DAAD Leadership for Africa (LFA) Scholarships 2025

If you're interested in pursuing studies in Germany with a scholarship this opportunity could be perfect for you. In this piece we'll delve into the details of the DAAD scholarship, its perks and the application process step by step.


The DAAD Leadership for Africa (LFA) Scholarship 2025 2026 offers funding for students looking to pursue a masters degree at renowned German universities. This prestigious scholarship covers stipends of 934 euros along with health, accident and personal liability insurance while studying in Germany.




The "Leadership for Africa" (LfA) scholarship program aims to empower scholars and refugees from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda by supporting their growth at higher education institutions in Germany.


Skilled professionals who are globally connected play a role in driving development within their nations. They serve as drivers towards a future marked by reduced poverty levels. Increased access to education and healthcare for all. Through its study programs focused on development the DAAD actively fosters the training of specialists, from both emerging countries.


The scholarships provide an opportunity, for international graduates from emerging nations across fields to pursue a postgraduate or Masters degree at a German university recognized by the state and in rare instances pursue a doctoral degree to attain a university qualification (Master's/PhD), in Germany.


DAAD LFA Scholarship 2025 Overview


Study Level; Masters Degree

School; DAAD

Location; Germany

Available Courses;

You can explore the list of Postgraduate Courses offered.

Program Duration; Ranges, from 12 to 36 months based on the selected study programs length.

Application Deadline for DAAD Scholarship; June 7th, 2024


DAAD LFA Scholarship Benefits


The DAAD LFA Scholarship 2025 for Masters and PhD programs in Germany includes the perks;


German language training (up to 6 months) in Germany to commencing university studies

Free tuition for M.A. Or M.Sc. Programs at a public or state recognized university, in Germany starting from the winter semester of 2025 (September/October 2025)

Additional required training program LEAD!


Funding Duration




Typically successful applicants are expected to commence their German language course in April 2025 and start their studies at a higher education institution around October 1st, 2025. The funding duration is based on the study period of the selected program. Typically masters programs eligible, for funding require two years of full time study.


Financial Support


  • Support includes a language course (lasting up to 6 months) in Germany before commencing the program covering test fees for a German language certificate (either TestDaF or DSH test) as well as pocket money and accommodation expenses (only during the language course). The DAAD decides on funding participation and its duration based on proficiency in study needs. Attendance in a language course is mandatory.
  • Monthly scholarship payments amounting to 934 euros
  • Provision of health, accident and /personal liability insurance, in Germany
  • Travel grant
  • Annual study stipend
  • Completion of an additional compulsory training program named LEAD!
  • If relevant, a monthly rent subsidy and monthly allowance, for family members (spouse and/or children) are provided. Please be aware that family reunions could be delayed or may not be feasible, during the scholarship period as visa processes in some home or host countries may take time.

Eligibility Requirements, for the DAAD LFA Scholarship 2025


To qualify for the DAAD LFA Scholarship 2025 for Masters and PhD studies in Germany applicants must meet the following conditions;

  • Language Proficiency; English or German.
  • Most study programs in Germany are conducted in German or in programs a combination of English and German. To enroll in a program you typically need to provide a language certificate (such as DSH or TestDaF for instruction TOEFL/IELTS for English). Proof of the language skills relating to your field of study must be demonstrated before starting the program. Evidence of language proficiency or potential to acquire it through a German language course should be included with your application materials.
  • Eligible Countries; Individuals, from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda who're refugees or local scholars.

What are the necessary qualifications?


  • You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree that meets the entry requirements, for a Master’s degree at universities at the time of application.
  • A Bachelor’s degree with at a 2nd class upper division grade is mandatory.
  • Proficiency in either English or German is essential.
  • For Refugees; Submission of Refugee ID card issued before 02.04.2023


How do you apply for the DAAD LFA Scholarship 2025?


To seek the DAAD Scholarship for pursuing Masters and PhD studies in Germany please adhere to the step by step application process;


Can you submit applications for courses under the DAAD LFA scholarship?


You are allowed to apply for up to three courses. In case of applying for than one course ensure that you indicate your course preferences in order on the DAAD application forms (refer to 7. Choice of host university/institution, in Germany). Maintain these priorities throughout your application form!

Documents Needed for the 2025 DAAD LFA Scholarship;

  • Complete the application form, on the DAAD portal.
  • Prepare a CV with details about your academic background, work experience, past scholarships, current address and language proficiency (limited to 3 pages).
  • Write a Letter of Motivation (1-3 pages) outlining your personal motivations for pursuing your study project. Make sure to review our Important Scholarship Information, under Section B Point 1.
  • Please fill out the "Study Course Profile" form, with information on 3 Masters programs that do not have tuition fees. Keep in mind that DAAD does not consider programs with tuition fees. It's important to note the guidelines for filling out the form as it may change annually. For applicants with a Masters degree or currently pursuing one they must provide a reason for seeking another Masters degree by completing the "Additional Masters Degree" form. Additionally ensure you demonstrate proficiency in the required language for your chosen Masters programs.
  • Submit your university degree certificate along with transcripts showing all grades from each year.
  • Explanation of the grading system
  • Please provide copies of your passport or national identification card as copies of the biodata page, from your passport or national identification card along with any other documents that indicate your current residency status.
  • If you are a refugee please submit your Refugee ID Card and official proof of asylum granted by authorities or government agencies.
  • You may also include any documents that could support your application, such as employment certificates, internship records, past scholarship awards, involvement in activities, recommendation letters or previous admissions to a Masters program, in Germany.


Please be aware that all applications must be exclusively submitted through the DAAD portal. Any applications sent through means or to institutions will not be reviewed. The DAAD portal closes at 24.00 hrs. Central European Summer Time (CEST), on the day of application submission. Incomplete applications will not be considered,. It is the applicants responsibility to ensure all required documents are included.


Kindly note that the "Application portal" tab in the scholarship database is only visible during the application period. Once the deadline passes, access to this programmes portal will be unavailable until years application cycle.

Step by Step Application and Selection Process for DAAD Scholarship;

1. Select up to three courses of your interest.

2. Apply to universities that offer these courses.

3. Submit your application(s) to the respective universities.

4. A selection committee will identify candidates for a DAAD scholarship.

5. Selected candidates will receive instructions, from DAAD via email on how to upload their applications to the DAAD Portal.

6. Once the selection process is completed successful candidates will be notified accordingly.


Please ensure you have all your application documents handy as they will need to be uploaded to the DAAD Portal, in PDF format if you are recommended for a DAAD scholarship!


For information on the DAAD Scholarship for Masters and PhD, in Germany kindly check out the DAAD official website.

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