The DAAD-MUBAS Master Scholarship 2027 in Malawi is a flagship initiative funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) under its In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme. Designed to foster future leaders, academic staff, and researchers across Sub-Saharan Africa, this fully funded scholarship offers students the opportunity to pursue advanced postgraduate education at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS).
The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), through the School of Science and Technology, invites applications for the Master of Science in Environmental Health Programme, commencing in September 2027. The programme offers limited DAAD scholarships for both national and international applicants.
Basic Information About the Scholarship
| Key Aspect | Details |
| Scholarship Name | DAAD-MUBAS In-Country/In-Region Master Scholarship 2027 |
| Host Country | Malawi |
| Host Institution | Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) |
| Funding Body | German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) |
| Degree Level | Master’s Degree (MSc) |
| Target Audience | Graduates & professionals from Sub-Saharan African countries |
| Programme Duration | 18 to 24 Months (Full-time) |
| DAAD Application Deadline | 12 November 2026 (24:00 Central European Time) |
| Programme Start Date | September 2027 |
- Programme: Master of Science in Environmental Health.
- Scholarship provider: DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service).
- Funding source: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
- Scholarship type: DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship.
- Available for: Both Malawian and international applicants.
University & Institution Details
The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), formerly known as the Polytechnic (a constituent college of the University of Malawi), is a leading public higher education institution situated in Blantyre, Malawi.
MUBAS is recognized for its rigorous focus on engineering, science, technology, environmental studies, and business management. Partnering with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the university serves as a regional hub for postgraduate research, offering access to practical laboratories, research centers, and expert academic mentorship across Southern Africa.
Available Study Areas & Programmes
Under the DAAD 2027 partnership framework, the primary supported postgraduate program is the Master of Science in Environmental Health. Within this comprehensive postgraduate framework, students specialize and conduct research across several key public health and environmental science disciplines:
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
- Environmental Pollution Control.
- Food Safety and Hygiene.
- Health Communication and Behaviour Change.
- Global Health.
- Occupational Safety and Health.
- Health Project Management.
- Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in Environmental Health Practice.
DAAD-MUBAS Master Scholarship Benefits
The DAAD-MUBAS scholarship package covers essential academic and living expenses for the entire duration of the Master’s degree (up to 24 months). Financial provisions differ slightly depending on whether you are an In-Country student (Malawian national/resident) or an In-Region student (international student from another Sub-Saharan African nation).
- Tuition Fee Coverage: 100% of university tuition fees paid directly to MUBAS.
- Monthly Living Allowance:
- €300 per month (~$325 USD) for In-Country scholars.
- €400 per month (~$435 USD) for In-Region scholars.
- Study and research allowance: €460 per year.
- Thesis publication support: €400 as a one-time payment.
- Travel allowance: Available for In-Region students.
- Health insurance: Provided for In-Region students.
- Research opportunity in Germany: A possible 3–6 month research stay in Germany, subject to approval and available funding.
- International exposure: Opportunity to study at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS).
- Career development: Opportunity to gain international research experience and improve academic and professional skills.
Benefits Not Included
To budget effectively, applicants should note that DAAD does not cover the following:
- MUBAS University Application Fees: Initial non-refundable university admission processing fees.
- Pre-Arrival Expenses: Passport fees, medical exams, or initial visa processing charges before arriving in Malawi.
- Family Allowance: Financial stipends or visa coverage for accompanying dependents or family members.
- Repeated Examination Costs: Any fees incurred due to failed modules or supplementary exams.
- Early Arrival Settlement: DAAD stipends begin only after academic registration; initial setup costs (first 1–2 months) must be covered out-of-pocket initially.
Eligibility Criteria for the DAAD-MUBAS Master Scholarship
To qualify for the DAAD-MUBAS Master Scholarship, candidates must satisfy both DAAD regional requirements and MUBAS academic standards:
- Nationality Requirement: Must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Academic Background: Must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree (3 or 4 years) in Environmental Health, Public Health, Natural Sciences, or a related field.
- Academic Performance:
- Have above-average academic results, such as:
- Credit or Distinction; or
- GPA of at least 2.5 (or equivalent).
- Have above-average academic results, such as:
- Note: Female candidates and applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds are especially encouraged.
- Have obtained their Bachelor’s degree within the last six years.
- Meet the university’s admission requirements.
- Degree Recency: The last university degree must have been awarded within six (6) years prior to applying (i.e., completed in 2020 or later).
- Language Proficiency: Must demonstrate strong proficiency in English (the official language of instruction at MUBAS). Formal IELTS is generally not mandatory if previous instruction was in English.
- Prior DAAD Funding: Applicants who have previously held a DAAD Master’s scholarship are not eligible to reapply.
- Target Profiles Encouraged: Women, refugees with recognized status, teaching/research staff from public universities, public sector employees, and DAFI alumni are strongly encouraged to apply.
Required Documents for the Application
Applicants must submit clear, certified PDF copies of all application materials. Documents not originally in English require an official certified translation.
- DAAD Online Application Form: Completed via the DAAD Portal.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Formatted in tabular layout (e.g., Europass standard), highlighting education and professional milestones.
- Letter of Motivation: 1 to 2 pages (300 to 1,000 words) detailing academic goals, research interests, and career ambitions.
- Bachelor’s Degree Certificate: Official copy of original degree certificate.
- Academic Transcripts: Complete transcripts showing all courses and final grades.
- Recommendation Letters: Two signed and stamped letters of recommendation (at least one from a university academic teacher).
- Identity Document: Copy of valid national passport (or national ID card for in-country candidates).
- MUBAS Admission Letter/Proof: Proof of application or admission to MUBAS (can be submitted during the selection phase if not available immediately).
DAAD-MUBAS Master Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
Applying for this opportunity requires completing two separate applications: one to DAAD for the scholarship and one to MUBAS for academic admission.
Step 1: Check Eligibility -> Step 2: Prepare Documents -> Step 3: DAAD Portal Application -> Step 4: MUBAS University Application -> Step 5: Selection & Award
Applicants must complete two separate applications:
1. DAAD Scholarship Application
- Register and log in to the DAAD application portal.
- Complete the scholarship application.
- Submit all required documents through the DAAD portal.
2. MUBAS Admission Application
- Apply separately for admission to the MSc in Environmental Health programme.
- Follow the university’s admission procedure.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Tailor Your Motivation Letter: Focus on how environmental health research solves real-world challenges in your home country or region.
- Highlight Leadership & Public Impact: Emphasize any work experience, community health initiatives, or academic research linked to sustainable development.
- Secure Recommendations Early: Provide your referees with sufficient time to write personalized, detailed recommendations on institutional letterheads.
- Double-Check Dual Submissions: Submitting only to DAAD or only to MUBAS results in automatic disqualification. Both processes must be completed.
- Avoid Last-Minute Uploads: Submit your application several days before 12 November 2026 to prevent portal timeouts due to heavy server traffic.
Monthly Living Expenses in Malawi (USD Estimate)
Malawi offers an affordable cost of living for international postgraduate students. The monthly DAAD living allowance of $435 USD (€400) comfortably covers routine living costs in cities like Blantyre.
| Expense Item | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation (Shared Apartment) | $120 – $220 |
| Food & Daily Groceries | $90 – $140 |
| Local Transportation | $25 – $45 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas) | $20 – $35 |
| Mobile Data & Internet Connection | $20 – $35 |
| Leisure & Personal Expenses | $30 – $60 |
| Estimated Total Monthly Expenses | $305 – $535 USD |
Why Choose the DAAD-MUBAS Scholarship?
- Full Financial Coverage: Provides tuition waiver, monthly stipend, research allowance, and international travel expenses.
- High Academic & Regional Impact: Focuses on environmental and public health challenges critical to Sub-Saharan Africa’s development.
- Research Visit to Germany: Offers top performers the unique opportunity to undertake a 3-to-6-month fully funded research exchange at a German university.
- Career Advancement: Establishes strong pathways for roles in university academia, public sector health ministries, international NGOs, and WHO initiatives.
- Prestigious DAAD Alumni Network: Grants lifelong membership to global German academic exchange networks, opening doors to future research grants and conferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is IELTS or TOEFL required for the DAAD-MUBAS Scholarship?
No, a formal IELTS/TOEFL certificate is generally not mandatory. Applicants must, however, demonstrate strong proficiency in English, as it is the official language of instruction at MUBAS.
Can fresh graduates apply for this Master’s scholarship?
Yes, fresh graduates can apply provided their degree was completed within the last six years and they meet the academic cut-off (Second Class Upper Division or equivalent).
When is the application deadline?
The DAAD portal application deadline is 12 November 2026 at 24:00 CET. Applicants must also verify and adhere to MUBAS’s internal university intake deadlines.
Are students from outside Sub-Saharan Africa eligible?
No, the DAAD In-Country/In-Region scheme for MUBAS is strictly open to citizens and legal residents of Sub-Saharan African nations.
Application Deadline
DAAD scholarship deadline: November 12, 2026.
