Content

Scholarship Database

Here you can find information on various kinds of DAAD funding for students, graduates and postdocs as well as on funding offered by other selected organisations.

“Leadership for Africa” Programme for Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Mauritania: Master’s Degree Scholarships in Germany • DAAD

Objective

The scholarship programme “Leadership for Africa” (LfA) aims to support the academic qualification and advancement of young refugees and national scholars from Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Mauritania at higher education institutions in Germany. In times of conflicts and displacement in various African countries, this programme intends to contribute to the education of future leaders, who will be essential for the further development of their home countries. “Leadership for Africa” offers scholarships for Master's studies in Germany to qualified applicants in all fields of study except for Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Fine Arts and Architecture. All “Leadership for Africa” scholarship holders benefit from a complementary training programme in good governance, civil society and career development. The mandatory programme must be completed in addition to the regular studies.

Who can apply?

The programme targets two groups:
1) Highly qualified refugees who hold refugee status and fulfil the necessary qualifications for Master’s studies in Germany.
Applicants must fulfil the following conditions:

  • Holding refugee status in their host countries, being granted before 2nd of April, 2023
  • Country of asylum must be either Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, or Mauritania
  • Completed Bachelor’s degree at the time of application
2) Highly qualified graduates from Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, or Mauritania who fulfil the necessary qualifications for Master’s studies in Germany.
Applicants must fulfil the following conditions:
  • Citizenship of either Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, or Mauritania
  • Country of residence is Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, or Mauritania
  • Completed Bachelor’s degree at the time of application
Please note:
  • With a Degree in Medicine, you can apply for Public Health or Biomedical Master related programmes only. A Master programme in Medicine is not eligible for funding.
  • For applicants from artistic disciplines and the field of architecture, the DAAD offers subject-specific scholarship programmes (see separate DAAD scholarship offers in the scholarship database).

What can be funded?

The scholarship includes:

  • German language course (up to 6 months) in Germany before the start of the university studies
  • Tuition-free M.A. or M.Sc. degree programme at a public or state-recognized university in Germany starting in winter term 2025 (September/October 2025)
  • Additional mandatory training programme LEAD!

Duration of the funding

Generally, selected candidates will start their German language course in April 2025 at the earliest and take up their studies at a German institution of higher education by approx. October 1st, 2025. The duration of funding is determined by the standard period of study of the chosen programme. In general, eligible Master’s programmes require two years of full-time study.

Value

  • German language course (up to 6 months) in Germany before the start of the study programme, including the coverage of the test fees for a German language certificate (TestDaF or DSH test), pocket money and accommodation (only during the language course). The DAAD decides whether to fund participation and for how long depending on German language skills and study requirements. Participation in a language course is compulsory.
  • Monthly scholarship rate payments of 934 EURO
  • Adequate health, accident, and private/personal liability insurance in Germany
  • Travel allowance
  • Yearly study allowance
  • Additional mandatory training programme LEAD!
  • If applicable, monthly rent subsidy and monthly allowance for accompanying family members (spouse and/or children)
    Please note that family reunions may be time-delayed or even not be possible during the duration of the scholarship, due to the duration of the visa processes for some home or host countries.

Selection

A pre-selection will take place based on the submitted application documents. Only complete applications with all mandatory documents will be considered. Preselected candidates will be invited to an (digital) interview with an independent selection committee of university professors.
In addition to previous achievements in university (Bachelor's degree), language skills and the general motivation, the main selection criterion is a convincing description of the planned studies in Germany and the suitable choice of study programmes in the DAAD form "Study course profile".
To ensure equal opportunities, social criteria such as special life circumstances, migration background or students from non-academic families can play a role. Criteria such as social engagement about which you can provide information in the application form are also taken into account.

For further information on the selection procedure, please refer to the Important Scholarship Information, Section E.

Advertisements by German Universities

EBS Universität

Study at Germany´s oldest private business university

Since 1971, EBS Universität educates the leaders of tomorrow. Start your bachelor's or master's studies at EBS now and be empowered to make a difference in the world.

More

Munich Center for Machine Learning: PhD positions

The Munich Center for Machine Learning (MCML) offers several fully funded PhD positions in any field of research within the domains of machine learning!

More

Truly international – Study at ESB Business School!

Do you want to study in the heart of Germany, Europe’s strongest and most dynamic economy? Come to ESB Business School at Reutlingen University!

More
Hof Univerity

Hands-on Master’s programs at Hof University Graduate School

Kickstart your career with our hands-on M.B.A. and M.Eng. programs. All programs include a one-year internship - a great opportunity to apply your knowledge and gain additional professional experience...

More
Hof Univerity

M.Sc. in Cross Cultural Nursing Practice

You have a bachelor's degree in nursing and would like to gain further qualifications without losing touch with your patients? If you also have basic German language skills, our Master in Cross Cultur...

More
1/5

Contact

Screenshot of map with location of DAAD-office marked