Fully Funded to Germany: Apply for the Hertie School African Scholars Programme 2026 in Berlin

Applications are now open for the Hertie School African Scholars Programme 2026, a fully funded opportunity for talented and socially committed African changemakers to pursue a master’s degree in Berlin, Germany.

This prestigious programme—offered by the Hertie School in partnership with SOS-Kinderdörfer weltweit—supports exceptional students who are passionate about leadership, social progress, and public service. It combines academic excellence, financial support, and professional development to empower Africa’s next generation of policy and innovation leaders.

About the Programme

The African Scholars Programme provides full tuition coverage of €38,500 and a monthly stipend of €1,000 to cover living expenses during the study period.

Selected scholars can pursue one of the Hertie School’s highly regarded postgraduate degrees:

Master of Public Policy (MPP)
Master of International Affairs (MIA)
Master of Data Science for Public Policy (MDS)

Beyond funding, the programme offers mentorship, leadership training, and access to the global SOS-Kinderdörfer weltweit network — all aimed at helping scholars grow into transformative leaders in governance, social innovation, and sustainable development.

Who Can Apply

This opportunity is open to citizens from the following African countries:

Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, and Zambia.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be citizens of an eligible African country.
Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
Demonstrate financial need or limited access to international education.
Show a strong record of community involvement or leadership.
Exhibit personal qualities such as resilience, empathy, and collaboration.
Be committed to driving positive social or policy change in their communities.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected scholars will receive:

Full tuition coverage (€38,500) for any eligible master’s programme.
A monthly living stipend of €1,000 throughout their studies.
Leadership development training and mentorship via SOS-Kinderdörfer weltweit.
Access to a global alumni network of innovators, policymakers, and changemakers.

This holistic support package enables recipients to thrive academically, professionally, and personally while studying in one of Europe’s most vibrant academic environments — Berlin, Germany.

Application Process

Step 1: Apply for Admission

Submit an application for one of the Hertie School’s master’s programmes (MPP, MIA, or MDS) by 1 May 2026.
Once you receive an offer of admission, you’ll gain access to the Funding Application Portal.

Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship

Submit your scholarship application within two weeks of receiving admission.
Write a short essay describing:
- An initiative or project that positively impacted your community.
- How it reflects your leadership values.
- How this scholarship would enhance your ability to create future impact.

Step 3: Interview Stage

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with representatives from both the Hertie School and SOS-Kinderdörfer weltweit. This stage ensures that the most visionary, socially driven, and committed individuals are selected.

Key Details