Introduction

Healthcare is one of the most critical areas of development worldwide. From Lagos to Nairobi, from Dhaka to Jakarta, young people are choosing careers in nursing and public health because they want to make a difference in communities where healthcare systems face immense pressure. But for many aspiring professionals, lack of funding for advanced study abroad remains a major barrier.

This is where Germany’s DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst – German Academic Exchange Service) steps in. In 2025, the DAAD is offering fully funded Nursing and Public Health scholarships with a monthly stipend of €934, comprehensive health insurance, travel allowances, and — for many applicants — no IELTS requirement if English or German language certificates can be shown through alternative pathways.

For applicants from Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, etc.) and Asia (India, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, etc.), this scholarship represents a life-changing opportunity. Germany is home to world-class universities, state-of-the-art hospitals, and cutting-edge public health research institutions. Importantly, DAAD scholarships are designed to be inclusive, allowing applicants who may not have expensive English test certificates like IELTS to still apply.

This blog post is a complete, step-by-step guide to help you understand the scholarship, compare its benefits, prepare your application, and avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re a final-year nursing student in Abuja or a public health officer in Dhaka, this is your chance to plan a realistic pathway to study in Germany.

Why DAAD Scholarships for Nursing and Public Health Are Important

The DAAD has supported international students for decades. But in 2025, the focus on nursing, midwifery, and public health reflects two urgent global realities:

• A worldwide shortage of nurses and healthcare workers. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2030, the world will need 18 million more health professionals, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

• Public health challenges across Africa and Asia. From malaria control to maternal health, the region needs skilled public health professionals with international training.

• Germany’s healthcare needs. With an aging population, Germany itself requires more qualified nurses and caregivers. Training international students is both a gesture of global solidarity and a strategic necessity.

By offering these scholarships, Germany not only strengthens its health sector but also helps developing countries train professionals who can later return home and improve local health systems.

Key Features of the DAAD Nursing & Public Health Scholarships

Here’s a quick overview of what makes this opportunity stand out:

• Monthly stipend of €934 (enough to cover living expenses in most German cities outside major hubs like Munich).

• Fully funded tuition fees — most German universities already have little to no tuition fees, and DAAD covers other academic costs.

• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance included.

• Travel allowance to and from Germany.

• Family benefits (additional allowances for spouses/children may be available).

• No IELTS requirement for many candidates, provided you can show:

  • A letter from your university proving English was your medium of instruction (MOI), or

  • Other accepted certificates like TOEFL, Cambridge English, or internal language tests approved by the university.

• One-year intensive German language course in Germany before studies (if required).

Comparison: DAAD vs Other Nursing Scholarships

To give you perspective, let’s compare DAAD Nursing and Public Health scholarships with a few other popular healthcare study-abroad options.

From the table, DAAD stands out for no tuition fees, solid monthly support, and flexibility on IELTS, which is especially valuable for African and Asian students who may not have access to expensive English test centers.

Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners: How to Apply

Applying for DAAD can feel intimidating if you’re new to scholarship applications. Here’s a clear beginner-friendly roadmap:

Step 1: Understand Eligibility

• Who can apply?

  • Graduates in Nursing, Public Health, Midwifery, or related fields.

  • Professionals working in hospitals, NGOs, ministries, or public health agencies.

  • Applicants from developing countries in Africa and Asia.

• Academic requirements:

  • Strong undergraduate GPA (second class upper or first-class for Nigerians; CGPA ≥ 3.0/4.0 for others).

  • Proof of relevant work or internship experience.

Step 2: Choose Your Program

• Visit DAAD’s official scholarship database

  • and search for Nursing/Public Health programs.

  • Select universities offering Master of Public Health (MPH), MSc in Nursing Science, or Health Systems Management.

  Step 3: Prepare Language Proof

  • If your degree was taught in English, request a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your university.

  • Alternatively, prepare TOEFL/PTE/Cambridge certificates if requested.

  Step 4: Collect Documents

  • Academic transcripts & certificates.

  • Curriculum Vitae (use the Europass CV format).

  • Motivation letter (very important).

  • Recommendation letters from professors or employers.

  • Proof of work experience in healthcare (if applicable).

  • Research proposal (for PhD applicants).

  Step 5: Write Your Motivation Letter (Statement of Purpose)

  This should explain:

  • Why you want to study nursing/public health in Germany.

  • Your career goals and how the scholarship will help.

  • Your commitment to returning and contributing to your home country.

  Step 6: Apply via DAAD Portal

  • Create an account on the DAAD application portal.

  • Upload all required documents.

  • Submit before the deadline (usually between October and December for programs starting the next year).

  Step 7: Prepare for Interviews

  • If shortlisted, you may be invited for an online or embassy interview.

  • Be ready to talk about your motivation, career goals, and how your project contributes to community health.

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  Benefits of DAAD Nursing & Public Health Scholarships

  • Financial security: €934 monthly stipend covers living, food, and basic expenses.

  • No tuition burden: Unlike the UK or US, Germany’s higher education is mostly tuition-free.

  • Career advantage: Graduates can work in Germany after graduation (18-month job-seeker visa).

  • Global exposure: Training with international peers builds your professional network.

  • Community impact: Many alumni return to Africa and Asia with skills to run NGOs, hospitals, or health campaigns.

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  Common Mistakes — and How to Avoid Them

  1. Weak motivation letter: Applicants often write generic essays. Instead, personalize with concrete goals (e.g., improving maternal care in Kenya).

  2. Missing deadlines: DAAD deadlines vary — mark your calendar early.

  3. Poor documentation: Missing transcripts, unsigned recommendation letters, or low-quality scans can get you rejected.

  4. Not researching universities: Some apply blindly. Always match your background with the right program.

  5. Overlooking the language requirement: Even if IELTS is waived, universities may require some German language learning.

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  Statement of Purpose — A Simple Template

  “My name is [Your Name], a graduate in Nursing/Public Health from [Your University] with three years of professional experience in maternal health. Growing up in [Country], I witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by women and children due to inadequate health infrastructure. My goal is to specialize in public health policy and apply this knowledge to reduce maternal mortality in Africa. Studying in Germany under the DAAD scholarship will provide me with advanced skills, international exposure, and mentorship from leading health experts. Upon graduation, I plan to return home and work with government and NGOs to implement evidence-based health policies. I am committed to using this opportunity not only for my personal growth but also to empower communities in need.”

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  FAQs (Concise but Useful)

  Q: Do I need German language skills to apply?
  A: Not necessarily. Most Public Health and Nursing Master’s programs are offered in English. However, DAAD may fund a year-long German course before your degree.

  Q: Can I apply without work experience?
  A: For Public Health, some work or internship experience is strongly preferred. Nursing applicants with internships can still be eligible.

  Q: Is the scholarship available for PhD?
  A: Yes, DAAD offers PhD funding in health sciences, though requirements (like a research proposal) are stricter.

  Q: Can I work while studying in Germany?
  A: Yes, international students can work part-time (120 full days/year).

  Q: Will I get a job after graduation?
  A: Germany offers an 18-month post-study visa. With a high demand for nurses, employment opportunities are strong.

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  Conclusion

  The Germany DAAD Nursing and Public Health Scholarships 2025 are a golden opportunity for Africans and Asians aspiring to build careers in healthcare. With a fully funded package, €934 monthly stipend, and no IELTS barrier, these scholarships open doors to world-class training, global exposure, and life-changing career prospects.

  If you are passionate about healthcare and ready to impact your community, start preparing your documents today. Remember, success comes to those who plan early, write compelling motivation letters, and choose programs that align with their long-term goals.

  “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

  Take the first step — your journey to becoming a globally trained healthcare professional begins here.