Frequently Asked Questions
1. When can I apply for the MA Development and Governance?
There is one main application period for the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (PPGG) scholarships, which normally starts in June and ends in July each year. For these scholarships, the programme start is in April of the respective next year with a German language course (e.g. if you apply in June 2023, your language programme will start in April 2024). The academic programme then starts in October 2024.
Additionally, you can apply as "self-financed candidate". This call for applications usually opens in March. In this case, the programme will start in October of the same year (e.g. if you apply in March 2023, the programme is going to start in October 2023).
2. Which kind of Bachelor degree do I need to have to be eligible to apply for this programme?
In order to qualify for our programme you need to have completed a fulltime four-years Bachelor’s programme in political or social science. Furthermore, we might accept applications from the field of economics, law or geography, but only if your transcript shows that you had some teaching in social science related modules, or if you have a strong professional record in a governance- or development-related field.
3. Which are the main selection criteria?
In principal, eligibility depends on the quality of your social scientific degree resulting from a four year fulltime programme, a strong academic record, sufficient English skills and relevant professional experience in fields like e.g. development assistance, public administration, human rights or civil society work. We require at least one year of professional full-time work experience in a field relevant to our Master's.
4. Do I need to have German language skills?
No, this is not a formal requirement. The language of instruction and all examination is English. Knowledge of German is, of course, an advantage if you live in Germany (English is not an official language). Students who study with a PPGG scholarship take part in a compulsory half-year German course in advance of the studying programme.
5. When does the programme start?
The German language courses for DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme scholarship holders start in April each year and the first study period starts in October each year and lasts until September of the subsequent year.
6. If I want to apply as "self-financed candidate", how much costs do I have to calculate?
As a benchmark we calculate an amount of 950 € which you should have available each month in order to cover the costs for studying and living in Germany.
Please note that the University of Duisburg-Essen is a public university and does not charge an application fee nor tuition. However, after admission students need to register with the university. The (re-)registration fee is currently (effective summer semester 2023) 346,60 € per semester and allows you to use the university facilities and also includes the right to use public transport facilities within North Rhine-Westphalia (Semester Ticket).