DAAD SCO Masters Scholarship for Business Research in Africa 2026

Are you an ambitious student from Ghana, Kenya, or Tanzania looking to advance your business research skills? Do you dream of studying in Germany and gaining international experience without the financial burden? This fully funded scholarship could be your gateway to a world-class education and a brighter future in business research.

The DAAD SCO Scholarship for Master of Business Research offers a unique opportunity for talented individuals to pursue advanced studies. This program is designed to equip you with the essential research skills and knowledge needed to excel in the dynamic field of business.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the DAAD SCO Scholarship, from its benefits and eligibility requirements to the step-by-step application process. Get ready to take the first step toward achieving your academic and professional goals.

What is the DAAD SCO Scholarship for Master of Business Research?

The DAAD SCO Scholarship is a fully funded program designed to support African students in pursuing a Master of Business Research (MBR). This two-year master’s program is a collaboration between the University of Nairobi (UoN) in Kenya, the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, and the University of Ghana, in partnership with the Kuehne Logistics University (KLU) in Hamburg, Germany.

This initiative is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) through the Africa Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Operations for Resource Management and Food Supply (SCO). The program aims to enhance skills and knowledge in business research by bringing together these institutions and the LEARN Logistics by Kühne Foundation. It focuses on developing high-quality, original research in business and related fields.

Benefits of the DAAD SCO Scholarship

This scholarship offers comprehensive support to ensure students can focus entirely on their studies and research. The benefits are designed to cover all major expenses associated with pursuing a master’s degree abroad.

The scholarship will cover:

Tuition Fees: All costs associated with your master’s program tuition will be paid.
Research Costs: Funding will be provided for necessary research activities and materials.
Living Stipend: A monthly stipend will be provided to cover living expenses from September 2026 to August 2028, in line with DAAD scholarship regulations.

Beyond financial support, the MBR program offers advanced training in research skills, techniques, and methodologies. You will learn from an interdisciplinary team of professors and industry professionals in operations management, supply chains, business economics, and management science. This holistic approach equips students with essential skills and knowledge in business operations and research, setting it apart from conventional business management training.

Eligibility Criteria for the DAAD SCO Scholarship

To be considered for this prestigious scholarship, candidates must meet specific academic and national requirements. Meeting these criteria is the first step toward a successful application.

You must meet the following requirements:

Academic Background: Hold an earned BSc/BA or MA/MBA/MSc degree, or a related degree, in fields such as business studies, business administration, entrepreneurship, agribusiness management, economics, operations management, management science, supply chains, or similar areas.
Academic Performance: Demonstrate outstanding academic performance. For undergraduate degrees, this typically means a Second Class Upper Division or an equivalent GPA score.
Admission Status: Be already admitted into the Master of Business Research program for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Research Experience: Experience in undertaking basic research in agribusiness, business, supply chains, operations management, or related fields will be considered an advantage.
Skills: Possess basic analytical and research skills, ideally with experience using relevant data analysis software.
Language Proficiency: Have excellent written and spoken English skills.
Nationality: Be a national of Ghana, Kenya, or Tanzania.

Required Documents for Application

A well-prepared application package is crucial for standing out. Ensure all documents are accurate, complete, and submitted in the specified format.

You will need to prepare the following documents:

Motivation Letter: A hand-signed motivation letter, no more than one page long. It should be written in Times New Roman, font size 12, and single-spaced.
Academic Certificates and Transcripts: Copies of your academic degree certificates, academic transcripts (including the grading scale), and school final national exam certificates.
Admission Letter: Your official admission letter for the 2026/2027 academic year into the MBR program.
Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from senior academic persons who are familiar with your academic background. These letters must be on letterhead, hand-signed, officially stamped, and of recent date.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date copy of your Curriculum Vitae.

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Applying for the DAAD SCO Scholarship involves a clear process to ensure all eligible candidates have an equal opportunity. Follow these steps carefully to submit your application.

Visit the Program Webpage: Click the provided link to navigate to the official program webpage for the Master of Business Research.
Prepare Application Documents: Gather all the required documents listed above, ensuring they are correctly formatted and complete.
Merge Documents: Combine all your application documents into ONE merged PDF file. This is a critical step for submission.
Email Your Application: Send the merged PDF file as an attachment to the following email addresses:

Primary: sco@uonbi.ac.ke
Copy 1: dept-mgtsci@uonbi.ac.ke
Copy 2: agecon@uonbi.ac.ke

Adhere to the Deadline: Ensure your application is sent on or before July 15, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
Await Notification: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an oral interview.

For direct application, you can use this link: CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Scholarship Deadline

Mark your calendars! The deadline for submitting your application for the DAAD SCO Scholarship is July 15, 2026. It is highly recommended to submit your application well before this date to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

Tips for a Strong Application

To maximize your chances of success, pay close attention to the details of your application. A thoughtful and well-presented application can make a significant difference.

Tailor Your Motivation Letter: Clearly articulate why you are passionate about business research and how this specific MBR program aligns with your career aspirations. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
Choose Recommenders Wisely: Select academic referees who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities and research potential. Provide them with information about the scholarship and your CV to help them write a strong letter.
Proofread Everything: Before submitting, carefully proofread all your documents for any grammatical errors or typos. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail.
Follow Instructions Precisely: Ensure your application is in the correct format (one merged PDF) and sent to all the specified email addresses. Any deviation from the instructions could lead to disqualification.
Highlight Research Aptitude: Even if your formal research experience is limited, emphasize any projects, coursework, or analytical tasks where you demonstrated research-related skills.

By following these guidelines and preparing thoroughly, you can present a compelling case for why you deserve the DAAD SCO Scholarship. This opportunity could be the stepping stone to a successful career in business research.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the DAAD SCO Scholarship?

Nationals of Ghana, Kenya, or Tanzania with an earned BSc/BA or MA/MBA/MSc degree in related fields, outstanding academic performance, and admission to the MBR program for 2026/2027 are eligible.

What does the DAAD SCO Scholarship cover?

The scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition fees, research costs, and providing a monthly living stipend for the duration of the two-year master’s program.