DAAD In-Country In-Region Scholarship Programme Africa

The DAAD In-Country In-Region Scholarship Programme Africa supports postgraduate students at selected African universities, covering tuition, living costs, and travel for Master’s and PhD degrees. This fully funded scholarship aims to strengthen higher education in sub-Saharan Africa by training future academics and professionals. Below is a complete guide to eligibility, benefits, application steps, and practical tips for securing this award.

What Is the DAAD In-Country In-Region Scholarship Programme Africa?

This programme is part of the German Academic Exchange Service’s (DAAD) effort to promote development-oriented research and teaching in Africa. It funds students enrolled in specific Master’s and PhD programmes at partner universities across the continent.

• It covers fields like agriculture, engineering, public health, natural sciences, and social sciences.
• Scholarships are awarded for the standard duration of the degree programme (usually two years for a Master’s, three to four years for a PhD).
• Funding is tied to a specific list of host universities in countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.
• It is an “in-country” (study at a university in your home country) or “in-region” (study at a partner university in another African country) scholarship.
• Applicants must be nationals of a sub-Saharan African country.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

General Eligibility Requirements

You must meet these core conditions before starting your application. Missing one can disqualify your file immediately.

• You are a national of a sub-Saharan African country.
• You hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or a Master’s degree (for PhD applicants) with above-average grades.
• Your proposed study programme is on the official list of supported DAAD programmes at a partner university.
• You have not been resident in Germany or another high-income country for more than fifteen months prior to the application deadline.
• You are not currently receiving another scholarship from a German or international funding body.

Practical Example of Eligibility

“A student from Zambia with a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Sciences (GPA 3.6 out of 4.0) applies for a Master’s in Agribusiness at the University of Nairobi, which is a DAAD partner. She is eligible as long as she is not already funded by DAAD and has not lived in Germany recently.”

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The funding package is comprehensive and designed to let you focus entirely on your studies. Here are the main benefits:

How to Apply Step by Step

Follow these steps carefully. The selection process is competitive, so attention to detail matters.

Step 1: Identify a Partner Programme

Visit the DAAD website or the partner university’s scholarship page to confirm that your intended degree is listed. Not every programme at every university qualifies. You must apply directly to the university, not to DAAD Germany.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Gather these essential files before the deadline:

• Certified copies of your academic transcripts and degree certificates
• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) in English or French
• A motivation letter (usually one to two pages) explaining why you chose this programme and how it links to African development
• Two letters of recommendation from university professors or employers
• A research proposal (for PhD applicants) of about five to ten pages, including objectives, methodology, and a timeline
• Proof of language proficiency (English or French, depending on the host university’s language of instruction)

Step 3: Submit Through the University Portal

Most partner universities use an online application system. Upload all documents in PDF format. Double-check that file sizes are under the portal’s limit (often 5 MB per file).

Step 4: Wait for the Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview (by video call or in person). The final decision is made jointly by the host university and DAAD. You will receive an official award letter if selected.

Tips for a Strong Application

These practical strategies can boost your chances of success. Avoid common mistakes that lead to rejection.

• Tailor your motivation letter to the specific host university and programme. Mention professors or labs you want to work with.
• Show how your research aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Africa.
• Get your recommendation letters from people who know your academic or professional work well, not from high-ranking officials with no direct knowledge of you.
• Proofread every document twice. Grammatical errors or missing pages weaken your profile.
• Submit early. Portals can become slow or overloaded near the deadline.

“A PhD applicant in public health from Ghana made sure her research proposal included a clear fieldwork plan in a rural district. The selection committee appreciated the realistic budget and timeline she provided.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?

Yes, you can apply for a PhD scholarship if you hold a Master’s degree in a related field. However, you cannot apply for a second Master’s under this programme unless it is a completely different discipline and you can justify the need.

2. Do I need to know German to apply?

No. The programme is conducted entirely in English (or French, depending on the host institution). German language skills are not required, though a short German course is sometimes offered after selection.

3. Can I choose any university in Africa?

No. You must choose from the list of DAAD partner universities and the specific programmes they offer under this scholarship. The list changes slightly each year, so always check the current call.

4. Is there an age limit?

There is no strict age limit, but preference is given to candidates who have completed their previous degree within the last six years. Older applicants with strong professional experience may still be considered.

5. Can my family live with me during the scholarship?

Yes, you can apply for a family allowance if your spouse and/or children will accompany you. You must provide marriage and birth certificates. The allowance is extra and paid monthly.

6. What happens if I fail a course?

The scholarship continues as long as you maintain good academic standing. If you fail a required course, you may be placed on probation. Repeated failure can lead to termination of funding.

7. Do I have to return to my home country after graduation?

There is no formal bond, but the programme expects you to use your skills for development in Africa. Many alumni work in academia, government, or NGOs in their home countries.

8. Can I work part-time while on the scholarship?

Full-time study is the primary commitment. Part-time work is allowed if it does not interfere with your studies and does not exceed ten hours per week. You must inform the scholarship coordinator.

9. Is the scholarship renewable each year?

Yes, funding is renewed annually based on satisfactory academic progress and submission of a short progress report. The total duration is fixed at the start of the scholarship.

10. How competitive is this scholarship?

It is very competitive. For some programmes, the acceptance rate is below ten percent. Strong grades, a clear motivation for development, and a well-written proposal significantly improve your odds.

Conclusion

The DAAD In-Country In-Region Scholarship Programme Africa offers a realistic path to a high-quality postgraduate degree without financial burden. By focusing on partner universities, preparing meticulous documents, and aligning your goals with African development, you can become a competitive candidate. Start your research early, reach out to current scholars or alumni for advice, and submit a complete, error-free application. This investment in your education can open doors to academic careers, research leadership, and lasting impact on the continent.