DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme 2026 — Fully Funded Master’s & PhD Opportunities For African Researchers

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DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme 2026 — Fully Funded Master’s & PhD Opportunities for African Researchers

The DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme 2026 is a golden opportunity for talented graduates and postgraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa who want to pursue a Master’s or Doctoral degree in development-related fields. Jointly managed by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF), this scholarship programme supports young academics who aim to strengthen research, innovation, and higher education across the African continent.

This initiative is part of DAAD’s long-term mission to build internationally competitive and development-oriented education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through this partnership, scholars gain access to top-tier universities in Africa, strong mentorship, and funding to conduct research that directly contributes to sustainable development.

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About the DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme

This scholarship is part of DAAD’s “In-Country/In-Region” programme, designed to empower African universities to produce high-quality graduates who can lead in academia, research, and public service. The programme is implemented in cooperation with various African partner universities, each offering specialized Master’s and PhD programmes in development-relevant subjects.

Unlike traditional overseas scholarships, this one focuses on strengthening regional capacity — meaning that students pursue studies either within their home country (In-Country Scholarships) or in another Sub-Saharan African country (In-Region Scholarships).

What Makes It Unique?

🌍 It supports the development of African universities by investing in local talent.
🎓 Scholars receive world-class training in Africa, with DAAD-quality academic and financial backing.
🤝 It builds cross-border collaboration among African researchers and institutions.
📚 It promotes research directly aligned with Africa’s sustainable development priorities.

Aim and Benefits of the DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme

The DAAD-NRF Programme aims to nurture future lecturers, researchers, and policymakers who can drive Africa’s academic and development agenda. It provides comprehensive funding for qualified Master’s and PhD students, covering tuition, research, and living expenses.

Scholarship Benefits:

Monthly scholarship stipend to cover living costs.
Full tuition fees at the host university.
Research and study allowance for academic materials and research expenses.
Thesis and dissertation publishing support to help with final submission costs.
Travel allowance (for In-Region scholars only).
Comprehensive health insurance (for In-Region scholars).

Essentially, the scholarship ensures that money is not a barrier to academic excellence or research output. Recipients can fully concentrate on their studies and community impact projects.

Eligibility Requirements — Who Can Apply

The DAAD-NRF scholarship is open to graduates and postgraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in development-related disciplines.

To qualify, applicants must:

Be citizens of a Sub-Saharan African country.
Hold a first academic degree (Bachelor’s) if applying for a Master’s programme, or a Master’s degree if applying for a PhD programme.
Be applying to a participating university in their home country or another Sub-Saharan African country (for regional scholarships).
Demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to teaching, research, or public service.
Have a study proposal aligned with sustainable development priorities (such as agriculture, health, education, governance, energy, or environmental management).

Note: Female applicants and candidates from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged regions are particularly encouraged to apply.

Available Fields and Partner Universities

The DAAD-NRF programme operates through regional “centres of excellence” across Sub-Saharan Africa. These universities host selected development-related Master’s and PhD programmes. Below are examples of participating institutions and their fields:

West and Central Africa

Cameroon: University of Dschang — PhD in Parasitology; PhD in Pharmacology.
Ghana:
- WACCI, University of Ghana — Master in Seed Science and Technology.
- WACCBIP, University of Ghana — Master in Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases.
Nigeria: Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi — Master/PhD in Food Chemistry.

Eastern Africa

Kenya:
- JKUAT — Master in Energy Technology, Master in Soil & Water Engineering, PhD in Soil & Water Engineering.
- Moi University — PhD in Biostatistics; Master in Education in Research (CERM-ESA).
- Dedan Kimathi University — Master in Food Science and Technology.
- Pwani University — Master in Bioinformatics.
- PASGR Consortium — Master in Research and Public Policy.
Tanzania:
- Ardhi University — Master in Geomatics.
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) — Master in Embedded and Mobile Systems.
Uganda:
- Busitema University — Master in Public Health.
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology — Master in Biology (Ecology & Microbiology specialisations).

Southern Africa

Botswana: BIUST — Master in Physics (by research).
Malawi: MUBAS — Master in Environmental Health.

Each of these programmes has been selected for its regional relevance and contribution to Africa’s socio-economic development.

Selection Criteria and Process

The selection process for the DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme is highly competitive and merit-based. It considers both academic excellence and potential contribution to Africa’s development.

Evaluation Criteria:

Academic merit and performance in previous degrees.
Clarity and feasibility of the research proposal or study plan.
Alignment with development priorities (e.g., food security, education, health, energy, governance).
Demonstrated leadership and commitment to community or institutional development.
Gender balance and regional representation.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or additional assessments conducted by the host university or DAAD representatives.

Application Timeline

Application opens: September 2025
Application deadline: 27 November 2025
Screening and review: December 2025 – March 2026
Final results announcement: April 2026
Programme start date: mid-2026 (depending on the host university calendar)

How to Apply for the DAAD-NRF Scholarship 2026

Applications are submitted directly to the participating universities or through the DAAD online portal, depending on the regional coordination of the programme. The exact process may vary slightly by host institution, so follow the detailed guidelines in the official call for your country or host university.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Visit the DAAD official website or your host university’s scholarship page.
Review eligibility requirements for your selected Master’s or PhD programme.
Prepare the necessary documents (listed below).
Submit your application before the 27 November 2025 deadline.
Await feedback or interview invitation via email.

Required Documents:

Completed application form (downloadable from the official portal).
Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates.
Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages).
Motivation letter explaining your academic interests and career goals.
Two recommendation letters from academic or professional referees.
Proof of nationality (passport or national ID).
Research proposal (for PhD applicants).

Important: Always verify application submission details on the official DAAD or host university website. Some universities may require a parallel application to their admissions office.

Tips for a Strong Application

✅ Start early: Give yourself enough time to contact referees and polish your motivation letter.
✅ Be specific: Link your proposed research or field of study to Africa’s development priorities.
✅ Show leadership: Mention community engagement or teaching experience.
✅ Highlight collaboration: If you’ve worked across countries or institutions, emphasize that.
✅ Proofread everything: DAAD values attention to detail — make sure all forms are clear, error-free, and properly signed.

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Conclusion

The DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme 2026 represents more than just funding — it’s a partnership between Germany and Africa to nurture future leaders who will shape the continent’s academic and research landscape. Whether you are a young lecturer, an aspiring scientist, or a passionate postgraduate student aiming to make a difference, this is your opportunity to grow within Africa while connecting to global research networks.

Prepare your documents early, choose a field aligned with Africa’s needs, and apply before 27 November 2025.

🔗 For personalized scholarship guidance and early alerts, follow our Jobs Connect ZA channel or visit Wikihii.co.za for daily scholarship updates and study abroad guides.

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