DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), funded by the German Federal Foreign Office
DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme: Master's Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG)
DAAD's scholarship for future public-sector leaders from developing and emerging countries, including Thailand. It funds one of seven English-taught master's courses in public policy, governance and development at German universities, starting each autumn after a German language course.
Application round
The 2027 intake took applications from 1 June to 31 July 2026, sent directly to the master's course(s), not to DAAD. Selection runs in October-November 2026 and results come in December 2026 or January 2027. Courses start in September or October 2027 after the German course.
Next round
The call for the 2028 intake is expected to open on 1 June 2027 and close on 31 July 2027. You need your English result inside that window, so take IELTS by spring 2027.
The IELTS requirement
DAAD itself does not name a band, but each master's course does, and your English certificate goes into the application you send directly to the course by the July deadline. Several of the courses ask for IELTS 6.5 (for example the MA Development and Governance at Duisburg-Essen, which also accepts TOEFL iBT 80). Treat 6.5 as the working target and check the course information sheet for your two choices.
Where is your IELTS score now?
Your university sets the IELTS score for this scholarship. Take the free level test to get an estimated band for each skill before you apply.
What it covers
- A monthly scholarship of EUR 992
- Health insurance in Germany, and no tuition fees
- A fixed travel allowance between Thailand and Germany
- A study and research grant, with rent subsidies and family allowances where applicable
- A compulsory German course of up to four months before the master's starts
Who can apply
- Citizen of a country on the DAAD list; Thailand is included
- A bachelor's (or equivalent) with above-average grades in social or political sciences, law, economics, or public policy and administration
- Your last degree is no more than six years old at the deadline (issued on or after 1 January 2020 for the 2027 intake)
- Relevant practical experience, such as work, internships or political and social engagement; specifics vary by course
- Not resident for more than the past 15 months in a country outside the DAC list
- You may apply to a maximum of two of the seven courses, with one identical motivation letter
Key facts
- Provider
- DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), funded by the German Federal Foreign Office
- Where you study
- Germany
- Study level
- Master's
- Funding
- Fully funded
- Application round
- Opens June 1, 2026 · Closes July 31, 2026
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We checked these details against the provider's official page on November 1, 2026. Rules and dates change every round, so confirm them there before you apply.
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