Germany is calling—and it’s calling for changemakers from West and Central Africa! If you’re a talented graduate or a refugee residing in Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo, here’s your chance to earn a tuition-free Master’s degree in Germany with full support through the Leadership for Africa Scholarship Programme, proudly offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
What’s the Scholarship About?
The Leadership for Africa – West and Central Africa program aims to support future leaders who are committed to the development of their home countries. It offers a golden opportunity for high-achieving Bachelor’s degree holders and refugees to complete a fully-funded Master’s degree (M.A. or M.Sc.) in any discipline at tuition-free public or state-recognized universities in Germany.
This programme goes beyond tuition support—it nurtures leadership potential and cultural exchange through language learning, academic orientation, and integration support.
DAAD Benefits of the Scholarship
Successful applicants of this German DAAD leadership scholarship 2026 will receive:
- 6-month German language course in Germany (preparatory)
- Full tuition waiver at a public/state-recognized university in Germany
- Monthly living stipend and comprehensive financial support (details in official call)
- Pre-departure seminars to help you prepare for life and studies in Germany
- Personal support and orientation programs during your stay.
Who Can Apply?
There are two (02) eligible applicant categories:
1# Refugee Applicants
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- Must hold refugee status officially granted before April 2, 2024
- Must currently live in Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo
- Must have completed a Bachelor’s degree.
2# National Applicants
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- Must be a citizen of Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo
- Must currently reside in their country of citizenship
- Must have completed a Bachelor’s degree.
Course & Degree Program Information
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- Open to all academic disciplines for M.A. or M.Sc. programs
- Students select their own Master’s programme and apply directly to universities after DAAD acceptance
- Note:
- Medicine graduates can only apply for Public Health or Biomedical sciences
- Architects and artists must apply via separate DAAD subject-specific programmes.
Application Timeline
The application process for the DAAD Leadership for Africa Programme 2026 begins on 2 April 2025, with the final date to submit applications set for 10 June 2025. Successful candidates will commence their language course and orientation activities in mid-2026, followed by the start of their Master’s degree studies in Germany during the Winter Semester 2026, typically beginning in September or October.
