Fully funded

DAAD In-Country/In-Region Master's Scholarship, MPhil Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases (WACCBIP)

University of Ghana, Ghana

Scholarship overview

The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme is paid for by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and run by DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service. Its goal is to build strong higher education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa by training people for teaching, research and public sector work.

For the 2027 intake, DAAD works with the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) at the University of Ghana, Legon. The 2027 call offers up to three In-Country and eight In-Region scholarships for the MPhil in Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases. In-Country is for people studying in their home country or country of residence. In-Region is for people studying in another Sub-Saharan African country. Awards depend on funds being available.

The programme is aimed first at university staff and public sector candidates and DAFI alumni, but fresh graduates and other professionals can apply too. Women, recognised refugees and people from marginalised regions or groups are especially encouraged.

How recipients are selected

  • DAAD first checks your application formally. You must also be admitted by WACCBIP, which sets its own admission deadline and ranks applicants.
  • Applications that meet both the university's admission requirements and DAAD's criteria go to an independent selection committee of university teachers and experts.
  • Criteria include academic performance and quality, extracurricular activities, motivation and, where relevant, the research topic. Interviews may be held.
  • Selection usually happens between April and September, and the final decision for Sub-Saharan Africa is announced about six months after the application process closes. Details can change.
  • The scholarship only takes effect after proof of admission and proof of arrival at the host university are submitted.

Award Information

  • Be a national or permanent resident of a Sub-Saharan African country.
  • Hold a first degree (three or four years) with at least Second Class Upper Division or equivalent. Candidates below this are not eligible.
  • Have finished your last university degree no more than 6 years before you apply.
  • Show clear motivation and strong commitment, and good knowledge of the language of instruction.
  • You cannot get DAAD Master's funding if you have already received a DAAD Master's scholarship.
  • You must also be admitted to the MPhil at WACCBIP, which may have extra admission requirements.
  • Only a final degree certificate is accepted by DAAD, not a provisional one.
  • Funding for the standard length of the programme, up to a maximum of 24 months. Funding after the first year depends on a review of your academic progress.
  • Tuition fees, paid directly to the university. The exact amount is stated in your Letter of Award, and DAAD may not cover every fee in the university's fee list.
  • Monthly scholarship for accommodation, food and other costs: EUR 400 (In-Country) or EUR 500 (In-Region).
  • Study and research allowance of EUR 460 a year.
  • Thesis publishing costs of EUR 400, paid once near the end of the scholarship.
  • In-Region only: a flat-rate travel allowance and health insurance, with details in the Letter of Award.
  • Research-based Master's scholars can ask for a short research stay in Germany of 3 to 6 months if funds allow. It must be mentioned in the first application.
  • Access to further training such as e-trainings. No extra benefits for family members are paid.

2027 intake: the DAAD portal closes at midnight Central European Time on 12 November 2026. The host university sets its own separate admission deadline. DAAD planned online information sessions on 7 October, 21 October and 4 November 2026. The scholarship usually begins on 1 October of the following year.

How to apply

  1. Read the full call document (PDF) on the WACCBIP site.
  2. Register on the DAAD portal and fill in the online application form.
  3. Upload all required documents as PDF files, in English or German, before the portal closes on 12 November 2026 (midnight Central European Time).
  4. Separately apply for admission to the MPhil at WACCBIP using the centre's own procedure and deadline.
  5. Send proof of admission to DAAD before the scholarship starts (it may be uploaded later if you do not have it at application), and proof of arrival once you are at the university.
  6. If you apply to more than one programme in this DAAD scheme, rank them in your motivation letter. A maximum of three applications is considered.

Documents you may need

  • Completed online application form on the DAAD portal.
  • Curriculum vitae in tabular format.
  • DAAD letter of recommendation form, completed, signed and if possible stamped by a university teacher. Only this form is accepted.
  • Copy of your final Bachelor's (or equivalent) degree certificate with grades. No provisional certificates.
  • Transcript of records of your most recent degree.
  • Letter of motivation, 1 to 2 pages (300 to 1,000 words), with a possible Master's project and a time schedule.
  • Copy of a valid passport or national ID card.
  • Proof of admission (can be submitted later, before the scholarship starts) and a semester schedule or time schedule.
  • If relevant: list of publications, refugee ID or UNHCR document, proof of internships or employment, other certified translations for documents not in English or German.

Contact

DAAD: Pauline Richter, [email protected]. Portal technical help: [email protected]. WACCBIP admission and programme questions: Dr Samuel Duodu, [email protected].

Official links

Information checked against the official pages on 2026-10-08. Always confirm the current call on the official site before applying.

Official links

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