Applications are open for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme supporting students from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue postgraduate studies at selected African universities. For the September 2027 intake, Jimma University in Ethiopia is offering DAAD-supported scholarships for its MSc in Environmental Health programme.
The opportunity is designed to strengthen postgraduate training and professional capacity within Sub-Saharan Africa. Ethiopian applicants can apply under the In-Country component, while eligible nationals of other Sub-Saharan African countries can apply under the In-Region component. According to the programme information, In-Region awards will generally outnumber In-Country awards.
The application deadline for the Jimma University Environmental Health scholarship is 12 November 2026.
The scholarship supports students undertaking the MSc in Environmental Health at Jimma University, with studies scheduled to begin in September 2027.
Environmental health is an interdisciplinary field covering issues such as public health, environmental risks, sanitation, pollution, disease prevention and the relationship between environmental conditions and human wellbeing. The programme can therefore be relevant to graduates seeking careers in public health, environmental management, research, government, development organisations and related sectors.
The scholarship forms part of the wider DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme, which supports postgraduate training at partner universities across Africa.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful DAAD scholarship recipients may receive several forms of financial support to help them complete their postgraduate studies.
The benefits include:
- Monthly scholarship payments.
- Coverage of tuition fees.
- An annual research allowance.
- The possibility of undertaking a research stay abroad, subject to available funding and a successful application.
The combination of living support, tuition assistance and research funding makes the scholarship particularly relevant to qualified students who may otherwise face financial barriers to postgraduate study.
Who Can Apply?
The Jimma University MSc Environmental Health scholarship is primarily intended for academically strong candidates from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Applicants should generally meet the following requirements:
- Be a national or permanent resident of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Hold a three- or four-year Bachelor’s degree in a relevant academic field.
- Meet the minimum academic requirement equivalent to Second Class Upper Division, according to Jimma University and DAAD requirements.
- Have completed their last degree generally no more than six years before the application.
- Demonstrate a good command of English.
- Present clear motivation for pursuing the programme.
- Demonstrate strong commitment to their field of study and professional development.
The programme particularly encourages applications from women, recognised refugees, and candidates from marginalised regions or groups.
Applicants should carefully review the official call and programme-specific requirements before submitting an application because meeting the general eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection.
Other DAAD Partner Programmes in Eastern Africa
The Jimma University opportunity is part of a broader group of DAAD In-Country/In-Region partner programmes in Eastern Africa.
Other programmes listed in the call include:
- Chuka University, Kenya — MSc Plant Breeding, beginning in August.
- Moi University, Kenya — Master in Education in Research, beginning in August.
- University of Rwanda, Rwanda — MSc Electrical Power Systems, beginning in October.
- Ardhi University, Tanzania — MSc Geomatics, beginning in November.
- Busitema University, Uganda — MSc Climate Change and Disaster Management, beginning in September.
Applicants interested in these programmes should consult the relevant DAAD information because their eligibility requirements and application procedures may differ.
How to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship
Applicants for the Jimma University MSc Environmental Health scholarship must first submit their scholarship application through the DAAD application portal.
The deadline is 12 November 2026.
After the scholarship application stage, shortlisted candidates will proceed with a separate application for admission to Jimma University.
The selection process involves several stages. DAAD first checks applications for eligibility. Jimma University then shortlists and ranks eligible candidates, after which an independent DAAD selection committee makes the final scholarship decisions.
Applicants should therefore prepare their academic documents, proof of eligibility, motivation materials and other required information well before the deadline.
Important Dates
The provisional timeline for the scholarship programme is:
- October–November 2026: DAAD information webinars.
- 12 November 2026: Scholarship application deadline.
- May 2027: Selection meeting.
- Mid-June 2027: Results communicated to applicants.
- September 2027: MSc Environmental Health studies begin at Jimma University.
Because some dates are provisional, applicants should monitor official DAAD and Jimma University communications for updates.
Why This Scholarship Matters
The DAAD scholarship provides an opportunity for qualified African graduates to pursue advanced training without having to leave the continent for the entire duration of their studies. The focus on environmental health is particularly significant as African countries continue to address challenges involving sanitation, environmental pollution, climate-related health risks, urbanisation and public health.
For professionals and graduates interested in the intersection between environment, health and sustainable development, the MSc can provide an academic pathway towards research, policy, public health practice and environmental health careers.
The In-Region component also makes the opportunity especially relevant to applicants from eligible Sub-Saharan African countries who want to pursue postgraduate education at an African university.
Final Takeaway
The DAAD MSc Environmental Health Scholarship at Jimma University offers an important postgraduate opportunity for eligible students from Sub-Saharan Africa seeking advanced training in environmental health. With scholarship support including monthly payments, tuition fees and a research allowance, it can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with postgraduate study.
Prospective applicants should begin preparing early and ensure that their academic qualifications, degree completion date, English proficiency and other supporting documents satisfy both DAAD and Jimma University requirements.
The application deadline is 12 November 2026, and candidates should submit their scholarship applications through the DAAD portal before the deadline.
Programme: MSc Environmental Health
University: Jimma University, Ethiopia
Scholarship: DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme
Study level: Master’s
Eligible regions: Sub-Saharan Africa
Study start: September 2027
Deadline: 12 November 2026
Funding: Monthly scholarship payments, tuition fees, annual research allowance and possible research stay abroad
