Germany, through DAAD, runs one of the most extensive scholarship networks aimed specifically at African students anywhere in the world, built around decades-long academic partnerships between German and African universities.
The ten programs below reflect that long-standing relationship.
1. DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa
This flagship DAAD program funds master’s study within Africa at universities partnered with German institutions, covering tuition, a stipend, and study materials for students across the region.
2. DAAD EPOS Scholarship for Public Policy and Good Governance
The [DAAD EPOS Scholarship](/daad-epos-scholarship/) funds African students pursuing master’s or doctoral study in governance, public policy, and related development fields in Germany.
3. Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship
The [Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship](/konrad-adenauer-scholarship/) regularly supports African students pursuing degrees in Germany, combining a living stipend with the foundation’s civic and political seminar program.
4. Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship
African students whose academic interests connect to ecology, sustainability, or human rights can apply for the [Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship](/heinrich-boll-scholarship/), which provides a monthly stipend throughout the degree.
5. Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship
The [Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship](/friedrich-ebert-scholarship/) supports African students with an interest in social democratic values and civic engagement, offering a monthly stipend from DAAD-linked funding.
6. KIT Scholarship for International Master’s Students
The [KIT Scholarship](/kit-masters-scholarship/) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology has a consistent track record of supporting African students in engineering and science master’s programs.
7. Deutschlandstipendium
African students enrolled at German universities can apply for this national merit scholarship alongside domestic and other international students, receiving a fixed monthly stipend.
8. DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme
This scholarship funds a master’s degree in public policy and good governance at partner German universities, with a particular focus on candidates from transition and developing economies, including many African countries.
9. Heidelberg University DAAD EPOS Scholarship for International Health
The [Heidelberg EPOS Scholarship for International Health](/heidelberg-daad-epos-international-health/) funds African students pursuing a specialized master’s in public and global health.
10. University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship for Environmental Governance
The [Freiburg EPOS Environmental Governance Scholarship](/freiburg-epos-environmental-governance/) supports African students studying environmental policy and sustainable resource management.
Because DAAD’s Africa-focused programs are embedded in long-running institutional partnerships, checking which German universities already have an active cooperation agreement with universities in a student’s home country can reveal additional, less-advertised funding routes.
German university partnerships with specific African institutions often run their own dedicated information sessions, so checking directly with a home university.’s international office can reveal funding routes that do not appear on general scholarship search sites.
Because many of these programs are development-focused, framing a research or study proposal around a concrete problem relevant to the applicant.’s home country, rather than a purely academic interest, tends to resonate more strongly with selection committees.
Applicants should also factor in Germany.’s blocked account requirement for the student visa, since even a generous stipend-based scholarship does not automatically satisfy this separate financial proof needed at the visa application stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship studied in Germany or in Africa?
It is specifically designed for study at an African university partnered with a German institution, rather than relocating to Germany itself.
Do African applicants need German language skills for these programs?
It depends on the program. English-taught master’s degrees generally require only an English test, while German-taught programs require a recognized language certificate.
Are political foundation scholarships open to all academic fields?
Yes, though they expect some demonstrated civic or social engagement alongside academic qualifications, regardless of the student’s chosen subject.
How long does the DAAD application process typically take for African applicants?
From document submission to final decision, the process commonly takes six to nine months, so early preparation is strongly recommended.
Can African students apply to more than one DAAD-linked program at once?
Generally no, DAAD asks applicants to choose the single program that best matches their academic background rather than applying to multiple schemes simultaneously.
Do these scholarships cover a student’s family members?
Generally no, though a limited number of DAAD programs offer supplementary allowances for dependents in specific circumstances.
Is prior academic performance in Germany required for eligibility?
Most of these programs are designed for new entrants, so prior German academic experience is not required, though demonstrated academic strength from the home country is.