The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme supports the training of future professionals and managerial staff in developing countries, with a special focus on university teachers. The programme provides funding for postgraduate studies (Master’s) and doctoral degrees. Scholars study either in their home country (In-Country) or at selected high-quality institutions within their region (In-Region). The DAAD scholarship is supported by The Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development.
DAAD stands for Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, which translates into English as the German Academic Exchange Service. The DAAD Scholarship program means a scholarship or funding opportunity provided through the German Academic Exchange Service to support international students, graduates, researchers, and academics pursuing study or research in Germany. Depending on the particular scholarship, recipients may benefit from monthly financial support, insurance, travel funding, and other allowances.
DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship at First Glance & Requirements
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme |
| Target Group | Graduates (Bachelor’s or Master’s holders) from developing countries who wish to become university teachers or professionals in development-related fields |
| Scholarship Type | In-Country (study in home country) or In-Region (study in another country within the same region) |
| Eligible Regions | Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, South America, South & Southeast Asia, Middle East |
| Degree Levels Supported | Master’s degree and PhD |
| Funding Start (2027 Calls) | Between January and July 2027 |
| Tuition Fees | Fully covered |
| Monthly Stipend | Yes (amount varies by country and programme) |
| Study & Research Allowance | Yes |
| Thesis Printing Allowance | Yes |
| Travel Allowance | Yes (mainly for In-Region scholars) |
| Health Insurance | Usually covered for In-Region scholars |
| Additional Benefits | Access to Summer Schools in Germany and short-term research stays in Germany (optional) |
| Key Eligibility | – Bachelor’s or Master’s degree – Strong academic record – Motivation to contribute to higher education / development in home country or region – Admission (or eligibility for admission) to a participating host institution |
| Focus Areas | Development-related subjects, with priority on training future university lecturers |
| Gender & Inclusion | Strong emphasis on increasing participation of women and disadvantaged groups |
| Application Method | Through specific open calls published in the DAAD Scholarship Database (application process varies by region and host institution) |
| Official Resources | – DAAD Scholarship Database – ICIR Fact Sheet (PDF) – Overview of Open Calls (PDF) |
OPEN CALLS 2027-2028 – DAAD Scholarship Applications
DAAD currently offers In-Country/In-Region scholarships for selected Master’s programmes for students from Sub-Saharan African countries. Scholarship start dates fall between January and July 2027.
Key resources:
- Overview of Open Calls
- ICIR Fact Sheet – a concise overview with all relevant information and contacts
- DAAD Scholarship Database for full details
Background of DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship
Therefore, DAAD Scholarship means a scholarship or funding opportunity provided through the German Academic Exchange Service to support international students, graduates, researchers, and academics pursuing study or research in Germany.
Many developing countries face a shortage of highly qualified university teachers, especially in development-related fields. This shortage limits the number and quality of available study places. A strong higher education sector plays a vital role in training the professionals and managers needed for political, economic, and social progress.
The In-Country/In-Region Programme addresses this gap. It trains highly qualified professionals and future university lecturers who can contribute to sustainable development in their home countries. At the same time, it strengthens partner universities by supporting the growth of high-quality, internationally oriented higher education institutions.
Partner universities and institutions act as intermediaries and also benefit directly through tuition fee payments. While the programme focuses primarily on Sub-Saharan Africa, similar schemes operate in Central America, South America, South and South-East Asia, and the Middle East.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Qualify graduates for positions of responsibility in teaching, research, and development-related fields
- Increase the participation of women and disadvantaged groups
- Strengthen the organisational, financial, and personnel capacities of partner institutions
Impact of DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship
In 2023, the programme awarded 267 new scholarships.
- 38.2% of recipients came from Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
- 38.6% of scholarship holders were women
Scholarship holders improve their career prospects and often move into leadership positions. Many alumni confirm that the programme significantly advanced their professional development. In addition, 55 host institutions benefit from tuition fee support.
DAAD continuously evaluates the programme’s impact. Since 2014, a comprehensive results-oriented monitoring system has helped improve quality and transparency.
DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Overview
The In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme supports academics who already hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Eligible regions include Sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America, South and Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Scholars can pursue:
- A consecutive Master’s degree, or
- A PhD
They study either in their home country/country of residence (In-Country) or within their region (In-Region).
Scholarship Funding
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship typically covers:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly scholarship rate
- Study and research allowance
- Printing allowance for the final thesis
- For In-Region scholars only: travel allowance and usually health insurance coverage
Additional funding options may apply depending on the location. Scholarship holders receive full details in the brochure “Your DAAD Scholarship” after admission.
A list of current host institutions across all regions is available in the official PDF document.
OPEN CALLS 2027 (Scholarship Start: January – July 2027)
DAAD is currently accepting applications for selected Master’s programmes for Sub-Saharan African students.
Available resources:
- Overview of Open Calls (PDF)
- ICIR Fact Sheet (PDF)
- DAAD Scholarship Database
How to Find and Apply for Calls
You can find all current calls in the DAAD Scholarship Database under the following categories:
- In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme Sub-Saharan Africa
- In-Region Scholarship Programme Central America
- All In-Country Scholarship Programmes
- In-Region Scholarship Programmes
Each call includes a detailed PDF document with application procedures, requirements, and deadlines. Application processes differ by region and host institution. Always download and carefully read the specific PDF for your chosen programme.
DAAD and the participating host institutions provide support throughout the application process. Contact details appear in the individual call documents.
Additional Offers for Scholarship Holders
Scholarship holders can access further education and training opportunities designed to broaden their qualifications. Only current In-Country/In-Region scholarship holders may apply for these measures. Full details appear in the “Your DAAD Scholarship” brochure.
How to Make Your DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Application and Proposal Stand Out (Depending on Your Country of Origin)
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship is highly competitive. Selection committees look for candidates who show clear academic potential, strong motivation, and a genuine commitment to contributing to higher education and development in their home country or region.
Below are targeted strategies that help applications stand out, with specific advice based on regional context.
1. Principles That Work Across All Regions
- Write a clear, focused, and realistic research or study proposal.
- Show a strong connection between your previous studies, your proposed programme, and your future role as a university teacher or professional.
- Demonstrate how your training will benefit your home institution and country.
- Keep your motivation letter specific rather than general. Avoid vague statements about “wanting to help my country.” Instead, give concrete examples.
- Ensure all documents are complete, well-organised, and free of errors.
2. Sub-Saharan Africa
What stands out most:
- A strong focus on teaching capacity and institutional development.
- Clear plans to return and strengthen university departments, especially in development-related fields.
- Evidence of previous teaching, tutoring, or research assistance experience (even informal).
Tips for your proposal and motivation letter:
- Explain the shortage of qualified lecturers in your specific field at your home university or in your country.
- Show how the Master’s or PhD will enable you to improve teaching quality or introduce new courses.
- Highlight any involvement in community projects, research groups, or academic networks in Africa.
- If applying for an In-Region scholarship, explain why studying in another African country (instead of your home country) adds value.
Common strength of successful applicants from the region:
They clearly link their personal academic goals to the broader need for stronger higher education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa.
3. Central and South America
What stands out most:
- Strong academic performance combined with social or development relevance.
- Clear interdisciplinary approaches and regional cooperation.
- Evidence of research experience or publications (even small ones).
Tips for your proposal and motivation letter:
- Emphasise how your research addresses regional challenges (e.g., inequality, environmental issues, governance, or sustainable development).
- Show awareness of academic networks and cooperation within Latin America.
- If applying In-Region, explain the academic advantage of studying at the chosen host institution in the region.
- Demonstrate language readiness (Spanish/Portuguese and English/German as required).
Common strength of successful applicants:
They present well-structured research ideas that connect local realities with broader regional or global debates.
4. South and Southeast Asia
What stands out most:
- Excellent academic records and clear research focus.
- Strong methodological awareness in the research proposal.
- Evidence of previous research experience or professional engagement in the field.
Tips for your proposal and motivation letter:
- Make your research question precise and feasible within the available time.
- Show how your work contributes to knowledge production in your home country or region.
- Highlight any experience in teaching, research projects, or academic publications.
- Explain clearly why the chosen host institution is the best fit for your topic.
Common strength of successful applicants:
They submit highly structured, academically mature proposals with clear methodology and realistic objectives.
5. Middle East and North Africa
What stands out most:
- Strong academic motivation combined with institutional impact.
- Clear plans to contribute to university capacity building after the scholarship.
- Ability to work in international academic environments.
Tips for your proposal and motivation letter:
- Address how your training will support the development of higher education or research capacity in your country.
- Show awareness of both regional academic challenges and international standards.
- Emphasise your readiness to engage in academic exchange and knowledge transfer.
- If relevant, highlight any previous international academic experience.
Common strength of successful applicants:
They balance personal academic ambition with a clear institutional and societal contribution.
Key Elements of a Strong Research/Study Proposal
Regardless of your region, a competitive proposal usually includes:
- Clear research question or study objective
- Relevance to your home country or region
- Feasibility within the programme duration
- Methodology (for research degrees)
- Expected contribution to teaching, research, or institutional development
- Personal motivation linked to long-term academic goals
Final Advice
- Tailor your application to the specific host institution and programme.
- Show that you understand the goals of the In-Country/In-Region Programme (building local teaching and research capacity).
- Be honest, specific, and realistic.
- Ask a trusted academic mentor to review your motivation letter and proposal before submission.
Applications that clearly demonstrate both academic excellence and a genuine commitment to strengthening higher education in the home country or region consistently stand out in the selection process.
Summer Schools in Germany
Scholarship holders may apply for optional Summer Schools in Germany. Current offerings include:
| Institution | Academic Field | Title of the Summer School |
|---|---|---|
| Heidelberg University | Human Medicine | Enhancing Academic Qualifications in Global Health Teaching and Research |
| TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences | Engineering | Coping with Climate Extremes (CC-Extremes) |
| Osnabrück University | Engineering | Environmental and Remote Sensing Data Analysis via Geospatial Technologies (GeoTraining) |
| Leipzig University | Economics | GREEN Innovators, Doers and Entrepreneurs Summer School (GREEN IDEAS) |
Short-Term Research Stays in Germany
Scholarship holders may apply for a research stay in Germany lasting 2 to 6 months if the research supports their thesis.
Important points:
- Announce the research stay in the original scholarship application or during an extension request
- Submit the complete application at least four months before the planned stay
- Contact your DAAD coordinator for detailed guidance
Please note: A similarly named programme exists in the DAAD database. Ensure you apply for the correct offer to avoid delays.
Information for Alumni
DAAD continues to support former scholarship holders through its global alumni network. Alumni can access various funding options and may apply for other DAAD programmes, including opportunities for Master’s graduates and postdoctoral researchers.
Information for Prospective Host Institutions
Universities and institutions interested in joining the programme as hosts may apply during regional selection processes.
Current status: There are no open calls for new host institutions at this time.
Information for Current Host Institutions
For questions about programme procedures, please refer to the “Affiliate Agreement” or contact your DAAD programme administrator.
Regional Contacts at DAAD
Sub-Saharan Africa
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Department ST32 Africa
Stephanie Stromeyer – Department Head
Central America
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Department ST31 Latin America
Mareike Lühring – Department Head
South America
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Department ST31 Latin America
Dr. Sybilla Tinapp – Department Head
Asia/Pacific
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Department ST34 Asia, Pacific
Anna Katharina Rusche – Department Head
Middle East
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Department ST33 Middle East, North Africa
Muhammad Khaskeia – Department Head
Closing Note
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme plays a vital role in strengthening higher education systems across developing regions. By training future university teachers and professionals, it contributes directly to sustainable development and institutional capacity building.
There is no application fee. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted. You can take a look at How to Verify Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Financial Aid Funding. You can also learn How to Avoid Scholarship Scams. Finally, you can Apply for DAAD All Countries Scholarship.
Lastly, all interested applicants regularly scholarshipstravels.com to check the DAAD Scholarship Database updates and other open calls for the most accurate and up-to-date information.