The scholarship programme “Leadership for Africa” (LfA) aims to support the academic qualification and advancement of young refugees and national scholars from Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Niger and Senegal at higher education institutions in Germany.

In times of conflicts and displacement in various African countries, this programme intends to contribute to the education of future leaders, who will be essential for the further development of their home countries.

“Leadership for Africa” offers scholarships for Master studies in Germany to qualified applicants in all fields of study except for Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Arts and Architecture.

All “Leadership for Africa” scholarship holders benefit from a complementary training programme in good governance, civil society and career development. The mandatory programme must be completed in addition to the regular studies.

Are you a bachelor degree holder, who dreams about studying for a Master’s degree in Germany? 2025/2026 DAAD Leadership for Africa Master’s Scholarship Programme is for you.

You live as a national or refugee in Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Niger or Senegal? The Leadership for Africa scholarship programme is the opportunity for you!

Requirements for the DAAD Leadership for Africa Master’s Scholarship Programme

1. Highly qualified refugees who hold refugee status and fulfil the necessary qualifications for Master studies in Germany and the requirements in the call for applications.Applicants must fulfil the following conditions:
   • Holding refugee status in their host countries, being granted.
   • Country of asylum must be either Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Niger or Senegal
   • Completed Bachelor’s degree
2. Highly qualified graduates from Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Niger or Senegal who fulfil the necessary qualifications for Master studies in Germany and the requirements in the call for applications.Applicants must fulfil the following conditions:
   • Citizenship of either Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Niger or Senegal
   • Country of residence Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Niger or Senegal
   • Completed Bachelor’s degree

Benefits

The scholarship includes:

• Language course (2-6 months) in Germany before the start of the university studies
• Tuition-free M.A. or M.Sc. degree programme at a public or state-recognized university in Germany starting in the winter term
• Additional mandatory training programme LEAD!

• If necessary: Language course (2, 4 or 6 months) in Germany before the start of the study programme, including the coverage of the test fees for a German language certificate (TestDaF or DSH test), pocket money and accommodation.
• The DAAD decides whether to fund participation and for how long depending on German language skills and project. Participation in a language course is compulsory if the study programme is taught in German.
• Additional mandatory training programme LEAD!
• Monthly scholarship rate payments of 861 EURO
• Adequate health, accident, and private/personal liability insurance in Germany
• Travel allowance
• Yearly study allowance
• If applicable, monthly rent subsidy and monthly allowance for accompanying family members (spouse and/or children)

DAAD will support you during your study experience in Germany both financially and professionally. Prior to your arrival, you will have information seminars on how to apply at German universities for a Master’s degree programme, preparation throughout the pre-departure phase, e.g., seminars for your arrival in Germany as well as during your language course in Germany as orientation.

Programme features

In addition to the supported Master degree programme the scholarship includes the mandatory additional training programme LEAD!. The scholarship holder can choose the study programme, they can apply to all suitable Master degree programmes in Germany.

After being granted a place in the scholarship programme they apply directly to their desired study programmes at German Institutes of Higher Education (more information on how to apply for a Master’s programme in Germany and what prerequisites DAAD expects of the Master’s course profile here).

Selection

A pre-selection will take place based on the submitted application documents. Only complete applications with all mandatory documents will be considered. Preselected candidates will be invited to an (digital) interview with an independent selection committee of university professors.

In addition to previous achievements in school and university, language skills and the general motivation, the main selection criterion is a convincing description of the planned studies in Germany and the suitable choice of study programmes in the DAAD form “Study course profile”.

To ensure equal opportunities, social criteria such as special life circumstances, migration background or students from non-academic families can play a role. Criteria such as social engagement about which you can provide information in the application form are also considered.

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