DAAD Leadership for Africa Master's Scholarship Programme for for Cameroon, Senegal, and Togo 2026

If you're a refugee or a national from Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo with aspirations to pursue a master's degree in Germany, the DAAD "Leadership for Africa" Programme 2025/2026 offers a fully funded opportunity to advance your academic and leadership journey. This initiative aims to empower future leaders who can contribute to the development of their home countries.

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📝 DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship Summary

• Location: Germany

• Host Institution: Various public or state-recognized German universities

• Study Level: Master's degree

• Target Group: Refugees and nationals from Cameroon, Senegal, and Togo

• Fields of Study: All fields except Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Fine Arts, Architecture, Nursing, Midwifery, or similar healthcare-related fields

• Funding: Fully Funded

• Duration: Duration of the chosen master's program (typically 2 years)

• Application Deadline: 10 June 2025

• Start Date: Language course begins in April 2026; academic studies commence in October 2026

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📚 Scholarship Overview

The DAAD "Leadership for Africa" Programme is designed to support the academic qualification and advancement of young refugees and national scholars from Cameroon, Senegal, and Togo at higher education institutions in Germany. In times of conflict and displacement, this programme contributes to the education of future leaders essential for the development of societies in Africa and beyond.

🧩 Programme Structure:

1. Language Course:

Up to 6 months of German language instruction in Germany prior to the start of academic studies, including coverage of test fees for a German language certificate (TestDaF or DSH test), pocket money, and accommodation during the language course. Participation is compulsory.

2. Master's Studies:

Enrollment in a tuition-free M.A. or M.Sc. degree programme at a public or state-recognized university in Germany, starting in the winter term of 2026 (September/October 2026).

3. Complementary Training:

All scholarship holders participate in the LEAD! training programme, focusing on good governance, civil society, and career development, which is mandatory alongside regular studies.

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🎁 Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly Stipend: €992 to cover living expenses

• Language Course: Up to 6 months of German language instruction in Germany, including test fees, pocket money, and accommodation

• Health Insurance: Adequate health, accident, and personal liability insurance in Germany

• Travel Allowance: Coverage of travel expenses to and from Germany

• Study Allowance: Annual study allowance for academic materials

• Additional Support: If applicable, monthly rent subsidy and allowance for accompanying family members (spouse and/or children)

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✅ Eligibility Criteria

Group 1: Refugee Applicants

• Must have refugee status granted before 2 April 2024

• Country of asylum must be Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo

• Completed bachelor's degree at the time of application

Group 2: National Applicants

• Citizenship and residence in Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo

• Completed bachelor's degree at the time of application

General Requirements:

• Good English or German language skills

• For applicants with a degree in Medicine, only Public Health or Biomedical master's programmes are eligible

• Applicants from artistic disciplines and the field of architecture should refer to subject-specific DAAD scholarship programmes

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📝 Application Procedure

1. Online Application:

Complete the DAAD online application form via the DAAD portal.

2. Required Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages, using Europass format)

• Motivation Letter (1-3 pages explaining academic and personal goals)

• Completed Study Course Profile Form (listing up to 3 master's programmes)

• Proof of language proficiency (English or German)

• University degree certificate and transcripts

• Passport or national ID copies

• For refugees: UNHCR registration or proof of asylum

• Additional documents such as certificates of employment, proof of former scholarships, extracurricular engagement, recommendation letters, or prior admissions to a German master's programme (if applicable)

ℹ️ Preselected candidates will be invited to a digital interview with an independent selection committee of university professors.

🗓️ Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 10 June 2025

• Language Course Start: April 2026

• Academic Studies Start: October 2026

ℹ️ For more detailed information and to access the application form, please visit the [DAAD Leadership for Africa Programme page]

🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK

DAAD Leadership for Africa Master's Scholarship Programme for for Cameroon, Senegal, and Togo

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