Are you looking to pursue a master’s degree in Germany with full financial support? The Leadership for Africa (LfA) Master’s Degree Scholarship Programme by DAAD is designed for young leaders from Cameroon, Senegal, and Togo, including qualified refugees, to study at top German universities. This fully funded scholarship aims to nurture future leaders who will contribute positively to their communities and beyond.

This opportunity is particularly valuable if you aim to advance your academic qualifications while actively participating in solving social challenges. Let’s explore what makes this scholarship unique and how you can apply.

About DAAD and the Leadership for Africa Programme

Germany’s DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) stands as a leading global institution supporting international academic mobility. Its Leadership for Africa (LfA) scholarship program is designed to nurture future leaders from Cameroon, Senegal, and Togo—including those with refugee status—by offering them the chance to pursue higher education at German universities.

With a focus on leadership development, this scholarship supports candidates from diverse backgrounds who have demonstrated commitment to creating positive change. It covers a range of academic fields except for Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Fine Arts, Architecture, Nursing, and related healthcare studies.

Overview 

Scholarship Name	Leadership for Africa Master’s Degree Scholarship Programme
Host Organization	German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Host Country	Germany
Degree Level	Master’s
Eligible Nationalities	Cameroon, Senegal, Togo
Eligible Applicants	Refugees and Nationals
Application Deadline	10 June 2025
Academic Year	2025/2026

Scholarship Benefits

The Leadership for Africa scholarship offers a comprehensive package to support students during their stay in Germany:

• Up to 6-month German language course in Germany before the start of university studies
• Tuition-free Master’s degree program at a public or state-recognized university in Germany
• Monthly stipend of 992 euros
• Comprehensive health, accident, and personal liability insurance
• Travel allowance
• Annual study allowance
• Monthly rent subsidy (if applicable)
• Monthly family allowance for accompanying spouse and/or children (if applicable)
• Access to leadership training and academic development programs

DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship 2025-26 Eligibility Criteria

If you wish to be eligible for this scholarship,  fulfil the following requirements:

1. For Refugees:

• Must hold refugee status granted before 2nd April 2024 (valid at least until April 2026)
• Must currently reside in Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo
• Completed Bachelor’s degree at the time of application

2. For Graduates from Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo:

• Citizenship of Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo
• Country of residence: only Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo
• Completed Bachelor’s degree at the time of application

Additional Requirements:

• English proficiency as required by the chosen program (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
• Must not be applying for Medicine or healthcare-related programs
• Demonstrated leadership potential and commitment to social impact

Application Process

Applying for the Leadership for Africa scholarship involves the following steps:

1. Prepare Documents:
   • Completed the Daad Leadership for Africa Scholarship 2025/2026 application form
     application form
   • Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages)
   • Motivation Letter (1-3 pages)
   • Study course profile form (specifying three master’s programs)
   • Proof of language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
   • Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
   • Passport or national ID copy
   • Refugee ID (if applicable)
2. Submit Application:
   • Access the online application portal on the DAAD website
   • Upload all required documents
   • Submit your completed application
3. Selection Process:
   • Initial screening based on submitted documents
   • Digital interview with the selection committee
   • Final selection based on academic merit, leadership potential, and motivation

Compared with Other Opportunities

Scholarship Name	Degree Level	Eligible Countries	Benefits
Leadership for Africa (LfA)	Master’s	Cameroon, Senegal, Togo	Tuition, stipend, insurance, language course
DAAD EPOS Scholarships	Master’s/PhD	Developing Countries	Tuition, stipend, insurance, travel, research
KAAD Scholarships	Master’s/PhD	Africa, Asia, Middle East	Tuition, accommodation, travel, monthly stipend

FAQs

1. Can I apply for DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship 2025-26 if I already hold a master’s degree?
   Yes, but you must provide a valid reason for pursuing another master’s program.
2. Do I need to speak German to apply?
   No, but you must meet the language requirements of your chosen program. A German language course will be provided.
3. Can I bring my family with me?
   Yes, but there may be delays in the visa process, and some restrictions may apply.
4. Is there an age limit for the scholarship?
   No specific age limit, but applicants should ideally be within the early stages of their career.
5. Can refugees from countries other than Cameroon, Senegal, or Togo apply?
   No, the scholarship is limited to these countries.

Let’s strive for a better tomorrow and APPLY NOW for the DAAD Leadership for Africa Scholarship 2025-26. Get the complete details and insights about the scholarship on the official website of DAAD Germany.