Nigerian students now have the opportunity to pursue fully funded Master’s and PhD programmes through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) under the In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme.
The scholarship supports postgraduate studies either in Nigeria or at selected universities within Sub-Saharan Africa.
The initiative aims to strengthen higher education systems in Africa and develop qualified professionals across key sectors. It offers comprehensive financial support for tuition, monthly stipends, research costs, health insurance, and travel (for in-region candidates).
What the Scholarship Covers
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly stipend (€300 for In-Country, €450 for In-Region)
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Health insurance coverage
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Study and research allowances
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Travel allowance (In-Region only)
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Optional research stay in Germany
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship, applicants must:
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Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country, including Nigeria
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Hold a Bachelor’s degree (Second Class Upper minimum) for Master’s applications or a Master’s degree for PhD applications
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Have obtained their last academic degree not more than 6 years ago
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Demonstrate relevant work or research experience
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Meet the specific admission requirements of the hosting university
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Be willing to return to their home country after studies
Participating Nigerian Institutions & Application Links
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
Fields include Fisheries Management, Wildlife Management, and Renewable Energy.
Download UI Call for Applications PDF
2. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Offers Master’s and PhD programmes under IT18-1 scholarship track.
Download UNN Nsukka Call PDF
3. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
Supports PhD-level education in science and technology-focused disciplines.
Download FUTA Call PDF
Application Process
The DAAD scholarship application is conducted in two stages:
Stage 1: University Preselection
Applicants must apply directly to their chosen institution (UI, UNN, or FUTA) and participate in the preselection process.
Stage 2: DAAD Portal Submission
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to apply through the official DAAD Online Portal, where they upload:
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Academic transcripts and certificates
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CV (Europass format)
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Motivation letter or research proposal
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Two recommendation letters
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Proof of professional or academic experience
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Proof of English or German proficiency
Important Dates
Application timelines vary by institution. Candidates should refer to the PDFs linked above for institution-specific deadlines. DAAD typically issues its final selections 3–4 months after the DAAD portal deadline.
Programme Objectives
The scholarship targets:
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University teaching staff without access to structured doctoral training
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Public sector professionals advancing national capacity
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Women and underrepresented groups
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Refugees residing in Sub-Saharan Africa
DAAD also promotes regional mobility, allowing Nigerian students to study at other African universities and vice versa.
Official Resources
Final Note
This scholarship is a rare opportunity to gain world-class postgraduate education either within Nigeria or at a prestigious regional university—with full financial backing. Global Japa encourages interested candidates to begin compiling their documents and apply as early as possible.
For personalised help with your application, including writing your motivation letter or structuring your DAAD CV, contact the Global Japa team or follow our guides in upcoming posts.