DAAD Leadership for Africa Masters Programme for South Sudan and Uganda (Fully-Funded to Germany)

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About DAAD Leadership for Africa Masters Programme

The scholarship programme “Leadership for Africa” (LfA) aims to support the academic qualification and advancement of young refugees and national scholars from South Sudan and Uganda at higher education institutions in Germany. In times of conflicts and displacement, this programme intends to contribute to the education of future leaders, who will be essential for the further development of societies in Africa and beyond. “Leadership for Africa” offers scholarships for Master's studies in Germany to qualified applicants in all fields of study except for Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Fine Arts and Architecture as well as Nursing, Midwifery or similar health care-related academic fields.

What can be funded?

The scholarship includes: 

• German language course (up to 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 winter term 2026 (September/October 2026)

Duration of the funding

Generally, selected candidates will start their German language course in April 2026 at the earliest and begin their studies at a German institution of higher education around 1 October 2026. The duration of funding is determined by the standard period of study of the chosen programme. In general, eligible Master’s programmes require two years of full-time study.

• Sponsor Organisation: The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)

Benefits of DAAD Leadership for Africa Masters Programme

Value

• German language course (up to 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 (only during the language course). The DAAD will decide whether to fund participation and for how long, based on the applicant's German language skills and study requirements. Participation in a language course is compulsory.
• Monthly scholarship payments of 992 euros
• 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)
  Please note that family reunions may be delayed or not be possible during the duration of the scholarship, due to the length of the visa process for some home or host countries.

 

DAAD Leadership for Africa Masters Programme Requirements

The programme targets two groups:
1) Highly qualified refugees who hold refugee status and fulfil the necessary qualifications for Master’s studies in Germany.
Applicants must fulfil the following conditions:

• Holding refugee status in their host countries, being granted before 2nd of April, 2024. Refugee status must be valid at least until April 2026. In case of renewal of status, please provide sufficient proof.
• Country of asylum must be either South Sudan or Uganda.
• Completed Bachelor’s degree at the time of application.

2) Highly qualified graduates from South Sudan or Uganda who fulfil the necessary qualifications for Master's studies in Germany.
Applicants must fulfil the following conditions:

• Citizenship of either South Sudan or Uganda.
• Country of residence is South Sudan or Uganda.
• Completed Bachelor’s degree at the time of application.

Please note:

• With a Degree in Medicine, you can apply for Public Health or Biomedical Master related programmes only. A Master's programme in Medicine is not eligible for funding.
• For applicants from artistic disciplines and the field of architecture, the DAAD offers subject-specific scholarship programmes (see "Further information").

Selection

A pre-selection will be conducted 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.

Selection Criteria
In addition to previous academic achievements (Bachelor's degree), 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 may also be considered. Criteria such as social engagement as indicated in the application form are also taken into account.
For further information on the selection procedure, please refer to the Important Scholarship Information, Section E.

Further information

For applicants from artistic disciplines and the field of architecture, the DAAD offers the following scholarship programmes:

• Architecture
• Fine Art/Design/Film
• Performing Art
• Music

Application Date and Process

• Click on the link to the application website to get started with your application process.

Application Deadline

10 June, 2025

Scholarship Application Portal

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