DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships 2025-26 for Sub-Saharan Africa (Fully Funded Masters & PhD)
- Omran Aburayya
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
If you are a motivated graduate or postgraduate from Sub-Saharan Africa aspiring to advance your academic and research career while contributing to sustainable development in your region, the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme 2025 offers a fully funded opportunity to pursue your Master’s or PhD studies. Applications are now open for this prestigious German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) initiative supporting development-related degree programmes across Africa. Here's everything you need to know.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Universities across Sub-Saharan Africa
Sponsor: DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service
Study Level: Master’s and PhD
Target Group: Graduates and postgraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa
Fields of Study: Development-related programmes in various disciplines offered by selected African universities
Scholarship Coverage: Monthly stipend, tuition fees, study and research allowance, thesis publication costs, travel allowance (for in-region scholars), and health insurance
Award Duration: Up to 2 years for Master’s programmes and up to 3 years for PhD programmes
Application Deadline: November 27, 2025
🧭 Scholarship Overview
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme aims to strengthen higher education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. It builds a pool of highly qualified professionals and future academic leaders. The programme supports individuals who wish to pursue Master’s or doctoral studies within their home country (In-Country) or in another Sub-Saharan African country (In-Region). This enhances academic collaboration and regional capacity building.
Scholarships are awarded in development-related disciplines that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative primarily targets university staff and researchers. However, it also accommodates applicants aiming for careers in other public sector institutions where advanced academic expertise is needed.
📚 Available Study Programmes by Country
West and Central Africa
Cameroon
Ghana
- Master: Seed Science and Technology (West African Centre for Crop Improvement – WACCI, University of Ghana)
- Master: Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases (West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens – WACCBIP, University of Ghana)
Nigeria
- Master: Food Chemistry (Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi)
- PhD: Food Chemistry (Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi)
Eastern Africa
Kenya
- Master: Energy Technology (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology – JKUAT)
- Master: Soil and Water Engineering (JKUAT)
- PhD: Soil and Water Engineering (JKUAT)
- PhD: Biostatistics (Moi University)
- Master: Education in Research (East and South African-German Centre of Excellence for Educational Research Methodologies and Management – CERM-ESA, Moi University)
- Master: Food Science and Technology (Dedan Kimathi University of Technology – DeKUT)
- Master: Research and Public Policy (Partnership for African Social and Governance Research – PASGR; at Egerton University, University of Lagos, Maseno University, Mzumbe University, University of Ibadan)
- Master: Bioinformatics (Pwani University)
Tanzania
- Master: Geomatics (Ardhi University)
- Master: Embedded and Mobile Systems (Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology – NM-AIST)
Uganda
- Master: Public Health (Busitema University)
- Master: Biology – Natural Resources Ecology, Management and Conservation (Mbarara University of Science and Technology – MUST)
- Master: Biology – Microbiology and Parasitology (Mbarara University of Science and Technology – MUST)
Southern Africa
Botswana
- Master: Physics (by Research) (Botswana International University of Science and Technology – BIUST)
Malawi
- Master: Environmental Health (Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences – MUBAS)
💲 Scholarship Benefits
Full tuition coverage for the entire duration of the programme
Monthly stipend to cover living costs
Study and research allowance
Thesis publication and dissemination support
Travel allowance (for In-Region scholars)
Comprehensive health insurance (for In-Region scholars)
Academic supervision and integration within regional research networks
Enhanced academic exchange opportunities within Sub-Saharan Africa
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be nationals or residents of a Sub-Saharan African country.
Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or a Master’s degree (for PhD applicants).
Applicants must be enrolled or admitted to one of the eligible degree programmes listed above.
The field of study must be development-oriented and relevant to the socioeconomic needs of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Female candidates and applicants from disadvantaged regions are highly encouraged to apply.
Candidates should demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to teaching, research, or public sector development after graduation.
⚠️ Need resources to prepare for your TOEFL OR IELTS Exam? CHECK:
ℹ️ Earns Commission
📝 Application Procedure
Review the detailed call for applications of your chosen host institution on the official DAAD website or by directly accessing it through the links provided above.
Prepare all required application documents, which generally include:
Completed DAAD application form
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Academic transcripts and certificates
Motivation letter
Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
Two recommendation letters (academic or professional)
Proof of admission or eligibility for admission at the host university
Submit your application following the specific procedure outlined in the host institution’s call.
Shortlisting and selection are conducted by the host universities in collaboration with DAAD.
The final results will be communicated directly by the respective universities or through DAAD’s regional offices.
ℹ️ About DAAD
The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), or German Academic Exchange Service, is one of the world’s largest funding organizations for international academic exchange. Through its In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme, DAAD reinforces the academic and research capacities of African universities. It fosters regional collaboration and supports Africa’s journey towards self-sustained development. This is achieved by empowering the next generation of scholars, researchers, and innovators.