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About the DAAD Leadership for Africa Programme
DAAD Leadership for Africa Master’s Scholarships in Germany: Are you a highly qualified graduate or refugee residing in Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo, eager to make a difference in your community and the broader African region? The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has officially opened applications for its prestigious Leadership for Africa (LfA) Master’s Scholarship Programme 2026, offering you a life-changing opportunity to study in Germany—completely funded.
The program is not just about earning a Master’s degree; it’s about preparing the next generation of African leaders to tackle development challenges in their home countries and beyond.
The Leadership for Africa (LfA) initiative by DAAD is a fully funded scholarship designed to support future African leaders—both citizens and recognized refugees—who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in Germany. The program goes beyond funding by also providing intensive German language training, mentorship, and access to a robust academic and professional network in Germany.
By offering this opportunity, DAAD aims to strengthen governance, foster social and economic transformation, and encourage international academic collaboration between Germany and African nations.
Whether you’re aiming to reform public health systems, drive economic innovation, or lead non-governmental initiatives, this program can provide the foundation and resources you need to succeed.
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is open to two main categories of applicants:
1. Refugee Applicants
To be eligible as a refugee applicant, you must:
- Possess officially recognized refugee status (granted before April 2, 2024).
- Currently reside in Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification by the time of application.
- Ensure that your refugee status is valid through at least April 2026.
2. National Graduates
If you’re a national of Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo (and not a refugee), you must:
- Be a citizen and permanent resident of one of the three eligible countries.
- Hold a completed Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Eligible Fields
Applicants can choose from a wide range of tuition-free Master’s programs offered by public or state-recognized universities in Germany. This includes courses taught in English or German.
However, there are specific restrictions:
- Applicants with medical backgrounds may only apply for degrees in Public Health or Biomedical Sciences.
- The following disciplines are not eligible:
- Medicine
- Law
- Fine Arts
- Architecture
- Other healthcare-related or specialized arts degrees
Selection Criteria
Admission to the DAAD Leadership for Africa program is competitive. Applicants will be evaluated based on:
- Academic excellence and the relevance of previous studies.
- Demonstrated leadership potential or community involvement.
- Quality and clarity of motivation as outlined in your letter of intent.
- The feasibility and relevance of your selected Master’s programs.
- Completeness and organization of application documents.
Eligible Countries
This scholarship is strictly open to applicants who are:
- Citizens or refugees currently residing in:
- Cameroon
- Senegal
- Togo
Note: Applicants from outside these countries are not eligible, even if they hold refugee status or previous connections to the region.
Benefits of the DAAD Leadership for Africa Programme
This is a fully funded scholarship, which includes an extensive support package designed to ensure students can focus entirely on their studies and leadership development:
- Full tuition fee coverage at your chosen public/state-recognized German university.
- Up to 6 months of German language training in Germany prior to your academic program.
- A monthly living stipend of €992, sufficient to cover basic living costs in Germany.
- Travel allowance to cover airfare to and from Germany.
- Annual study allowance to support the purchase of books and academic materials.
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance throughout your stay.
- Rent subsidy if needed.
- Family allowance if you are bringing dependents.
This support ensures you not only pursue academic goals but also live and study with peace of mind during your time in Germany.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit a complete and well-organized application package, including:
- Completed online application form via the DAAD portal.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) — maximum of 3 pages.
- A Motivation Letter (1 to 3 pages) clearly explaining your academic goals, leadership aspirations, and reasons for choosing Germany.
- Study Course Profile Form: Indicate three tuition-free Master’s programs you are interested in.
- Language proficiency certificates, such as:
- TOEFL or IELTS (for English-taught programs),
- or DSH/TestDaF (for German-taught programs).
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- National ID or passport.
- Official refugee documentation (for refugee applicants).
- Optional supporting documents:
- Letters of recommendation
- Certificates from internships or previous employment
- Records of previous scholarships or academic awards
All documents must be uploaded to the DAAD online portal and submitted before the application deadline.
How to Apply
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the application process:
- Visit the Official DAAD Portal: Navigate to the DAAD Leadership for Africa scholarship section.
- Create a DAAD account and fill out the online application form.
- Upload all required documents, ensuring each file is legible and correctly labeled.
- Submit your application before the June 10, 2025 deadline.
Note: Applications Open: 2 April 2025 and Application Deadline: 10 June 2025
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so double-check all submissions for accuracy and completeness.
The DAAD Leadership for Africa program is more than a scholarship—it’s a launchpad for those committed to transforming their communities and driving sustainable development in Africa. This opportunity gives you the academic knowledge, cultural exposure, and leadership skills to become a change-maker in your field.
Whether you’re passionate about public health, governance, sustainable development, or economic reform, this program equips you with the tools to lead with vision and purpose.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
See also:
Tokyo University Amgen Scholars Program 2025: Apply Now!
The Letten Prize 2025 for Researchers: Apply Now!
