The Federal government of Germany, through the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) has invited applications from Kenyans and other Sub-Saharan African graduates for the 2026 In-Country/In-Region scholarships.

DAAD Sub-Saharan Scholarship 2026 is designated to foster higher education systems across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Scholarship is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (GAES) and offers full Master’s and PhD to skilled and talented African students.

Students who are knowledgeable and interested in research and innovation to contribute to sustainable development in their communities will be given priority.

List of Universities Eligible to Offer This Scholarship

In Kenya, only five Universities will be eligible to offer these scholarships, and this includes Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT), Moi University, Maseno University, and Pwani University.

Moi University will offer a PhD in Biostatistics, and through its partnership with the East and South African-German Centre of Excellence for Educational Research Methodologies and Management (CERM-ESA), a Master’s in Education in Research.

JKUAT will offer master’s degrees in Energy Technology and Soil and Water Engineering, as well as a PhD in Soil and Water Engineering.

At Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, students will pursue a Master’s in Food Science and Technology.

Pwani University will offer a Master’s in Bioinformatics.

Additionally, Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR) will enable Master’s in Research and Public Policy (MRPP) in conjunction with Egerton University and Maseno University.

Scholarship focuses on SDGs and improving African education.

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What are Benefits

Scholarship funds all tuition fees at the host institutions, monthly stipends, research grants and travel allowances.

In addition, the program will provide Academic support through the DAAD network and opportunities to connect with German institutions and DAAD alumni.

Study and research allowance will be Ksh 69,047 annually, and one-time thesis publishing will cost Ksh 59,904 towards the end of the scholarship.

Students will receive Monthly stipends of Ksh 59,888 who are in-country category, while those in-region category will receive Ksh 74,860

In-region students will also benefit from annual health insurance.

Qualifications Required to Be Met By Applicants

• Be citizens of a Sub-Saharan African country.
• Have a Bachelor’s degree if applying for a Master’s program.
• Have a Master’s degree if applying for a PhD program.

Plan to study in their home country or another Sub-Saharan African nation.

Inside the Scholarship, Female candidates and individuals from less privileged communities are encouraged to apply.

The duration of the study depends on the programme you chose, it can be up to a maximum of 24 months.

Application deadline is November 27, 2025.

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How to Apply

Navigate through the official DAAD Sub-Saharan Scholarship 2026 page to check requirements and program details.

Willing candidates are urged to select the program carefully in relation to their academic background and career aspirations.

Interested applicants must first register and then create an account on the DAAD online portal.

After having an account, applicants are required to fill out the online application form by providing accurate information of both personal and academic, and click submit.

All applications must be submitted before the official deadline.

Candidates who qualify will be shortlisted and will receive confirmation from DAAD and may be required to attend interviews or other assessments.

Additionally, successful applicants will then receive an official notification of selection, enabling them to make preparations for their studies in Germany.

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Collage of JKUAT and Pwani University gates for illustration purposes. PHOTO/File