Every year, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports students from developing parts of the world to study and do research in Germany in partnership with selected German institutions. Interested students of the sub-Saharan African region are invited to apply for 2026/2027 In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme for Sub-Saharan Africans (West and Central Africa or Southern African region).
The programme aims at fostering strong, internationally oriented higher education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa with the capacity to contribute to sustainable development. To this end, scholarships are granted for development-related Master or doctoral studies for individuals who plan to pursue a career in teaching and/or research at a higher education institution in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Scholarship to be taken at: Sub-Saharan Africa
Scholarship Worth: See scholarship value and benefits (below)
Number of Awards: Not Stated
Study Level: Postgraduate (Masters and PhD)
Nationality: Sub-Saharan Africans (see eligibility criteria below)
DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship 2026 | Eligibility Criteria
The target group for scholarships are graduates and postgraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa
- with a first academic degree if applying for a Master’s programme, or
- with a Master’s degree if applying for a doctoral programme
- who want to pursue Master’s or PhD courses in their home country (so-called In-Country scholarships) or in another Sub-Saharan African country (In-Region scholarships).
- Female applicants and candidates from less privileged regions or groups are especially encouraged to participate in the programme.
Selection Criteria
The selection process differs between the individual degree programmes. Please see the call for applications for further information.
Usually, the application procedure follows a two-step process.
- First, applicants submit their scholarship application to the host institution.
- After a pre-selection has been conducted, shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit their application again via the DAAD portal for the final selection.
- Please note that the application procedure may differ between the regions and host institutions.
- The specific application instructions regarding each host institution are listed in the respective calls for applications (see full information at the official website, link provided below).
Scholarship Value and Benefits
Generally, scholarship beneficiaries will get;
- Monthly allowance
- Study and research allowance
- Printing allowance
- Tuition fees
Only applicable for In-Region scholarship holders:
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
Duration of funding
Funding is provided for the usual duration of a course – generally, up to two years for Masters and up to three years for the PhD degree programmes
Application Procedures
How-to-Apply: To apply for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme 2026, you will visit the official scholarship application page through the link provided below and find the list of degree programmes funded within this scholarship programme in the regions West and Central Africa, Eastern Africa and Southern Africa, including the links to the respective calls for applications.
Application Deadline: Varies by Host Institutions
Visit the Official Website for Further Details
FAQs
1. What is the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme 2026?
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme 2026 is a fully funded scholarship initiative sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It supports postgraduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees at recognized universities within their home country (In-Country) or another Sub-Saharan African country (In-Region). The programme aims to strengthen higher education systems and promote sustainable development in the region.
2. What does the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship cover?
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, which typically includes:
Monthly stipend to cover living expenses
Tuition fee support (if applicable)
Research allowance
Study and research support
Travel allowance (for In-Region scholars)
Health insurance (in some cases)
Thesis/publication allowance
Benefits may vary depending on the host institution and study level.
3. Who is eligible to apply for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme 2026?
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be a citizen or permanent resident of a Sub-Saharan African country
Hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or Master’s degree (for PhD applicants)
Meet the admission requirements of the host university
Demonstrate strong academic performance
Show commitment to contributing to development in their home country
Not have resided outside their home country for more than a specified period (depending on the scholarship category)
Female candidates and applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.
4. How can I apply for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme 2026?
To apply, candidates must first apply for admission to a DAAD-supported postgraduate programme at a participating African university. After securing admission, applicants submit the scholarship application through the DAAD online portal and the host institution. Required documents usually include academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, motivation letter, research proposal (for PhD), and recommendation letters. Applicants should check the official DAAD website and their chosen university for specific deadlines and requirements.