The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme supports the training of future professionals and university teachers across Sub-Saharan Africa. Through this programme, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) awards scholarships for development-related Master’s degrees. Scholars study either in their home country or in another Sub-Saharan African country.
The programme strengthens higher education systems so that they can better contribute to sustainable development in the region. Applying for a scholarship may seem challenging at first, but proper preparation can make the process much easier. By planning ahead, understanding the requirements, and preparing your application carefully, you can approach your DAAD scholarship application with greater confidence. Study the Tips Before Applying for a DAAD Scholarship.
Programme Objective
The main goal of the programme is to build strong, internationally oriented higher education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. It focuses on developing the capacity of universities to support long-term sustainable development.
Scholarships target individuals who plan to pursue careers in teaching or research at higher education institutions within Sub-Saharan Africa. By training future lecturers and researchers, the programme helps improve the quality of university education across the region.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to graduates and postgraduates from Sub-Saharan African countries.
You can apply if you:
- Hold a first academic degree (usually a Bachelor’s) and wish to pursue a Master’s degree
- Want to study in your home country or the country where you hold a residence permit (In-Country scholarship)
- Or want to study in another Sub-Saharan African country (In-Region scholarship)
Female applicants and candidates from less privileged regions or groups receive special encouragement to apply.
What the Scholarship Supports
The scholarship funds Master’s studies in selected development-related degree programmes offered at partner universities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Duration of Funding
DAAD provides funding for the regular duration of the degree programme. In most cases, this covers up to two years for a Master’s degree.
Scholarship Value and Benefits
The scholarship generally includes:
- Monthly scholarship rate
- Study and research allowance
- Thesis publishing costs
- Tuition fees
Additional benefits for In-Region scholarship holders only:
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
Exact amounts vary by programme and host institution. Always check the specific call for applications for precise figures.
Selection Process
The selection process differs from one degree programme to another. Each host institution follows its own procedures.
Applicants should carefully read the individual call for applications of their chosen programme to understand the exact selection criteria and timeline.
The Scope, Specific Criteria, and PhD Opportunities of DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme – Sub-Saharan Africa
1. Is the Programme Master’s Only?
Short answer:
The overall DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme supports both Master’s and PhD studies.
However, the currently open calls (with the deadline of 29 April 2026) listed for Sub-Saharan Africa focus only on Master’s programmes.
PhD opportunities under this programme exist, but they appear in different calls and at different times of the year. Not every call includes doctoral funding.
2. Specific Eligibility Criteria
Below are the key requirements based on official DAAD information:
For Master’s Scholarships
- You must hold a first academic degree (usually a Bachelor’s degree).
- The degree should normally have been completed with above-average results (often Second Class Upper or equivalent).
- Your last university degree should generally not be more than 6 years old at the time of application.
- You must be a national or permanent resident of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- You should intend to pursue a career in teaching and/or research at a higher education institution in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Female applicants and candidates from less privileged regions or groups are especially encouraged to apply.
For PhD Scholarships (when available)
- You must hold a Master’s degree.
- You must meet the academic requirements of the specific doctoral programme.
- The same regional and career-intention requirements apply.
- Funding for PhDs is usually provided for up to three years.
3. What the Current Open Calls Cover (Deadline: 29 April 2026)
The calls currently open under this programme are Master’s only:
West and Central Africa
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria → MSc in Physics
Southern Africa
- University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa → Master of Philosophy in Urban Studies – Southern Urbanism
- University of Pretoria (UP), South Africa → MSc in Mathematics
No PhD programmes are included in this particular round of open calls.
4. DAAD PhD Opportunities in the Programme
The In-Country/In-Region Programme does support doctoral studies. In previous and other regional calls, DAAD has funded PhDs in fields such as:
- Parasitology
- Pharmacology
- Computer Science
- Agricultural Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Public Health
These PhD calls usually open at different times (often later in the year or in separate regional rounds). Applicants interested in a PhD should:
- Regularly check the DAAD Scholarship Database
- Monitor the DAAD Kenya, Ghana, or regional office websites
- Watch for new calls expected in autumn 2026
5. Key Differences: Master’s vs PhD Funding
| Aspect | Master’s | PhD |
|---|---|---|
| Required Degree | Bachelor’s | Master’s |
| Typical Duration | Up to 2 years | Up to 3 years |
| Current Open Calls | Yes (until 29 April 2026) | Not in the current round |
| Career Focus | Teaching / research at African universities | Teaching / research at African universities |
| Additional Benefits | Same core package + travel & insurance for In-Region scholars | Same core package + travel & insurance for In-Region scholars |
Note:
- The programme as a whole supports both Master’s and PhD studies.
- The current open calls (deadline 29 April 2026) are limited to selected Master’s programmes.
- PhD funding is available under the same scheme but through separate calls that open at different times.
Would you like me to also outline the typical academic and professional profile that successful PhD applicants under this programme usually present?
Application Process and Important Deadlines
Current Application Deadline:
29 April 2026 – CLOSED
The application period for the currently open calls is now closed. Wait for 2027-2028 application date.
Please note that application procedures can differ between regions and host institutions. Always follow the specific instructions provided in each call for applications.
Further calls for other countries, institutions, and academic fields will open in the autumn of 2026.
Currently Open Calls (as of the latest update)
West and Central Africa
Nigeria
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)
– Master of Science in Physics
Southern Africa
South Africa
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
– Master of Philosophy in Urban Studies – Southern Urbanism - University of Pretoria (UP)
– Master of Science in Mathematics
These are the programmes currently accepting applications. Additional calls will appear later in 2026.
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guidance
- Check the list of currently open programmes above.
- Visit the specific call for applications of your chosen programme.
- Carefully read the eligibility requirements, required documents, and submission instructions.
- Prepare all necessary documents (academic transcripts, motivation letter, recommendation letters, etc.).
- Submit your application according to the instructions of the host institution before the deadline of 29 April 2026.
Why This Programme Matters
This scholarship plays a strategic role in strengthening African higher education. By supporting local and regional Master’s training, it helps universities retain talent and build teaching and research capacity.
Many alumni of the programme go on to become lecturers, researchers, and academic leaders in their home countries.
Official Resources and Further Information
- DAAD Scholarship Database
- Individual Calls for Applications (linked on the DAAD website)
- ICIR Fact Sheet (available on the official DAAD pages)
Always refer to the official DAAD website and the specific programme calls for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Closing Remarks
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme offers a valuable opportunity for Sub-Saharan African graduates who wish to advance their academic careers while contributing to the development of higher education in the region.
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 Programme Sub-Saharan Africa.
Interested candidates should act promptly (wait for DAAD 2027/2028 application open date, as the current application deadline is 29 April 2026. Preparing a strong application early significantly improves your chances of success.