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DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships 2027: How to Apply
Discover DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships 2027 for Nigerian and other African graduates. Learn how to apply for funded master's programmes at participating African universities, including tuition support, monthly allowances, eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
Scholarships & Funding
DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships 2027: How Nigerians and African Students Can Apply
Did you know that you can receive a scholarship funded by Germany to study at a university in Africa?
Many African graduates believe that winning an international scholarship always means travelling to Europe, Canada or the United States.
However, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a scholarship programme that supports eligible African students pursuing postgraduate education at selected universities within Sub-Saharan Africa.
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme provides financial support for development-related master's programmes, particularly for graduates interested in research, teaching and contributing to sustainable development.
Selected scholarship applications for the 2027 intake are currently open, with a deadline of 12 November 2026 for several participating programmes.
In this Beeva Pathways guide, we explain the scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, participating study areas, application process and practical ways to strengthen your application.
1. What Is the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship?
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme is an initiative of the German Academic Exchange Service, supported by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Its purpose is to strengthen higher education, research and professional capacity in developing regions, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa.
The programme helps qualified graduates pursue postgraduate studies in development-related disciplines.
It is designed to support future researchers, university teachers and professionals who can contribute to their countries' development.
There are two main scholarship arrangements:
In-Country Scholarship
You study at an approved university in your home country or eligible country of residence.
In-Region Scholarship
You study at an approved university in another eligible country within Sub-Saharan Africa.
For example, an eligible Nigerian graduate might apply to a participating programme in Kenya, Ghana or another African country, provided that the particular call accepts applicants from Nigeria.
The scholarship does not automatically provide admission to a university in Germany.
2. What Does the Scholarship Cover?
DAAD In-Country/In-Region scholarships generally provide:
- Tuition fee support.
- A monthly scholarship allowance.
- Study and research allowances.
- Support towards thesis printing or publication costs.
- Travel allowance for eligible In-Region scholars.
- Health insurance support for eligible In-Region scholars.
Additional benefits may be available under particular calls.
The exact amounts depend on the host country, university and scholarship announcement.
Unlike scholarships that advertise one fixed global stipend, DAAD publishes the applicable funding details for each programme.
Applicants should therefore read the official call before estimating their total funding.
3. Who Can Apply?
The programme targets qualified graduates from Sub-Saharan African countries.
General eligibility conditions commonly include:
- Being a national or permanent resident of an eligible Sub-Saharan African country.
- Holding a recognised bachelor's degree.
- Having strong academic results, generally at least second-class upper division or an equivalent qualification.
- Having completed your most recent university degree within the period specified in the call, generally no more than six years before application.
- Demonstrating clear academic motivation and commitment to development.
- Meeting the host university's admission requirements.
- Demonstrating adequate proficiency in the language of instruction.
Female applicants, recognised refugees and candidates from disadvantaged communities or regions are especially encouraged to apply.
Eligibility may vary by programme, so applicants must check the exact conditions of their selected scholarship call.
4. Can Nigerians Apply?
Yes. Nigerian graduates are among the Sub-Saharan African applicants who may qualify for the programme.
However, not every participating university accepts applicants from every country under every funding category.
You must confirm whether the scholarship is available to applicants from Nigeria and whether the host institution offers an In-Region scholarship.
This is particularly important when applying to universities outside Nigeria.
Nigerian applicants should also understand that a previous DAAD call at a Nigerian university does not necessarily mean that applications for that programme are currently open.
Always use the current scholarship announcement.
5. What Courses Are Available?
The 2027 scholarship announcements include selected development-related programmes in fields such as:
- Agricultural Economics.
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Science.
- Climate Change and Disaster Management.
- Research and Education.
- Electrical Power Systems.
- Environmental Health.
- Geomatics.
- Irrigation Engineering.
- Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases.
- Plant Breeding.
- Seed Science and Technology.
- Water and Environmental Engineering.
These are examples of disciplines covered by selected 2027 calls, not a guarantee that every course is currently accepting applications.
Applicants must consult the current DAAD programme list to identify eligible universities and courses.
6. Documents You Should Prepare
The official requirements differ between institutions, but applicants should generally prepare:
Academic certificates and transcripts
Provide your bachelor's degree certificate and complete academic records.
Curriculum vitae
DAAD's applicant guidance specifies a tabular CV of no more than three pages.
Include your academic history, relevant work experience, research activities and other qualifications.
Motivation letter
Explain your academic interests, reasons for choosing the programme and plans to contribute to development.
Research or study proposal
Some host institutions require a research concept, particularly for research-oriented programmes.
Proof of language proficiency
Provide the evidence required by your chosen university and programme.
Identity documentation
Prepare a valid passport or other accepted identification.
Additional supporting documents
Depending on the call, you may need references, proof of professional experience, admission documents or other programme-specific materials.
Documents submitted in languages other than English or German may require translations.
Use the exact checklist in the official call rather than relying solely on this general list.
7. How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Visit the official DAAD scholarship programme page
Open:
Find the current 2027 calls and the participating universities.
Step 2: Select an eligible programme
Choose a master's programme that matches your academic background and career plans.
Confirm that applicants from your country are eligible.
Step 3: Download the programme-specific call
Read the official PDF carefully.
Check the scholarship deadline, academic requirements, supporting documents and funding benefits.
Step 4: Apply for admission to the host university
Many DAAD In-Country/In-Region opportunities require applicants to apply separately for admission to the university.
Follow the university's admission instructions.
Step 5: Prepare your DAAD application
Gather the required documents and complete the online scholarship application.
Step 6: Submit through the DAAD portal
Use the application link provided in your programme's official call.
Submitting through an incorrect portal or application link may result in rejection.
Step 7: Complete both applications before their respective deadlines
Do not assume that submitting your university application automatically completes your scholarship application.
Step 8: Prepare for possible selection assessments
Depending on the programme, shortlisted applicants may undergo interviews or other selection procedures.
8. How to Improve Your Chances of Selection
1. Choose a programme relevant to your qualifications.
Your undergraduate studies should provide a strong foundation for the master's programme.
2. Demonstrate academic excellence.
Highlight strong grades, research achievements, academic awards and relevant practical experience.
3. Explain the development problem you want to address.
Identify a real challenge affecting your country or region.
For example, an agricultural engineering graduate could focus on irrigation, food security, agricultural productivity or sustainable resource management.
4. Connect your study plans to the programme's development objectives.
Explain how the qualification will help you contribute to research, education, policy or professional practice in Africa.
5. Write a strong motivation letter.
Use specific examples from your academic and professional experience.
Avoid generic statements that could apply to any scholarship.
6. Follow the document instructions precisely.
Check formatting, translations, page limits and upload requirements.
7. Apply early.
Some calls close within a short application window.
Submitting early gives you time to correct mistakes and resolve technical issues.
9. Important Dates for the 2027 Intake
Current selected scholarship deadline: 12 November 2026.
This deadline applies to several currently advertised 2027 master's scholarship calls.
Other participating universities and programmes may have different deadlines.
Some 2027 scholarship rounds, including certain programmes in Nigeria and South Africa, previously closed on 29 April 2026.
Applicants should not assume that the 12 November deadline applies to every DAAD programme.
For the most accurate information, consult the current call for your chosen institution.
10. Is the Scholarship Application Free?
DAAD does not generally charge applicants a scholarship application fee.
However, participating universities may have their own admission-related requirements or charges.
Verify these directly with the institution.
Do not send money to individuals claiming they can guarantee a DAAD scholarship.
11. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Applying for a programme that does not accept your nationality or residence category.
- Confusing an In-Country scholarship with an In-Region scholarship.
- Applying to a course whose scholarship deadline has passed.
- Missing the host university's separate admission requirements.
- Uploading incomplete documents.
- Using the wrong DAAD application link.
- Submitting a generic motivation letter.
- Assuming that a scholarship offer is valid without admission to the host university.
12. Official Scholarship Links
DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme:
DAAD Scholarship Database:
https://www.daad.de/go/en/stipa10000486
DAAD Regional Office in Kenya — Applicant Information:
https://www.daad-kenya.org/en/in-country-in-region-programmes/applicant-information/
Official programme enquiries:
Applicants should use the official DAAD portal and university websites to confirm current application requirements.
13. How Beeva Pathways Can Help
At Beeva Pathways, we understand that the cost of postgraduate education prevents many talented Africans from pursuing advanced qualifications.
That is why our Global Scholarships & Funding Opportunities series highlights authentic funding opportunities, including scholarships that allow students to study at African universities.
We help prospective applicants understand eligibility requirements, identify suitable opportunities, prepare stronger applications and avoid misleading scholarship promises.
Scholarship decisions are made solely by DAAD and the relevant participating institutions.
For more verified educational opportunities, visit:
Beeva Pathways — Making Your Dream a Reality.