General Information about the Programme
- Postgraduate courses for young professionals from developing countries
- Internationally recognised Master’s and PhD degree
- Duration: 12–24 months for Master (depending on the particular institution) and 42 months for PhD
- Includes German Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences
- Support of selected programmes with a variety of scholarships (including German language courses)
- Funded by the BMZ (Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development), but admission also open to self-financed participants or students financed through government or other sources Academic year 2022/2023
Prerequisites and Requirements
- Is currently working either for a public authority or a state or private company in a developing country and, as such, is engaged in the planning and execution of directives and projects with emphasis on development policies having a bearing on technological, economic or social areas.
- Holds a Bachelor’s degree (normally four years) in a related subject.
- Has completed an academic degree with far above average results (upper third) and at least two years of related professional experience after the first degree (bachelor) at the time of application.
- His/her academic degrees should normally be no more than six years old.
Language Skills:
- For study courses in German (scholarship includes a preparatory 6-month German language course in Germany): Successful passing of the language examination DSH 2 or TestDaF 4 before the start of the study course. Therefore, a minimum German language level of B1 at the time of application is a requirement, that needs to be proven by providing a current certificate.
- Note: It is not possible to pass the required German language courses (DSH or TestDaF) without any previous basic knowledge in the German language (at least B1 Level), even with the preceding six-month intensive course in Germany. Passing the language test is a formal prerequisite for matriculation at the respective German university.
- For courses in English: IELTS (Band 6) certificate or TOEFL (minimum score: 550 paper based, 213 computer based, 80 internet based)
- Note: Some courses may expect a different level. For detailed information see the relevant course description on the following pages.
Proof of current and past work situation:
All applicants must submit proof of at least two years of professional work experience and
state their current work situation at the time of application. It is required to submit the
following proof:- Certificate(s) of employment that include the exact position and period of employment;
- a letter of reference from the employer(s), ideally guaranteeing re-employment after completion of the postgraduate course in Germany.
Statement of Motivation:
Applicants must submit a statement of motivation explaining why they are interested in
attending a particular postgraduate course with reference to their current employment. They
further should describe their development-related motivation and how they intend to make
full use of their scholarship and education by taking on social responsibility later in their careers
and for their home countries.IMPORTANT: When applying for more than one postgraduate course (maximum 3 courses),
you have to submit one motivation letter explaining why you are applying for these specific
courses and why you chose that priority.Click here to download brochure 2020 – 23
