DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme supports postgraduate education and research in Sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to strengthen higher education institutions, promote regional academic mobility and develop future professionals, researchers and university teachers.
Scholarships are awarded for selected full-time Master’s and doctoral programmes in development-related fields at participating universities. In-Country scholarships support eligible students studying in their home country, while In-Region scholarships support students studying in another participating Sub-Saharan African country.
Current calls for applications – 2027 intake
DAAD is offering scholarships for selected Master’s programmes at participating institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, with study commencing between January and July 2027. The current calls cover programmes in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
Application deadline: 12 November 2026.
For programme details, eligibility requirements and application instructions, consult the official resources below:
- Overview of open 2027 calls (PDF)
- DAAD Scholarship Database: In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme, Sub-Saharan Africa
Additional opportunities for scholarship holders
In addition to their degree scholarships, eligible ICIR scholarship holders may apply for further academic development opportunities.
- Short-term research stays in Germany: Scholarship holders may apply for a research stay of two to six months to support their thesis-related research. Applications must generally be submitted at least four months before the intended stay. Read the DAAD programme guidance.
- Interdisciplinary summer schools in Germany: Previous offerings included Global Health at Heidelberg University, Coping with Climate Extremes at TH Köln, GREEN IDEAS at Leipzig University, and GeoTraining at Osnabrück University. The 2026 application deadline was 1 March 2026, and these calls have closed. Details of future rounds will be announced through DAAD and the participating universities.
- Comp³ competence-development modules: Online training in research methods, science communication, networking and academic career planning is available to eligible scholarship holders. Visit DIGI-FACE.
Information for South African applicants
South African citizens and permanent residents wishing to pursue Master’s or doctoral studies in South Africa should consult the DAAD–NRF In-Country Scholarship page. The scholarship is currently listed as indefinitely paused. South African applicants considering In-Region opportunities elsewhere should check the eligibility requirements of each individual call.
