Hey future leaders and change-makers! Ready to take your academic journey to the next level? We’ve got some incredible news for you straight from the DAAD – the German Academic Exchange Service. If you’re looking to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree and make a real impact in Sub-Saharan Africa, this bursary could be your golden ticket!
The **DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters/PhD Scholarship Programme** is a fantastic opportunity designed to build stronger, globally-minded higher education systems across Sub-Saharan Africa. This bursary isn’t just about getting a degree; it’s about empowering individuals who are passionate about teaching and research at higher education institutions in the region. Think of it as investing in *your* future, and the future of African academia!
Who Can Apply?
Listen up! This bursary is specifically for ambitious graduates and postgraduates from Sub-Saharan African countries. Here’s what you generally need:
- If you’re eyeing a Master’s programme, you’ll need a first academic degree.
- For a doctoral (PhD) programme, you should already hold a Master’s degree.
The coolest part? You can choose to pursue your Master’s or PhD in your home country (that’s an In-Country scholarship), in a country where you have a residence permit, or even in another Sub-Saharan African country outside your home nation (those are the In-Region scholarships).
And here’s a big shout-out: **female applicants and candidates from less privileged regions or groups are strongly encouraged to apply!** DAAD is all about inclusivity and supporting diverse talent.
What Does It Cover?
This bursary is super generous and aims to be fully supportive. If you’re successful, here’s what you can expect:
- A monthly scholarship allowance to cover your living costs.
- A dedicated study and research allowance to help with your academic pursuits.
- Support for thesis publishing costs once you’re done.
- Full tuition fees for your chosen programme.
Plus, if you secure an In-Region scholarship (meaning you’re studying outside your home country), you’ll also receive a travel allowance and health insurance coverage – so you can focus on your studies without stress!
The funding typically covers the full duration of your programme: up to two years for Master’s degrees and up to three years for PhD programmes.
How to Apply?
Ready to jump in? Applying for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters/PhD Scholarship is a detailed process, so make sure you read everything carefully!
**First, you need to apply directly to your chosen Master’s or PhD programme at one of the eligible Sub-Saharan African universities.** Only once you’ve been admitted or are in the process of admission to a specific programme at one of the listed institutions, you can then proceed with the DAAD scholarship application.
Here are some of the participating universities and their specific programmes for 2026. Make sure to click on the links for the detailed call for applications for each specific program:
West and Central Africa
- Cameroon: University of Dschang
- PhD: Parasitology
- PhD: Pharmacology
- Ghana:
- West African Center for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana: Master: Seed Science and Technology
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana: Master: Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases
- Nigeria: Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi (formerly Benue State University Makurdi)
- Master: Food Chemistry
- PhD: Food Chemistry
Eastern Africa
- Kenya:
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
- Master: Energy Technology
- Master: Soil and Water Engineering
- PhD: Soil and Water Engineering
- Moi University: PhD: Biostatistics
- East and South African-German Centre of Excellence for Educational Research Methodologies and Management (CERM-ESA) – Moi University: Master: Education in Research
- Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT): Master: Food Science and Technology
- Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR)* (at Egerton University, University of Lagos, Maseno University, Mzumbe University, University of Ibadan): Master: Research and Public Policy (MRPP)
- Pwani University: Master: Bioinformatics
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
- Tanzania:
- Ardhi University: Master: Geomatics
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST): Master: Embedded and Mobile Systems
- Uganda:
- Busitema University: Master: Public Health
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST)
Southern Africa
- Botswana: Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST): Master: Physics (by research)
- Malawi: Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS): Master: Environmental Health
For the most comprehensive details and to begin your application process, head over to the official DAAD webpage:
Visit the Official Webpage of the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters/PhD Scholarship Programme
If this sounds like the perfect bursary to propel your academic and career goals forward, don’t hesitate — start your application today and explore even more incredible funding opportunities right here on Bursaries Room!
