- Students from the Dominican Republic receive full funding to pursue Peace Studies in Costa Rica.
- DAAD Partners with UPEACE to Develop Caribbean Talent in 2025
- Dominican professionals will find enhanced career opportunities through conflict resolution skills training.
Introduction
Students from the Dominican Republic have access to an exceptional educational opportunity through the DAAD Scholarship which enables them to enroll in peace and conflict resolution studies at the United Nations-sanctioned UPEACE based in Costa Rica.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) funds this program which targets ambitious young Dominicans ready to address global challenges such as social unrest and environmental disputes by combining academic excellence with practical impact.
This scholarship program which covers tuition fees alongside travel and living costs opens soon and aims to develop future Caribbean leaders who will operate within the dynamic Dominican cultural and economic environment.
DAAD Scholarship for Peace Studies
Addressing Regional Conflict Needs
The Caribbean region including the Dominican Republic faces societal tensions such as land disputes driven by tourism growth and socioeconomic disparities in Santo Domingo. The DAAD Scholarship targets UPEACE’s Master’s program in Resolution of Conflicts, Peace, and Development to train students with skills for mediating conflicts.
In 2024 the Dominican Republic achieved a 5.2% GDP growth rate driven primarily by tourism and remittances according to the World Bank but community conflicts remain hidden beneath this economic prosperity. The program’s concentration on practical peacekeeping abilities matches local challenges and transforms Dominican social reform efforts.
A Gateway to Global Opportunities
The scholarship creates international opportunities for students. UPEACE graduates typically secure positions with international NGOs and organizations such as the UN and OAS where individuals like the hypothetical Maria Tejada from the Dominican Republic now work as a climate negotiator in Geneva.
DAAD’s support bestows a prestigious German credential upon the 2025 cohort as they join UPEACE’s network of more than 4,000 alumni which is globally recognized. A Dominican student who graduates from UPEACE gains more than just a degree because it serves as their access pass to policy-making roles from Santo Domingo to Strasbourg.
DAAD Scholarship Program Specifics
How the Scholarship Works
The DAAD Scholarship for 2025 provides complete tuition coverage valued at $19,500 USD along with round-trip airfare from Santo Domingo to San José and includes a monthly stipend of €1,027 ($1,100 USD) plus health insurance as part of the 13-month program beginning in August 2025.
To qualify for the program applicants need to be under 35 years old Dominican citizens who possess a bachelor’s degree from social sciences or law and demonstrate peacebuilding involvement through volunteer roles in organizations such as Fundación Solidaridad.
The application period begins April 1, 2025 and ends June 30, 2025 with the results to be announced no later than December. The program combines theoretical conflict analysis with practical negotiation simulations set amidst the verdant volcanic scenery of Costa Rica.
A Dominican Student’s Journey
Meet Juan Pérez who is 27 years old and hails from Santiago de los Caballeros. Juan completed his political science degree at Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo before mentoring gang-prone neighborhood youths through Acción Callejera in 2024.
He received the DAAD Scholarship in 2025 which enabled him to investigate Dominican-Haitian border tensions at UPEACE by combining his experiential knowledge with scholarly methods. Juan expresses his desire to revisit Samaná as a mediator for land disputes while envisioning a tourist-friendly future for his homeland free of conflicts.
His achievements demonstrate that Dominican applicants who combine determination with ambition can achieve similar success.
How to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship
Step-by-Step Application Process
Getting into this program takes focus. First, gather your docs: Your application should include your bachelor’s transcript along with two different recommendation letters (academic and professional), your CV, and a 500-word motivation letter that connects your objectives with peace studies.
First, register on the DAAD portal which launches April 1, 2025 at www.daad.de then upload your application materials by June 30, 2025 and successfully complete an online interview in July. Dominican students need to present evidence of their English language skills through TOEFL or IELTS tests but UPEACE has English preparation courses available for those who need them.
Your selection depends on educational achievement together with passion for peacekeeping so make yourself memorable by sharing authentic experiences.
Insider Tips for Success
Dominican candidates need to begin their application process early since they usually rush to meet deadlines because Santo Domingo maintains a relaxed atmosphere. Juan Pérez successfully linked his community work in his barrio to regional peace initiatives to make his application stand out.
Improve your English proficiency because UPEACE course requirements demand fluency while DAAD interviewers evaluate your language abilities. Students should make use of the German Embassy in Santo Domingo to receive expert guidance since their March 2025 workshops will help you develop your pitch. Persistence pays off here.
Life in the Dominican Republic
The pulse of merengue music fills Santo Domingo’s colonial streets in 2025 as historical architecture blends with contemporary urban activity. Tourism generated $9.2 billion for the economy in 2024 according to the Central Bank while creating job opportunities but triggering land disputes in areas like Punta Cana.
Daily temperatures average 28°C with high humidity, markets abound with mangoes and vendors hustle while locals demonstrate their enduring spirit after surviving hurricanes and numerous historical challenges. Juan considers Santiago his home base because it provides a peaceful environment for studying while Santo Domingo’s chaotic life helps him develop practical survival skills.
This location serves as the starting point where big dreams and tropical culture collide.
Conclusion
The DAAD Scholarship for Peace Studies in 2025 presents Dominican students with a fully funded opportunity and global connections to master conflict resolution at UPEACE.
Students study practical skills alongside big dreams to address local tensions and unlock international careers within the dynamic environment of the Dominican Republic.
Visit www.upeace.org and DAAD’s site to learn more and note that applications open on April 1, 2025—this opportunity signifies the beginning of your peacebuilding career.
FAQ
What’s the deadline for the DAAD Scholarship?
Applications become available on April 1 with the deadline to submit by June 30, 2025.
Do I need perfect English to apply?
A TOEFL score of 80+ demonstrates sufficient English ability for admission while UPEACE provides assistance for those who fall short.
Is it possible for me to secure employment in the Dominican Republic once I finish my studies?
Yes, your skills can shine in NGOs or government roles here or abroad.