the start of the study programme, including the coverage of the test fees for a German language certificate (TestDaF or DSH test), pocket money and accommodation (only during the language course). The DAAD will decide whether to fund participation and for how long based on the applicant's German language skills and study requirements. Participation in a language course is compulsory.
• Monthly scholarship rate payments of 992 euros
• Adequate health, accident, and private/personal liability insurance in Germany
• Travel allowance
• Yearly study allowance
• If applicable, monthly rent subsidy and monthly allowance for accompanying family members (spouse and/or children)
  Please note that family reunions may be delayed or even not be possible during the duration of the scholarship, due to the length of the visa process for some home or host countries.