DAAD-“Leadership for Africa” Programme

The DAAD is the world’s largest funding organisation for the international exchange of students and researchers. The “Leadership for Africa” (LfA) scholarship program supports young refugees and national academics from Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo at German higher education institutions by helping them improve academically. This program aims to aid in the education of future leaders, who will be crucial for the continued growth of their home nations during a period of violence and displacement in several African countries…

Who can apply?

The program focuses on two groups:

First-off, high caliber refugees with refugee status who meet the requirements for master’s study in Germany.

Applicants must fulfil the following conditions:

Having been given refugee status in their host countries prior to April 3, 2022
Must be from either Chad, DR Congo, Niger, Nigeria, or Togo.
Bachelor’s degree earned and completed at the time of application.

Alternatively, graduates from Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, Nigeria, or Togo who meet the requirements for master’s study in Germany.

Applicants must fulfil the following conditions:

Be of Chadian, DR Congo, Niger, Nigerian, or Togolese nationality
DR Congo, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, or Togo is your home nation.
Bachelor’s degree earned and completed at the time of application.

What are the Benefits of the DAAD-“Leadership for Africa” Programme?

Before beginning university studies, the scholarship covers a German language course in Germany for up to six months.
Starting in the winter term of 2024 (September/October 2024), you will be offered a tuition-free M.A. or M.Sc. degree program at a public or state-recognized university in Germany.
Be involved in program LEAD! which is also required training.

Duration of the funding:

In general, chosen candidates will participate in a German language program no later than April 2024 and begin their studies in a German institution of higher learning no later than October 1st, 2024. The length of funding depends on the typical length of study for the program of choice. Most Master’s programs demand two years of full-time study.

Value:

Prior to the start of the study program, a 6-month German language course in Germany that includes housing, pocket money, and the testing costs for a TestDaF or DSH certificate in the language (only during the language course). Depending on study requirements and German language proficiency, the DAAD determines whether to sponsor participation and for how long.

Payments at the scholarship rate of 934 EUR a month.
Germany’s adequate private/personal liability, health, and accident insurance.
Travel funding
Annual study stipend
If required, a monthly rent subsidy and a monthly allowance for any accompanying family members (spouse and/or children).

Due to the length of the visa applications for some home or host countries, family reunions may be postponed or even impossible during the scholarship period.

Selection

Based on the application materials supplied, a pre-selection will be made. Only applications that are complete and include all required documentation will be reviewed. An independent selection committee of university professors will invite preselected candidates to a (digital) interview.
The primary selection criterion, in addition to prior academic accomplishments (Bachelor’s degree), language proficiency, and general motivation, is a persuasive description of the intended studies in Germany and the appropriate selection of study programs in the DAAD form “Study course profile.”
Social factors, such as unique living circumstances, migration history, or students from non-academic backgrounds, can play a part in ensuring equal chances.

How to apply for the DAAD-“Leadership for Africa” Programme:

Apply for the DAAD-“Leadership for Africa” Programme via the official link

Additional Information

Please note:

Only programs relating to public health or biomedical are open to applicants with a medical degree. A Master of Medicine program is not eligible for funding.
The DAAD offers subject-specific scholarship programs for candidates in the fields of architecture and the arts (see separate DAAD scholarship offers in the scholarship database).