If you are a graduate in Sub-Saharan Africa dreaming of advancing your academic career, I have some fantastic news for you. The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), also known as the German Academic Exchange Service , has opened applications for its incredible In-Country/In-Region Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa.
With the deadline of April 29, 2026 rapidly approaching, now is the time to get your documents in order! Here is a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about this opportunity.
What is the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme?
This program is specifically designed to foster strong, internationally oriented higher education systems within Sub-Saharan Africa. The ultimate goal is to build capacity that contributes directly to sustainable development across the continent.
Funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development , the DAAD provides these scholarships for development-related Master’s studies. It is explicitly tailored for individuals who are planning to pursue a career in teaching or research at a higher education institution in Sub-Saharan Africa.
If you want to dive deeper into the background and objectives of the program, DAAD provides comprehensive details here.
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Who is Eligible to Apply for DAAD Sub-Saharan Africa Scholarship?
Are you wondering if you fit the profile? Here is the breakdown of who can apply:
- Academic Background: You must be a graduate or postgraduate from Sub-Saharan Africa holding a first academic degree.
- The “In-Country” Route: This is for candidates applying for a Master’s degree in their home country, or in a country where they currently hold a residence permit.
- The “In-Region” Route: This is for candidates applying for a Master’s degree in a Sub-Saharan African country outside of their home country, where they do not hold a residence permit.
- Priority Groups: DAAD especially encourages female applicants and candidates from less privileged regions or groups to apply for this funding.
What Does the Scholarship Support?
Financing a Master’s degree is a massive hurdle, but this scholarship provides substantial backing. Funding is generally provided for the regular duration of your course, which is up to two years.
All Scholarship Holders Receive:
- Coverage for tuition fees.
- Coverage for thesis publishing costs.
Additional Benefits for “In-Region” Scholars Only:
- A travel allowance.
- Health insurance coverage.
Note: For the exact financial amounts, you will need to check the specific call for applications for your chosen degree program.
Currently Open Degree Programs (2026)
Below are the Master’s programs currently open for applications under this scholarship.
West and Central Africa
- Nigeria: Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta Nigeria (FUNAAB).
- Program: Master of Science in Physics.
- Application Details: FUNAAB Call for Applications.
Southern Africa
- South Africa: University of Cape Town (UCT).
- Application Details: UCT Call for Applications.
- South Africa: University of Pretoria (UP).
- Program: Master of Science in Mathematics.
- Application Details: UP Call for Applications.
If your field of study isn’t listed here, don’t worry! Further calls for applications covering other countries, institutions, and academic fields will be published in the autumn of 2026.
How to Apply & Important Deadlines
The overarching deadline for these applications is April 29, 2026.
However, it is crucial to understand that the selection process and application procedures can differ significantly between individual degree programs, regions, and host institutions.
Your Next Steps:
- Read the specific application instructions listed in the individual calls for applications linked above.
- Reach out to the specific contact persons listed within those calls if you need advice.
- Review DAAD’s Important Information for Scholarship Applicants to ensure you meet all foundational requirements.
