Are you a Sub-Saharan African student eager to advance your education and contribute to sustainable development in Africa? The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters/PhD Scholarship Programme 2026 offers a fully funded opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies within your home country or another African nation.
Through this initiative, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) aims to strengthen higher education systems in Africa by supporting students committed to academic excellence, research, and community development.
DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters/PhD Scholarship Programme 2026
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters/PhD Scholarship Programme 2026 is a flagship initiative that provides scholarships to talented graduates and postgraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa who wish to pursue master’s or doctoral studies at selected universities across the continent.
Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), this program supports individuals who aspire to become leaders in teaching, research, and innovation. By promoting regional mobility and collaboration, the scholarship contributes to building robust and internationally oriented academic networks within Africa.
Female candidates and applicants from underprivileged backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply, as DAAD prioritizes diversity and inclusion in higher education.
DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters/PhD Scholarship 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Region | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded Master’s and PhD |
| Funded By | German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) |
| Eligible Applicants | Graduates and Postgraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Duration of Funding | Up to 2 years for Master’s and up to 3 years for PhD |
| Coverage | Tuition Fees, Monthly Allowance, Research Support, Travel and Health Insurance (for In-Region Scholars) |
| Focus Areas | Development-related disciplines |
| Application Deadline | November 27, 2025 |
| Study Mode | Full-time, On-campus |
| Academic Session | 2026-2028 |
What Is the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme All About?
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme 2026 seeks to empower Sub-Saharan African universities and research institutions by nurturing local talent. It focuses on supporting students who aim to pursue development-oriented master’s and PhD programs in fields relevant to Africa’s social, economic, and environmental growth.
This initiative is unique because it allows students to study either within their home country (In-Country Scholarships) or in another African country (In-Region Scholarships). By doing so, DAAD promotes regional academic exchange and cooperation between universities across Africa.
Ultimately, the goal is to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to foster progress in their communities, strengthen African universities, and contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters/PhD Scholarship Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Must be a national or permanent resident of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Must hold a first academic degree (Bachelor’s) when applying for a Master’s program or a Master’s degree when applying for a PhD.
- Applicants must intend to study either:
- In their home country (In-Country Scholarship), or
- In another Sub-Saharan African country (In-Region Scholarship).
- Must show strong academic performance and a clear motivation for postgraduate study.
- Female applicants and individuals from marginalized regions or groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to teaching, research, or academic leadership at African higher education institutions after graduation.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship 2026 receive comprehensive funding that covers both academic and living expenses. The package includes:
General Benefits for All Scholars
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses throughout the study period.
- Tuition fees are paid directly to the host institution.
- Study and Research Allowance for fieldwork, materials, and laboratory costs.
- Support for thesis publication costs to ensure accessibility of academic research.
Additional Benefits for In-Region Scholars
- Travel allowance to cover transportation to and from the host country.
- Health insurance coverage for the entire duration of the program.
This financial support enables scholars to concentrate fully on their research and studies without the burden of financial challenges.
Duration of Funding
- Master’s Degree: Up to two (2) years of funding, depending on the program’s duration.
- PhD Degree: Up to three (3) years of funding.
Extensions may be considered only under exceptional circumstances and with proper justification.
Participating Institutions and Supported Fields
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship covers a wide range of institutions across West, East, Central, and Southern Africa, each offering specialized development-related programs.
West and Central Africa
Cameroon
- University of Dschang
Ghana
- West African Center for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana
Nigeria
- Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (formerly Benue State University)
Eastern Africa
Kenya
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
- Moi University
- PhD in Biostatistics
- CERM-ESA (Centre of Excellence for Educational Research Methodologies and Management) – Master’s in Education in Research
- Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT)
- Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR) (at Egerton University, University of Lagos, Maseno University, Mzumbe University, University of Ibadan)
- Pwani University
Tanzania
- Ardhi University – Master’s in Geomatics
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) – Master’s in Embedded and Mobile Systems
Uganda
- Busitema University – Master in Public Health
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST)
Southern Africa
Botswana
- Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST)
Malawi
- Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS)
Each of these institutions was selected for its academic excellence, research capacity, and alignment with regional development priorities.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply
Here’s how to apply for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters/PhD Scholarship Programme 2026:
- Visit the Official DAAD Website
Access the program’s official webpage to read all eligibility requirements and identify the participating institutions and fields of study. - Select Your Host Institution and Program
Select the university and program that best align with your academic background and career objectives. - Prepare Your Application Documents
Applicants typically need the following:
- Completed DAAD Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of Motivation explaining career goals and reasons for choosing the program
- Certified Copies of Academic Transcripts and Certificates
- Proof of Admission or Application to the host institution
- Two Recommendation Letters (academic and/or professional)
- Copy of Passport or National ID
- Submit Application
Applications should be submitted online through the DAAD portal or directly to the participating host institution before November 27, 2025. - Screening and Selection Process
- The host institution will review applications and nominate eligible candidates.
- DAAD will conduct a final evaluation and confirm selected scholars.
Why You Should Apply for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship
- Regional Integration: Encourages collaboration among African universities and researchers.
- Quality Education: Access to top-tier academic programs within the continent.
- Research Support: Comprehensive funding for fieldwork and publications.
- Capacity Building: Develops the next generation of African academics and researchers.
- Gender Inclusion: Promotes equal opportunities for women and marginalized groups.
Through this program, DAAD is not only investing in education but also contributing to Africa’s human capital development and long-term sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible to apply for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship 2026?
Applicants must be citizens or residents of Sub-Saharan African countries with a bachelor’s degree (for a master’s) or a master’s degree (for a PhD).
Can I apply to a university outside Africa?
No. The scholarship supports studies only within Sub-Saharan Africa, either in your home country or another African nation.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition, living stipends, research costs, travel (for in-region scholars), and health insurance.
Are female students encouraged to apply?
Absolutely. Female applicants and those from underrepresented backgrounds are given special consideration.
For more information and application details, visit the Official DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme webpage.
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