Applications are now being accepted for the 2025/2026 DAAD Leadership for Africa Master’s Scholarship Programme. This initiative is designed to foster the academic growth and professional development of young refugees and national scholars from Cameroon, Senegal, and Togo, providing them with the opportunity to pursue higher education in Germany. At a time when conflict and displacement affect many regions, the programme seeks to equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the progress of societies across Africa and beyond.

This scholarship supports individuals aiming to undertake Master’s degrees in Germany across a wide range of disciplines. However, it does not extend to fields such as Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Fine Arts, and Architecture, as well as Nursing, Midwifery, and similar healthcare-related studies.

The programme targets two main groups. The first category includes highly skilled refugees who have been granted refugee status before April 2, 2024. Their refugee status must remain valid until at least April 2026, with adequate documentation to prove its renewal if necessary. Eligible applicants must reside in Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo and hold a completed Bachelor’s degree at the time of application.

The second category consists of talented graduates from Cameroon, Senegal, and Togo who meet the academic qualifications required for Master’s studies in Germany. To be eligible, applicants must be citizens of one of these three nations and currently reside there. They must have completed a Bachelor’s degree that aligns with the admission requirements of German universities, achieving at least a second-class upper division. Additionally, no more than six years should have elapsed since they earned their last academic qualification. Applicants should also possess strong English or German language skills.

For individuals with a background in Medicine, eligibility is limited to Master’s programmes in Public Health or Biomedical fields, as degrees in Medicine are not covered by this scholarship. Refugees applying for the programme must provide a copy of their Refugee ID, issued before April 2, 2024.

Successful applicants will benefit from a preparatory German language course lasting up to six months before commencing their degree programme. Scholarship recipients will enroll in tuition-free Master’s degree programmes at public or state-recognized universities in Germany, beginning in the winter semester of 2026, around September or October. The financial support provided through the scholarship is aligned with the standard duration of the selected Master’s programme, which generally spans two years of full-time study.

The scholarship covers a range of expenses, including the German language course and the associated fees for language certification tests such as TestDaF or DSH. During this period, participants will receive accommodation, pocket money, and coverage for test fees. The scholarship also provides a monthly stipend of 992 euros, comprehensive health, accident, and liability insurance, travel assistance, and an annual allowance for study-related costs. Additionally, depending on individual circumstances, scholars may be eligible for a rent subsidy and financial support for accompanying family members, such as spouses and children. However, due to varying visa processing times, family reunification may face delays or, in some cases, may not be possible during the scholarship period.

Selection for the programme is based on multiple factors, including academic performance in previous studies, language proficiency, and a well-articulated motivation for pursuing higher education in Germany. Candidates must provide a compelling study plan through the DAAD form known as the “Study Course Profile.” The evaluation process also considers aspects such as an applicant’s background, socio-economic circumstances, migration history, and whether they come from a family without a history of higher education. Furthermore, demonstrated social involvement and engagement, as reflected in the application, play a role in the final selection process.

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