DAAD Scholarship 2026/2027: How to apply for In-Country program in Nigeria
The DAAD scholarship In-Country/In-Region program is open for 2026. Discover how Nigerian graduates can study with full funding and the deadline.
There is palpable excitement among Nigerian graduates as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) officially opened its 2026/2027 application portal for the prestigious In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme.
The initiative, described by experts as a lifeline for academic advancement, is designed to strengthen higher education systems across Sub-Saharan Africa by training the next generation of university teachers and researchers.
“DAAD scholarships are now available for graduates and postgraduates in Sub-Saharan Africa. See the flier for more information and send in your applications. The deadline is 29 April 2026,” the German Mission in Nigeria announced via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
DAAD scholarship 2026
- FUNAAB listed as the host institution
Investigations by Wakawaka Doctor reveal that the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has been selected as a key host institution for this cycle.
Specifically, Nigerian applicants can pursue a Master of Science in Physics at FUNAAB under the “In-Country” category, allowing them to study within Nigeria while receiving international-standard funding.
For those looking beyond Nigerian borders, the “In-Region” option allows scholars to study in other African countries, including the University of Cape Town (Urban Studies) and the University of Pretoria (Mathematics) in South Africa.
The Financial Succour
Successful candidates are set to enjoy a comprehensive financial package that removes the burden of tuition fees. The scholarship provides:
- Monthly Stipends: For living expenses throughout the two-year duration.
- Study & Research Allowance: To support academic materials and projects.
- Thesis Costs: Full coverage for publishing and printing.
- Travel & Insurance: Exclusively for “In-Region” scholars moving outside Nigeria.
Eligibility & Requirements
The DAAD scholarship program has set strict criteria to ensure only the most dedicated scholars benefit:
- Academic Merit: Applicants must hold a first degree (Second Class Upper or First Class).
- Recency: The last academic degree must have been obtained within the last six years.
- Inclusivity: There is a strong call for female applicants and candidates from less privileged regions or disadvantaged groups to apply.
The April 29 Deadline
With the application window described as brief, prospective scholars are urged to identify their preferred programmes via the DAAD scholarship database immediately. The final cutoff for all applications is April 29, 2026.
Industry watchers believe this move is a strategic effort to curb the brain drain currently hitting the Nigerian education sector by empowering local scholars to gain world-class expertise without necessarily migrating to Europe.
