Application Deadline: July 2nd 2021
The scholarship programme “Leadership for Africa” (LfA) aims to support the academic qualification and advancement of young refugees and national scholars from Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Senegal at higher education institutions in Germany. In times of conflicts and displacement in various African countries, this programme intends to contribute to the education of future leaders, who will be essential for the reconstruction and / or further development of their home countries. “Leadership for Africa” offers scholarships for studies in Germany to qualified applicants in all fields of study with the exception of public health, medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, law, arts and architecture. All “Leadership for Africa” scholarship holders benefit from a complementary study programme in good governance, civil society and sustainable project management. The mandatory programme with several attendance phases each year has to be completed in addition to the regular studies.
Eligibility
The programme targets two different groups:
1) Highly qualified refugees who hold refugee status and fulfil the necessary qualifications for Master’s studies in Germany.
Applicants must fulfil the following conditions:
- Holding refugee status in their host countries, being granted before April 30th, 2021
- Country of asylum has to be either Cameroon, Ivory Coast or Senegal
- Completed Bachelor’s degree, at least at the time of arrival in Germany
2) Highly qualified Graduates from Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Senegal.
Applicants must fulfil the following conditions:
- Citizenship of Cameroon, Ivory Coast or Senegal
- Country of residence is Cameroon, Ivory Coast or Senegal at the time of application
- Completed Bachelor’s degree, at least at the time of arrival in Germany
Benefits
The scholarship includes:
- Language course (2-6 months) in Germany before the start of the university studies
- M.A. or M.Sc. degree programme completed at a state or state-recognized university in Germany
- Accompanying side study programme (mandatory) in good governance, civil society and sustainable project management (this has to be completed in addition to the regular studies)
Duration of the funding
Generally, selected candidates will start their German language course in April 2022 and take up their M.A. or M.Sc. studies at a German institution of higher education by October 1st, 2022. The duration of funding is determined by the standard period of study of the chosen programme. In general, Master’s programmes require two years of full-time study.
Value
- If necessary: Language course (2, 4 or 6 months) in Germany before the start of the study programme including the coverage of the test fees for a German language certificate
- Accompanying study programme
- Monthly scholarship rate payments of 861 EURO
- Adequate health, accident, and private/personal liability insurance in Germany
- Travel allowance
- One-off study allowance
- If applicable, family allowance and monthly rent subsidy
Selection
A preselection will take place based on the submitted application documents. Preselected candidates will be invited to an interview with an independent selection committee of university professors in Ivory Coast, Cameroon or Senegal. Please note: Preselected candidates must present originals of all previously submitted documents at the interview.
In addition to previous achievements in school and university, language skills and the general motivation, the main selection criterion is a convincing description of the planned studies in Germany. Equally important will be a reflected answer how the chosen academic field can contribute to the further development of the home country.
As a general rule the candidate‘s personal appearance for an interview is a requirement for the award of the scholarship. The journey to the place of the interview is at the candidate’s own risk. Travel costs have to be covered by the applicant.
Due to the ongoing Covid19-pandemic the DAAD will make an exception to the rule and substitute the personal appearance in 2021 with an interview exclusively held online via video conference.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarships Programme