African graduates looking for a funded master’s degree don’t necessarily have to travel to Europe to benefit from a German scholarship. Through the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships 2027, the German Academic Exchange Service is supporting postgraduate studies at selected universities across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The current scholarship calls cover 13 Master’s programmes in eight African countries, with funding that includes monthly living allowances, tuition support and research-related assistance. Depending on the scholarship category, additional benefits may include travel support, health insurance and opportunities for a research stay abroad.
Applications are open to eligible graduates from Sub-Saharan African countries, including applicants who are not citizens of the country where their preferred university is located.
For the currently advertised group of programmes, the application deadline is 12 November 2026.
There is, however, an important distinction applicants should understand: although DAAD is a German scholarship organisation, these particular scholarships are primarily intended for studying in Africa, not Germany.
DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships 2027: Overview
| Scholarship details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme |
| Scholarship year | 2027 |
| Funding organisation | German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) |
| Funding support | German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) |
| Degree level | Master’s degrees under the current open calls |
| Eligible applicants | Qualified graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Host countries | Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda |
| Participating programmes | 13 Master’s programmes |
| Funding | Tuition support, monthly stipend, study/research allowance and other applicable benefits |
| Study duration | Generally the regular duration of the approved Master’s programme, subject to scholarship conditions |
| Expected study commencement | August–November 2027, depending on the university |
| Application deadline | 12 November 2026 |
| Application method | DAAD scholarship application process and the relevant university’s admission procedure |
What Are the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships?
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme is an international postgraduate funding initiative designed to strengthen higher education, research and professional expertise in developing regions.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, the programme supports graduates pursuing advanced qualifications in fields relevant to sustainable development. These include agriculture, environmental sciences, public health, engineering, education and related disciplines.
Rather than requiring every scholarship recipient to relocate to Germany, DAAD works with selected universities and research institutions within Africa.
This arrangement allows students to gain postgraduate qualifications while developing expertise relevant to the needs of their own countries and neighbouring communities.
The programme also contributes to the development of African universities by supporting future lecturers, researchers, professionals and public-sector specialists.
According to DAAD, the broader initiative awarded 332 new scholarships in 2024 and supported 55 host institutions through tuition payments. These figures describe the wider programme’s impact in that year, not the number of scholarships available for the 2027 intake.
What Is the Difference Between In-Country and In-Region Scholarships?
This is one of the most important aspects of the programme, particularly for applicants who are unfamiliar with DAAD’s terminology.
In-Country Scholarships
An in-country scholarship supports an eligible student undertaking postgraduate studies in their home country or qualifying country of residence.
For example, a Ghanaian graduate who meets the programme requirements and receives funding to study at an eligible Ghanaian university would ordinarily fall under the In-Country category.
This route may be particularly attractive to applicants who want to continue their education without relocating internationally.
In-Region Scholarships
An In-Region Scholarship supports an eligible student studying at a participating institution in another country within the same region.
For instance, a Cameroonian graduate admitted to an eligible Master’s programme at the University of Ghana could potentially apply under the In-Region category, provided the applicant meets the relevant nationality, residence, academic and programme-specific requirements.
The same principle could apply to a Nigerian graduate pursuing an eligible programme in Kenya or Rwanda.
The important point is that applicants do not necessarily have to be citizens of the host country.
However, applicants must check whether their selected programme offers in-region places and whether any nationality or residence restrictions apply.
Does the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Allow Students to Study in Germany?
The main master’s degree is completed at the participating African institution.
Some scholarship recipients may have an opportunity to undertake a short research stay abroad, potentially in Germany, where the individual call provides for this option.
Such opportunities are conditional. They may require a separate application, an appropriate research plan and available funding.
Applicants should therefore not interpret the programme as a guaranteed route to completing a Master’s degree in Germany.
For students specifically interested in European postgraduate programmes, our guide to the Erasmus Mundus EPOG Scholarship 2027 explains a separate scholarship route involving study at participating European universities.
DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships 2027: Funding and Benefits
The financial support is one of the main reasons this scholarship deserves attention.
DAAD provides funding intended to reduce the financial burden of postgraduate education and help successful applicants concentrate on their studies and research.
The precise award package depends on the selected programme, scholarship category and conditions stated in the individual scholarship award.
1. Monthly Living Stipend
Successful applicants receive monthly scholarship payments intended to contribute towards their living expenses during the funded study period.
The stipend helps students manage ordinary costs such as accommodation, food, local transport and other personal expenses.
In-Country and In-Region scholarship rates may differ.
Applicants should consult the relevant 2027 university call for the applicable monthly amount rather than assuming that every participating institution offers an identical stipend.
2. Tuition Fee Support
The scholarship normally provides tuition funding for the approved Master’s programme.
This is particularly important for students applying to universities outside their home countries, where tuition charges can otherwise present a major financial obstacle.
However, applicants should not assume that every administrative charge, registration expense or additional university fee is automatically covered.
The scholarship award letter and the host university’s fee schedule should be reviewed carefully.
3. Annual Study and Research Allowance
DAAD also provides an allowance to support eligible academic and research-related expenses.
Depending on the programme, these may include study materials, research activities and other approved costs associated with completing the degree.
The applicable amount and payment conditions are determined by the relevant scholarship call.
4. Thesis-Related Financial Assistance
Scholarship funding may include a one-time allowance towards the production or printing of the final master’s thesis.
This support is generally associated with the final stages of the programme and should not be treated as an additional monthly payment.
5. Travel Allowance for In-Region Scholarship Holders
Students receiving In-Region Scholarships may qualify for travel support connected with relocating to the host country.
This benefit is especially relevant to applicants travelling from countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria or Senegal to study at participating universities elsewhere in Africa.
Travel arrangements and reimbursable expenses remain subject to DAAD’s conditions.
6. Health Insurance Support
In-Region scholarship recipients may also receive support for health insurance, depending on the scholarship arrangements.
Applicants should check the individual call to understand what coverage is provided and whether any additional insurance arrangements are necessary.
7. Possible Research Stay Abroad
Certain scholarship holders may have access to additional funding opportunities for research activities abroad.
Where available, these opportunities can help students gain international research exposure, collaborate with academics at other institutions and access specialised facilities.
A research stay in Germany is not automatic and should not be considered a guaranteed scholarship benefit.
Is the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Fully Funded?
The programme offers a substantial funding package that generally includes tuition support, monthly payments and research-related allowances.
Nevertheless, whether an individual award covers all of a student’s actual expenses depends on the host institution, the scholarship category and personal circumstances.
Applicants should budget for possible expenses that are not included in their award, particularly initial relocation costs, supplementary university charges and family-related expenses.
Universities and Master’s Programmes Available for 2027
DAAD’s official September 2026 overview identifies 13 eligible Master’s programmes across West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa.
These programmes address areas closely connected to sustainable development, including food security, infectious diseases, environmental management, education and energy systems.
West and Central Africa
| Country | University or institution | Eligible Master’s programme | Expected start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burkina Faso | International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE) | MSc Water and Environmental Engineering | September 2027 |
| Ghana | University of Ghana – WACCBIP | MPhil Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases | October 2027 |
| Ghana | University of Ghana – WACCI | MPhil Seed Science and Technology | November 2027 |
| Ghana | University for Development Studies (UDS) | MPhil Agricultural Economics | September 2027 |
Ghana offers several opportunities under the current call, including programmes in agricultural economics, seed science and infectious disease research.
These may be particularly relevant to graduates with backgrounds in Agriculture, Biology, Economics, Biotechnology, Public Health and related disciplines.
Applicants should examine the individual university admission requirements because a general DAAD eligibility qualification does not automatically establish eligibility for every Master’s programme.
Eastern Africa
| Country | University | Eligible Master’s programme | Expected start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethiopia | Jimma University | MSc Environmental Health | October 2027 |
| Kenya | Chuka University | MSc Plant Breeding | September 2027 |
| Kenya | Moi University | Master’s in Education in Research | September 2027 |
| Rwanda | University of Rwanda | MSc Electrical Power Systems | September 2027 |
| Tanzania | Ardhi University | MSc Geomatics | October 2027 |
| Uganda | Busitema University | MSc Climate Change and Disaster Management | August 2027 |
Eastern Africa offers a broad selection of disciplines.
An Engineering graduate interested in electricity systems, for example, may wish to investigate the University of Rwanda programme. Someone with an academic background in environmental sciences or disaster management could explore the programme at Busitema University.
Similarly, the Geomatics programme at Ardhi University may interest applicants whose previous studies relate to surveying, geospatial sciences or other relevant technical fields.
The appropriate choice depends on the applicant’s previous qualifications and the academic prerequisites specified by the host university.
Southern Africa
| Country | University | Eligible Master’s programme | Expected start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malawi | Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) | MSc Aquaculture and Fisheries Science | August 2027 |
| Malawi | Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) | MSc Irrigation Engineering | August 2027 |
| Malawi | Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) | MSc Environmental Health | September 2027 |
Malawi’s participating programmes focus on areas important to food production, water management and environmental health.
For graduates interested in applied research with direct relevance to development challenges, these programmes may provide a particularly suitable academic direction.
Important: This list represents the currently advertised group of 2027 calls. Other DAAD In-Country/In-Region opportunities may operate under different application rounds or deadlines. Applicants should not assume that this table covers every scholarship offered through the wider programme throughout 2027.
Who Is Eligible for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships 2027?
The current scholarship opportunities are intended for graduates from Sub-Saharan African countries who meet the academic and administrative requirements of their chosen programmes.
The official 2027 factsheet expressly encourages applications from women, recognised refugees and candidates from marginalised regions or groups.
Academic Qualifications
Applicants must hold an appropriate first academic degree for the Master’s programme they wish to pursue.
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is generally expected.
Individual calls may specify additional conditions, including minimum academic classifications, degree completion dates and subject-specific preparation.
For example, some DAAD In-Country/In-Region calls require at least a Second Class Upper Division or equivalent. Applicants should confirm that the same requirement appears in the particular 2027 call they intend to use.
Nationality and Residence
The current programme targets applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Eligible applicants may pursue scholarships at participating institutions in their own countries or, where permitted, elsewhere in the region.
Nationality and residence rules should be checked carefully because they determine whether an application falls under the In-Country or In-Region category.
Professional and Academic Interests
DAAD’s broader programme aims to develop future university teachers, researchers, professionals and managerial staff who can contribute to sustainable development.
Applicants with a demonstrated interest in research, teaching, public service or development-related work may therefore have a strong basis for explaining their motivation.
However, applicants should not assume that current university employment is compulsory.
Relevant calls may also welcome fresh graduates and professionals who demonstrate strong academic preparation and a convincing reason for pursuing postgraduate studies.
Language Requirements
Applicants must meet the language requirements of the selected Master’s programme.
The required evidence varies by university and course.
Some programmes may require formal English-language proficiency documentation, while others may accept alternative evidence under their admission policies.
Applicants should not assume that IELTS or TOEFL is universally required or universally waived.
Can Cameroonian and Nigerian Students Apply?
Yes, eligible graduates from Cameroon and Nigeria may be able to apply for the In-Region scholarships at participating universities in other Sub-Saharan African countries.
For example, a Cameroonian graduate interested in Agricultural Economics could investigate the programme at the University for Development Studies in Ghana.
A Nigerian graduate with an appropriate Engineering background might explore the Electrical Power Systems programme at the University of Rwanda.
These are examples of possible programme matches, not guarantees of admission or scholarship eligibility.
The current group of 13 programmes does not include a host university in Cameroon or Nigeria. This does not mean that nationals of those countries are excluded, nor does it mean that the wider DAAD programme never offers scholarships at institutions in those countries.
The decisive factors are the rules of the particular scholarship call, the applicant’s qualifications and the host university’s admission requirements.
Documents Required for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships
The exact document checklist is published in the individual scholarship call.
Applicants should expect to prepare several academic and personal documents, potentially including:
- A completed DAAD scholarship application.
- An updated curriculum vitae detailing academic qualifications and relevant experience.
- A motivation letter explaining the applicant’s academic interests, career plans and reasons for selecting the programme.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or other officially accepted qualification evidence.
- Academic transcripts showing completed university studies and results.
- Academic recommendation letters in the format required by the relevant call.
- A valid passport or other accepted identity document.
- Any programme-specific supporting documents requested by the host university.
- Proof of admission, where required at the relevant stage of the application process.
Some calls may require a research proposal, study plan or additional academic documentation.
Applicants should follow the requirements of their selected programme rather than relying on a generic checklist.
Writing a Strong Motivation Letter
A convincing motivation letter should explain more than the applicant’s desire to receive financial support.
DAAD’s programme has a clear development-oriented purpose. Applicants should therefore connect their academic background, proposed studies and future professional plans.
Consider an applicant interested in the MSc Climate Change and Disaster Management at Busitema University.
Rather than writing only that climate change is a serious global problem, the applicant could discuss a specific environmental challenge observed in their community, explain how their previous studies prepared them to investigate it and identify the knowledge they hope to develop through the programme.
An applicant pursuing Agricultural Economics might similarly connect their academic interests to food production, rural markets, agricultural financing or policy challenges in their country.
The strongest examples are those grounded in the applicant’s actual experiences, qualifications and realistic professional ambitions.
Avoid exaggerated claims or promises that cannot be supported.
How to Apply for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships 2027
Applicants should treat the scholarship application and university admission process as related but potentially separate requirements.
The procedure may vary between participating institutions.
Step 1: Identify an Eligible Master’s Programme
Begin by reviewing the 13 programmes listed in DAAD’s official overview.
Choose a course that corresponds to your previous academic training and future professional interests.
Pay particular attention to the programme’s subject prerequisites, academic requirements and language of instruction.
Step 2: Read the Individual DAAD Scholarship Call
The individual call is the most important document in the application process.
It explains the eligibility conditions, required documents, available scholarship places, financial benefits and submission procedure.
Where the programme-specific call differs from general information published elsewhere, applicants should follow the current official instructions for that programme.
Step 3: Check the University Admission Requirements
Visit the participating university’s official website and review the admission requirements for your chosen Master’s degree.
Check whether you must submit a separate university application, when admission documents are due and whether any additional university-specific requirements apply.
Receiving a DAAD scholarship generally depends on satisfying the host institution’s admission conditions.
Step 4: Prepare Your Supporting Documents
Gather your degree certificates, academic transcripts, identification documents and any required recommendation letters.
Allow enough time for referees to prepare their recommendations and for universities to provide any necessary academic records.
If your selected call requires a particular recommendation form, use that form rather than substituting a general reference letter.
Step 5: Complete the DAAD Scholarship Application
Follow the application instructions provided in the individual scholarship call and submit the required information through the designated DAAD application system.
Where the DAAD Portal is specified, ensure that the application and supporting documents are uploaded correctly.
Do not assume that emailing documents to DAAD or the university is an accepted substitute for an online application.
Step 6: Complete Any Separate University Application
If the host university requires a separate admission application, complete it according to the institution’s instructions.
The university’s deadline may differ from the DAAD scholarship deadline.
An applicant could submit a scholarship application on time but still encounter difficulties if the university admission process has not been completed correctly.
Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline
For the current group of programmes, the DAAD scholarship application deadline is 12 November 2026.
Applicants should aim to submit several days earlier, especially where recommendation letters, online uploads or separate university procedures are involved.
Keep copies of submitted documents and any application confirmation.
Step 8: Follow Up on Admission and Scholarship Decisions
After submission, monitor the communication channels specified by DAAD and the host university.
Additional documents, admission evidence or other information may be requested during the selection process.
Applicants should respond promptly and avoid making irreversible travel or financial commitments before receiving formal confirmation.
How Competitive Are the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships?
The programme is selective, and scholarship places are limited.
The number of awards can vary significantly between participating universities and between In-Country and In-Region categories.
Strong academic results matter, but they are not the only consideration.
Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection between their previous studies, the Master’s programme they have selected and their intended contribution after graduation.
A graduate applying for Plant Breeding, for instance, should be able to explain why that discipline fits their training and how advanced knowledge could support agricultural research or practice.
The same principle applies to candidates interested in infectious disease research, environmental health or education.
A carefully prepared application should make the academic and professional progression understandable to the selection committee.
Applicants should also avoid selecting programmes solely because they appear less popular. A course that does not fit their academic background may be difficult to justify and may not meet the university’s admission requirements.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Several preventable mistakes can weaken an otherwise promising application.
Applying for an unrelated Master’s programme: An applicant’s degree and academic preparation must match the host university’s admission conditions.
Ignoring the difference between In-Country and In-Region funding: The category can affect eligibility and available benefits.
Using outdated scholarship information: DAAD operates multiple calls and application rounds. A deadline or stipend amount from a previous intake may not apply to the current opportunity.
Submitting a generic motivation letter: A letter that could be sent unchanged to any university rarely explains why a particular programme is the right academic choice.
Overlooking the university admission process: Scholarship eligibility and university admission are not necessarily the same thing.
Waiting until the final day: Recommendation letters, document preparation and application portal problems can take longer than expected.
Applicants should also be cautious about websites or individuals requesting payment in exchange for guaranteed DAAD scholarship selection. Scholarship awards are determined through the official selection procedures, not through private guarantees.
When Is the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship 2027 Deadline?
The official DAAD factsheet gives 12 November 2026 as the application deadline for the currently advertised Master’s scholarship calls.
The participating programmes are expected to begin between August and November 2027, depending on the host university.
The precise admission schedule and any additional institutional deadlines should be checked directly with the selected university.
Because DAAD operates other In-Country/In-Region application rounds, applicants should not apply this deadline indiscriminately to every scholarship advertised under the wider programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship 2027 open?
Yes. The current group of Master’s scholarship calls is open, with an advertised deadline of 12 November 2026.
Can I study in Germany with this scholarship?
The main degree is undertaken at a participating institution in Africa. Some recipients may qualify for an additional research stay abroad, including potentially in Germany, where the relevant scholarship conditions allow it.
Is the scholarship available for PhD applicants?
The wider DAAD In-Country/In-Region programme supports both Master’s and doctoral education. However, the specific 2027 open calls covered in this article list Master’s programmes only.
Applicants seeking PhD funding should check for separately advertised doctoral calls.
Can I apply if I am not from one of the eight host countries?
Potentially, yes. In-Region Scholarships are intended to support eligible applicants studying at participating institutions elsewhere in the region.
Applicants must satisfy the nationality, residence and programme-specific requirements.
Can fresh graduates apply?
Fresh graduates may be eligible under relevant programme calls. The decisive considerations include academic qualifications, the individual scholarship requirements and admission eligibility.
Is IELTS compulsory?
Not necessarily. Language requirements depend on the participating university and programme. Applicants should check the accepted forms of language proficiency evidence.
Do I need to apply separately to the university?
Possibly. Some programmes require applicants to complete a separate admission process in addition to the DAAD scholarship application. Follow the individual call and host university instructions.
Can I apply for more than one programme?
Some DAAD calls permit multiple applications under specified conditions. Applicants should check the current call for the maximum number allowed and any requirements for ranking their preferences.
Are accommodation and living expenses covered?
The monthly scholarship payment is intended to contribute towards living expenses. Applicants should not assume that separate accommodation payments or all personal costs are covered unless their award explicitly provides for them.
What if I am interested in studying in Europe instead?
DAAD’s In-Country/In-Region programme is not the same as a scholarship for a full degree in Germany or another European country.
Applicants seeking European Master’s funding may also explore our guide to the Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship 2027, which covers a separate opportunity at Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
Final Thoughts
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships 2027 offer an important opportunity for African graduates who want to advance their education without necessarily leaving the continent.
With Master’s programmes available in eight countries and financial support towards tuition, living expenses and research activities, the programme can make postgraduate education more accessible to qualified applicants.
Its value also extends beyond the scholarship itself. The participating courses address practical challenges in agriculture, environmental management, health, engineering and education—fields in which specialised knowledge and research capacity are essential.
Applicants should begin by identifying a programme that fits their qualifications, reading its individual DAAD call and confirming the university’s admission requirements.
With the 12 November 2026 deadline approaching, early preparation is particularly important.
Official DAAD Scholarship Links and Application Resources
The following official resources should be used to verify programme details and begin the application process.
1. DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme – Official Information
2. DAAD 2027 Open Calls – Participating Universities and Programmes (PDF)
3. DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Factsheet (PDF)
4. DAAD Scholarship Database – Application Details and Individual Calls
https://www.daad.de/go/en/stipa10000486
Application deadline for the advertised programmes: 12 November 2026.
Applicants should consult the individual programme call for the exact eligibility requirements, financial amounts, admission procedures and required supporting documents.
Pingback: VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships 2027 in Belgium