DAAD–MUBAS Scholarship 2027

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), in partnership with the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), is offering scholarships for the 2027 intake of its Master of Science in Environmental Health programme.

The opportunity forms part of the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa, supported by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The initiative aims to strengthen higher education, research capacity and professional expertise in Sub-Saharan Africa. It particularly supports graduates interested in research, university teaching, public health and addressing development-related challenges.

The scholarship is available to eligible applicants from Sub-Saharan African countries who wish to undertake postgraduate study in Malawi.

Available Study Programme

Master of Science in Environmental Health

The programme is delivered through MUBAS's School of Science and Technology and combines academic coursework with independent research.

Subjects covered include:

• Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Environmental Pollution Control
• Food Safety and Hygiene
• Occupational Safety and Health
• Global Health
• Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
• Health Communication and Behaviour Change
• Environmental Health Project Management
• Geographical Information Systems

Students complete coursework and a research project culminating in a Master's dissertation.

The recommended full-time duration is two years, equivalent to four semesters.

Scholarship Categories

In-Country Scholarships

These support eligible applicants studying in their home country or another country where they hold a qualifying residence permit. For this MUBAS opportunity, the study destination is Malawi.

In-Region Scholarships

These support eligible Sub-Saharan African applicants pursuing the programme outside their home country or country of qualifying residence, within Sub-Saharan Africa.

Both categories contribute to developing expertise and strengthening research and educational institutions in the region.

General DAAD Scholarship Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be nationals or permanent residents of a Sub-Saharan African country.
• Hold a completed three-year or four-year Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent recognised first university qualification.
• Demonstrate above-average academic performance equivalent to at least Second Class Upper Division, as required by DAAD.
• Have completed their most recent university degree no more than six years before the application.
• Demonstrate motivation and commitment to postgraduate study.
• Have thorough knowledge of the language of instruction.
• Meet the separate academic admission requirements of MUBAS.
• Not have previously received a DAAD Master's scholarship.

MUBAS Academic Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health, Public Health or a related discipline.
• Have above-average results meeting MUBAS's scholarship admission criteria, such as Credit, Distinction or GPA 2.5 and above, or an accepted equivalent.
• Hold a degree obtained within the previous six years.

Important: The DAAD call explicitly requires at least Second Class Upper Division or an equivalent result. Applicants must satisfy both the DAAD scholarship criteria and MUBAS admission criteria; meeting MUBAS's GPA guidance alone does not automatically establish DAAD eligibility.

Applicants Encouraged to Apply

The scholarship particularly welcomes applications from:

• Public university teaching and research staff.
• Candidates being considered for academic or research appointments.
• Public-sector professionals.
• Former participants in the DAFI scholarship programme.
• Fresh graduates and other qualified professionals.

Female applicants, recognised refugees and candidates from marginalised backgrounds are particularly encouraged to participate. These backgrounds are not exclusive eligibility categories. Fresh graduates and other qualified candidates can also apply.

English-Language Requirement

DAAD requires applicants to have thorough knowledge of the language used for teaching.

The published 2027 scholarship call does not prescribe a specific IELTS score or state that an IELTS certificate is mandatory.

DAAD provides the following scholarship support.

Core Scholarship Benefits

• Tuition Support: University tuition fees covered according to the applicable Letter of Award.
• Monthly Living Allowance: €300 per month for In-Country scholarship holders.
• In-Region Living Allowance: €400 per month for In-Region scholarship holders.
• Study and Research Allowance: €460 annually.
• Thesis Publishing Support: A one-time €400 allowance towards the end of the scholarship.
• Funding Duration: Up to 24 months, subject to academic progress and scholarship conditions.

Additional In-Region Benefits

• Travel Allowance: A flat-rate contribution towards travel, with the amount confirmed in the Letter of Award.
• Health Insurance: Insurance support as specified in the award agreement.

Additional Academic Opportunities

Scholarship holders may be able to apply for:

• A short-term research stay in Germany lasting three to six months.
• Additional academic or research-related training.
• DAAD-supported online professional development opportunities.

A research stay in Germany is subject to available funding and must be indicated in the initial scholarship application. It is not guaranteed.

Mandatory DAAD Scholarship Documents

• Completed Online Application: Submit the required form through the DAAD portal.
• Curriculum Vitae: A CV in tabular format.
• Academic Recommendation: A completed and signed recommendation using DAAD's official form, provided by a university teacher.
• Bachelor's Degree Certificate: A copy of the final degree certificate showing eligibility.
• Academic Transcript: Records of the most recent university qualification.
• Motivation Letter: A statement of 300–1,000 words, generally one to two pages, explaining academic, personal and professional motivation.
• Valid Passport or National Identity Card: A valid identification document at the time of application.

Additional Documents

• Study or Research Schedule: An outline of the proposed coursework and research timetable, as applicable.
• Proof of University Admission: May be submitted later but is mandatory before scholarship funding begins.
• Proof of Arrival: Required before the scholarship takes effect.
• Publications: Optional, where available.
• Employment or Internship Evidence: Optional supporting information where relevant.
• Refugee Documentation: Required for applicants relying on recognised refugee status.

MUBAS Admission Documents

MUBAS separately identifies the following postgraduate application documents:

• Completed postgraduate programme application form.
• Certified academic transcript.
• Certified copies of relevant qualifications.
• Two reference letters, including at least one academic reference.
• Recent CV.
• Proof of payment of the applicable university admission fee.

DAAD identifies the following evaluation factors:

• Academic performance and the quality of educational qualifications.
• Motivation and commitment to postgraduate studies.
• Extracurricular activities and relevant engagement.
• Academic suitability for the chosen programme.
• Relevance of the proposed research topic, where applicable.
• MUBAS's university-level pre-selection ranking.
• Performance during an interview, where conducted.

• Specialised Postgraduate Education: Study environmental health challenges affecting communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Research Development: Gain experience in academic research and dissertation preparation.
• Public Health Impact: Build skills relevant to disease prevention, environmental protection and community health.
• Regional Academic Networks: Connect with researchers and professionals working on development challenges.
• Professional Development: Strengthen qualifications for teaching, research and public-sector roles.
• Potential German Research Exposure: Eligible scholars may apply for an additional short-term research opportunity in Germany.