Master of Research and Public Policy (MRPP): call for DAAD scholarship applications 2023

The Master of Research and Public Policy (MRPP) is a unique collaborative graduate programme offered in multiple universities in Africa since its launch in 2014. With a dual focus on social science research and public policy (as distinct from public administration or public management), the programme is attractive to those who wish to be researchers and future academics as well as those who wish to use research as policy practitioners. The programme aims to empower a cadre of professionals able to work in a wide variety of settings including but not limited to government bodies, think tanks, civil society organisations, regional and international organisations, media and universities.

The full-time 2-year programme builds the competencies of graduates to generate and use research evidence for the policy process. The programme has so far produced over 300 graduates.

No. PASGR is not offering DAAD scholarships for the MRPP programme. PASGR is however partnering with DAAD through their In-Country / In-Region Scholarship Scheme. DAAD is directly offering scholarships for the graduate programme.

The target group for scholarships are graduates from any Sub-Saharan African country with a first academic degree who want to pursue Master’s in their home country (so called In-Country scholarships) or in another Sub-Saharan African country (In-Region scholarships).

Female applicants and candidates from less privileged regions or groups are especially encouraged to participate in the programme.

The MRPP programme was collaboratively designed and is implemented by 13 universities: University of Dar es Salaam, Egerton University, University of Ibadan, University of Ghana, Uganda Martyrs University, Mzumbe University, University of Botswana, Maseno University, Uganda Christian University, University of Jos, University of Lagos, University of Nairobi and University of Sierra Leone. The Partnership for Social and Governance Research (PASGR) is the lead partner of the MRPP network.

Please note, not all MRPP universities are participating in the 2022 DAAD In-Country / In-Region scholarship scheme.

• Egerton University (Kenya),
• Maseno University (Kenya),
• Mzumbe University (Tanzania),
• University of Ibadan (Nigeria), and
• University of Lagos (Nigeria).

Applicants must:

• Have at least a Second Class-Upper Division or equivalent undergraduate qualification
• Have thorough knowledge of the language of instruction.
• Have generally completed their last university degree not more than 6 years ago at the time of application.
• Be nationals or permanent residents of a Sub-Saharan African country.

Female applicants, refugees with recognized refugee status and candidates from other less privileged regions or groups are especially encouraged to participate in the programme.

• DAAD application form duly filled in (available in the DAAD portal)
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications (if applicable)
• 1 Recommendation letter by university teachers
• Letter of admission for the host university (this can be subsequently submitted before the scholarship begins if it is not available at the time of application)
• Certified copies of university degree certificates including transcripts (if available, including a grading scale for the final university grade)
• Letter of motivation (1-2 pages)
• Copy of the passport (if applicable), or National Identification Card
• If applicable, information on the UNHCR registration as refugee
• Short proposal for a possible Master project (2-3 pages)
• If you intend to take up the 3-6 month research stay in Germany be sure to mention it in your proposal, see more details under “Additional benefits” in the call for DAAD application.

Yes, you can. DAAD actually encourages students to pursue their studies in countries other than their own.

Please note: In some countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, universities require applicants to verify papers obtained from institutions in different countries verified by the Qualifications Authority in the destination country. Please note that the application for these documents may take long and that it is the applicant’s responsibility to get informed at an early stage to receive the documents from the respective authorities in time.

Your DAAD application is only valid if you submit all the required documents via the DAAD portal on time. Incomplete applications cannot be considered. You are responsible for ensuring that your applications are complete.

Please note, if you do not have documents such as recommendation letter and/or letter of admission at the time of application, please mention and explain this at an appropriate place in the application.

Also note that the scholarship only becomes effective as soon as the Admission Letter (this can be subsequently submitted before the scholarship begins if it is not available before) from the university is issued and once a proof (e.g., airline ticket, letter from supervisor or coordinator, admission test) has been submitted that you are on site at the host university to begin your studies. This must be submitted to the DAAD portal as soon as possible and is part of a complete application.

• Tuition Fees
• Study and research allowance
• Printing allowance
• Monthly Scholarship (Accommodation, Food etc.)
• Travel allowance (In-Region only)
• Health Insurance (In-Region only)
• Short-term research-stay in Germany (optional)

DAAD plans to offer a virtual webinar series for interested scholarship applicants. Please find further information here.

PASGR will complement DAAD’s webinars by hosting a weekly QnA sessions, every Thursday from 11:00 am to 11:40 AM East Africa Time, where queries regarding the Master in Research in Public Policy will be addressed. You can register for the Zoom webinars here. You can also write us with your questions and queries. Address your emails to erwigi@pasgr.org with “MRPP Programme Enquiry” as the email subject line.