DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarships offer Kenyan students fully funded opportunities for Master's, PhD, and sometimes undergraduate studies, primarily through programs like In-Country/In-Region (studying in Kenya/East Africa), EPOS (development-related postgraduate courses in Germany), and short-term research grants.

General Eligibility Requirements for Kenyans

Kenyans qualify as Sub-Saharan African nationals/residents. Core criteria apply across most programs:

  • Academic Qualifications:

    • Master's applicants: 3-year Bachelor's (2nd class upper division or GPA 2.0+ equivalent); last degree ≤6 years old.

    • PhD applicants: 2-year Master's (above average, e.g., upper 2nd class); last degree ≤6 years old.

    • Undergrad (rare, e.g., study visits): 2+ years completed at Kenyan uni.

  • Residency/Status: Kenyan citizen or permanent resident; not living >15 months outside eligible countries (for some Germany-based programs).​

  • Language Proficiency: Matches program (e.g., English B2/C1 IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught; German TestDaF/DSH for German-taught).​

  • Commitment: Strong motivation letter showing development impact/relevance to Kenya (e.g., poverty reduction, sustainability).​

Program-Specific Requirements

Requirements vary by call for applications (check daad-kenya.org or daad.de).​

Program Level Key Requirements Benefits
In-Country/In-Region (e.g., Kenyatta Uni, ARUA) Master's/PhD Above-average degree; SSA citizen; ≤6 yrs since last degree; admission to partner uni Monthly stipend, tuition, insurance, travel (24-36 months)
EPOS (Development Courses) Master's Bachelor's upper 2nd class; 2+ yrs work exp; German/English skills Full tuition, €934/month, health insurance, travel​
Helmut-Schmidt (Public Policy) Master's Bachelor's good grades; leadership potential; English/German €934/month + extras (1-2 yrs)​
DLR (STEM Research) Master's/PhD Relevant degree; research proposal Stipend, research allowance​

Required Documents

Submit via DAAD portal + uni admission simultaneously. All in English:​

  • DAAD form/CV (max 3 pages tabular).

  • Motivation letter (1-2 pages, academic/professional reasons).

  • 1-2 recommendation letters (signed/stamped, <1 year old).

  • Certified degree/transcripts (with grading scale).

  • Language certificates.

  • Passport/ID copy.

  • PhD: Supervisor acceptance + 8-10 page proposal/timeline.

  • Work proof (if required).

Application Process

  1. Find programs on daad.de/scholarships or daad-kenya.org (deadlines: Aug-Dec for next year).

  2. Apply to host uni + DAAD portal by deadline.

  3. Shortlisting by uni/DAAD; interviews possible.

  4. Final selection committee decision (results: 2-4 months).​

Tips for Kenyan Applicants

Prioritize In-Country for no relocation; highlight Kenya's development needs. Deadlines for 2026/27 likely Oct 2026—check calls. Contact info@daad-kenya.org for queries.

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