For the 2026 academic year, DAAD’s German “Leadership for Africa” (LfA) scholarship program is currently formally accepting applications. If you are a highly qualified graduate, this is your chance to study for a fully financed Master’s degree in Germany and help shape your region’s future.
📅 Application Deadline
Applications open: 2 April 2025
Deadline to apply: 10 June 2025
About the Award
The DAAD “Leadership for Africa” (LfA) programme is a fully funded Master’s scholarship initiative that empowers highly qualified African graduates and refugees to pursue postgraduate studies in Germany. It aims to foster leadership potential and contribute to sustainable development across Africa.
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Which Fields are Eligible?
Applicants may choose from a wide range of tuition-free Master’s programs at public/state-recognized universities in Germany.
Note: Applicants with medical degrees may only apply for Public Health or Biomedical Sciences.
Excluded fields: Medicine, Law, Fine Arts, Architecture, and similar healthcare-related disciplines.
Type
Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship.
Who Can Apply?
Two groups are eligible:
1. Refugees:
- Must hold official refugee status (granted before April 2, 2024).
- Must reside in Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo.
- Must hold a completed Bachelor’s degree.
- Refugee status must remain valid until April 2026.
2. National Graduates:
- Citizens and residents of Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo.
- Must have completed a Bachelor’s degree by the time of application.
How are Applicants Selected?
Applicants are selected based on:
- Academic excellence and leadership potential
- Completeness and quality of submitted documents
- Clear motivation aligned with future leadership roles in Africa
- Selected study programs and feasibility
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Applicants must be citizens or refugees residing in Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo.
Where will the Award be Taken?
At public or state-recognized universities in Germany.
How Many Awards?
The number of scholarships is not fixed but awarded based on candidate quality and available slots. DAAD generally supports a sizable cohort annually.
💰 What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Up to 6 months of intensive German language training in Germany
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend of €992
- Travel allowance
- Annual study allowance
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
- Rent subsidy and family allowance, if applicable
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Language course: Begins as early as April 2026
- Master’s studies: Start around October 2026, with a typical duration of 2 years
How to Apply:
Required documents include:
- Completed online application form
- CV (max. 3 pages)
- Motivation letter (1–3 pages)
- Study Course Profile Form with 3 chosen tuition-free Master’s programs
- Language certificates (TOEFL, IELTS, DSH, TestDaF)
- Degree certificates and academic transcripts
- National ID or passport
- Refugee documentation (if applicable)
- Optional: recommendation letters, certificates, work/internship proofs, previous scholarship records
