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DAAD In-Region Scholarship 2027: Development-Related Master’s for Sub-Saharan Africa

The DAAD In-Region Scholarship 2027 supports Sub-Saharan African graduates pursuing development-related Master's degrees within the region. It provides comprehensive funding including monthly stipends, tuition, research allowances, travel, and health insurance.

October 12, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Nov 12, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountrySub-Saharan Africa (multiple countries)
University/OrgVaries by call for applications
Degree LevelMasters
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyDevelopment-related disciplines
DeadlineNovember 12, 2026

Scholarship Overview

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You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

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Overview

The DAAD In-Region Scholarship 2027 is a competitive funding programme designed to strengthen higher education capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa. Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with partner funding, this scholarship enables graduates and postgraduates to pursue development-related Master’s studies either in their home country or at another institution within the Sub-Saharan African region.

The programme specifically targets candidates planning academic careers in teaching and research at higher education institutions. By keeping talented scholars within the region, DAAD aims to build sustainable, internationally oriented education systems capable of addressing local development challenges.

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What the Scholarship Covers

The In-Region Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support. Benefits include:

  • Monthly scholarship payment – living allowance for the duration of study
  • Study and research allowance – supports academic materials and fieldwork
  • Thesis publishing costs – covers dissemination of research findings
  • Tuition fees – full coverage of programme fees
  • Travel allowance – for In-Region scholarship holders specifically
  • Health insurance – medical coverage during the study period

Specific amounts for each benefit category are detailed in individual calls for applications, as these vary by host institution and programme.

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Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must meet the following criteria to qualify:

  • Hold a first academic degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) at time of application
  • Be a graduate or postgraduate from Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Apply for a Master’s programme in a development-related field
  • Pursue studies either in home country (In-Country) or another Sub-Saharan African country where you hold a residence permit (In-Region)

DAAD actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Female applicants, refugees with recognised status, and candidates from marginalised regions or groups receive particular encouragement. This inclusive approach addresses structural barriers in African higher education.

Supported Programmes and Host Institutions

The scholarship funds selected Master’s degree programmes at partner institutions across Sub-Saharan Africa. Rather than maintaining a static list, DAAD links specific calls for applications on the programme page, each detailing:

  • Eligible degree programmes and specialisations
  • Host universities and their locations
  • Application procedures specific to that institution
  • Regional variations in requirements

Applicants must consult these individual calls, as programmes, eligibility nuances, and deadlines differ between institutions. The programme page serves as the central hub linking to all active opportunities.

Application Process

Applications are submitted through DAAD’s online portal. Follow these steps:

  1. Review programme page – identify relevant calls for applications matching your field and preferred host country
  2. Select status and country – on the DAAD portal, indicate your applicant status and nationality to enable submission
  3. Read specific call instructions – each host institution publishes detailed requirements; these override general guidance
  4. Prepare documentation – assemble all required materials per your selected call
  5. Submit before deadline – upload complete application through the portal

Technical note: The application portal has limited functionality on mobile devices. DAAD recommends using a desktop computer for submission. Technical requirements are linked on the programme page.

Selection Process

Selection criteria and procedures vary by degree programme and host institution. Each call for applications specifies evaluation methods, which may include academic merit, development relevance of proposed study, career trajectory, and institutional priorities. There is no centralised DAAD selection; host institutions manage their own processes with DAAD oversight.

Duration of Funding

Scholarships cover the regular duration of the Master’s programme, generally up to two years. Exact funding periods depend on the specific programme structure and are confirmed in individual calls for applications.

Important Considerations for Zimbabwe and SADC Applicants

For applicants from Zimbabwe and the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC):

  • Verify whether your preferred institution is listed in active calls—regional coverage varies annually
  • Check residence permit requirements if applying to study outside Zimbabwe but within Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Consider In-Country options at Zimbabwean institutions if available, or explore SADC neighbours with relevant programmes
  • Refugee status documentation must be officially recognised

The programme’s emphasis on marginalised regions creates opportunities for candidates from areas with limited international scholarship access.

Key Dates and Deadlines

The general application deadline referenced on the programme page is 12 November 2026. However, individual host institutions may set different deadlines within their specific calls for applications. Applicants must verify the exact deadline for their chosen programme, as these are not uniform across the In-Region portfolio.

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

Monthly scholarship, study and research allowance, thesis publishing costs, tuition fees, travel allowance, health insurance

Eligibility Criteria

Graduates and postgraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa with a first academic degree applying for development-related Master's programmes; must study in home country or another Sub-Saharan African country; female applicants, recognised refugees, and candidates from marginalised regions especially encouraged

Required Documents

Not specified in source; determined by individual calls for applications

Application Process

1) Review programme page and identify relevant calls for applications, 2) Select status and country on DAAD portal to enable submission, 3) Read specific call instructions for chosen host institution, 4) Prepare required documentation per call requirements, 5) Submit complete application before deadline using desktop computer (mobile functionality limited)
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The In-Region Scholarship specifically requires study at a Sub-Saharan African institution—either your home country or another country in the region where you hold a residence permit. For study in Germany, explore DAAD's separate scholarship programmes for international students.
Eligible programmes are listed in individual calls for applications linked on the DAAD programme page. There is no master list; you must browse active calls to find programmes matching your field and preferred location. Each call specifies the degree programme, host institution, and application requirements.
Refugees with recognised refugee status are explicitly encouraged to apply. You will need documentation proving your recognised status. Specific requirements for refugee applicants are detailed in the relevant call for applications. Contact DAAD or the host institution if uncertain about documentation.
The source material does not specify an age limit. Eligibility centres on holding a first academic degree and meeting programme-specific requirements. Check individual calls for applications, as host institutions may set their own parameters.
Competition varies by programme and country. Strengthen your application by: demonstrating clear alignment between your proposed study and development impact; articulating a concrete teaching or research career plan; highlighting relevant professional or academic experience; and ensuring complete, accurate documentation. Female applicants and those from marginalised regions receive positive consideration in the selection process.
The source material does not address employment restrictions. This varies by host institution and country regulations. Review your specific call for applications or contact the host institution directly to clarify permitted activities alongside funded study.