Deadline: 27 November 2025
Funding Body: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Coverage: Fully Funded
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
🌍 Introduction
Are you a passionate student or researcher from Sub-Saharan Africa eager to make a real impact through education, research, and innovation? The DAAD Sub-Saharan Africa Scholarship 2026 offers fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships to empower talented Africans to pursue postgraduate studies in Africa — either within their home country (In-Country) or in another Sub-Saharan African nation (In-Region).
This prestigious programme, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), aims to strengthen higher education systems across Africa and promote sustainable development by supporting students dedicated to solving Africa’s most pressing challenges through education and research.
🎯 Programme Objective
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme seeks to:
Strengthen African universities as centers of excellence in education and research.
Promote sustainable development through postgraduate education.
Encourage young academics to pursue careers in higher education or the public sector.
Foster strong academic networks across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Through this programme, scholars gain access to international standards of research and teaching while remaining grounded in their regional context — a balance essential for Africa’s long-term growth.
📚 Scholarship Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Region | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Provider | DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) |
| Study Level | Master’s, PhD |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Deadline | 27 November 2025 |
| Duration | Up to 2 years (Master’s), up to 3 years (PhD) |
💸 Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars receive comprehensive financial support, covering:
Tuition Fees: Full coverage at eligible African host institutions.
Monthly Stipend: To cover living expenses.
Research & Study Allowance: To support academic activities.
Thesis Publishing Support: Assistance for dissertation printing costs.
Travel Allowance: For In-Region scholarship holders.
Health Insurance: For In-Region scholarship holders.
This package allows students to focus fully on their studies and research without financial constraints.
🧾 Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DAAD Sub-Saharan Africa Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
✅ Be nationals or permanent residents of a Sub-Saharan African country.
✅ Hold a Bachelor’s degree if applying for a Master’s, or a Master’s degree if applying for a PhD.
✅ Apply for a programme offered at a DAAD-partnered African university (either in your country or another Sub-Saharan nation).
✅ Demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to development goals.
✅ Be motivated to pursue a career in teaching, research, or public service.
✅ Female applicants and those from less privileged regions or groups are especially encouraged to apply.
📌 Note: South African students must apply under the DAAD–NRF partnership (a separate programme).
🏫 Host Institutions & Study Fields
The DAAD scholarship covers multiple universities and research centers across Sub-Saharan Africa. Below are a few examples of 2025/2026 eligible institutions and programmes:
Eastern Africa
Kenya:
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) — Master: Energy Technology; Soil and Water Engineering; PhD: Soil and Water Engineering.
Moi University — PhD: Biostatistics.
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT) — Master: Food Science and Technology.
Pwani University — Master: Bioinformatics.
CERM-ESA (Moi University) — Master: Education in Research.
Uganda:
Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) — Master: Biology (Natural Resources Ecology, Microbiology & Parasitology).
Busitema University — Master: Public Health.
Tanzania:
Ardhi University — Master: Geomatics.
Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) — Master: Embedded and Mobile Systems.
West & Central Africa
Ghana:
University of Ghana — Master: Seed Science & Technology; Master: Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases.
Nigeria:
Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi — Master/PhD: Food Chemistry.
Cameroon:
University of Dschang — PhD: Parasitology; PhD: Pharmacology.
Southern Africa
Botswana:
Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) — Master: Physics (by Research).
Malawi:
Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) — Master: Environmental Health.
(Additional programmes in Namibia, Malawi, and South Africa will reopen in early 2026.)
🗓 Application Timeline
Applications Open: Currently active for 2025/2026 intake.
Deadline: 27 November 2025.
Funding Period: 2026–2029 (depending on study level).
Each host institution may have specific internal deadlines — applicants should verify via the official DAAD website or institutional call for applications.
🧭 How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Visit the DAAD scholarship database:
👉 DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme – Sub-Saharan AfricaSelect your preferred host university and study programme from the list provided.
Prepare the required documents, including:
Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Motivation letter linking your study to development goals.
Research proposal (for PhD).
Reference letters.
Submit your application via the DAAD portal before the deadline.
Await shortlisting and interview invitations (if applicable).
💡 Tips for a Strong Application
Clearly describe how your studies will contribute to sustainable development in your home country.
Highlight any teaching, research, or community involvement experience.
Ensure your motivation letter is concise, well-structured, and shows passion for impact.
Proofread all documents — small errors can cost big opportunities.
Apply early — last-minute portal submissions often face delays.
🌟 Why You Should Apply
✅ Fully funded postgraduate education.
🌐 Regional collaboration: Study in Africa, build networks with peers and DAAD alumni.
👩🎓 Empowerment: Special focus on women and underrepresented groups.
🔬 Research excellence: Access to top facilities and mentorship.
🌱 Development impact: Be part of Africa’s transformation story.
🔗 Official Link & Further Details
For full programme details, eligibility, and calls by country:
👉 DAAD Scholarship Database – Sub-Saharan Africa
For Kenya and Eastern Africa updates:
👉 DAAD Kenya Office Website
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