The DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026–27 offers a fully funded opportunity for professionals from developing and newly industrialized countries to pursue postgraduate studies in Germany. This prestigious program focuses on development-relevant disciplines, empowering scholars to create a meaningful impact in their home countries.
Through the DAAD EPOS Scholarship, participants gain advanced academic training, build international networks, and strengthen both personal and institutional capacity. Eligible candidates with at least two years of professional experience can earn a Master’s or, in exceptional cases, a PhD degree at a state or state-recognized German university, preparing them to contribute to sustainable development globally.
Benefits
The DAAD EPOS scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, which typically includes:
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel support for international mobility
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
- Tuition fee contributions where applicable
- Research or thesis allowances in selected cases
This funding structure allows scholars to focus fully on academic and professional development.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the EPOS 2026–27 scholarship generally must:
- Be citizens of developing or newly industrialised countries
- Hold a bachelor’s degree completed before the start of the programme
- Have at least two years of relevant professional experience
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership potential
- Meet the language requirements of the selected study programme (English and/or German)
The scholarship prioritises candidates who show clear motivation to apply their knowledge toward development outcomes.
Fields of Study
EPOS supports a wide range of development-focused postgraduate programmes, including:
- Development Economics and Policy
- Public Administration and Governance
- Environmental Management and Sustainability
- Renewable Energy and Natural Resource Management
- International Development Studies
- Health Systems and Public Health
- Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development
- Business, Trade, and Economic Development
The exact list of eligible programmes may vary each year.
Why the EPOS Scholarship Matters
The EPOS programme is significant because it:
- Combines academic excellence with professional relevance
- Supports long-term capacity building in developing regions
- Strengthens global partnerships between Germany and partner countries
- Promotes skills that address economic, social, and environmental challenges
- Prepares professionals for leadership roles in public, private, and non-profit sectors
Many EPOS alumni go on to hold influential positions in government, academia, international organisations, and development institutions.
Duration
- Master’s programmes supported under EPOS usually last 12 to 24 months
- Scholarship funding generally begins in the academic year 2026–27
- Application deadlines vary by programme and university
Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparation early due to competitive selection and multiple documentation requirements.
How to Apply?
- Check the eligible DAAD EPOS courses and note their deadlines
- Complete the official application form with personal and educational details
- Write a motivation letter explaining your interest and how it relates to development goals
- Prepare a CV with clear information about studies and professional experience
- Gather academic certificates, transcripts, proof of work experience, and recommendation letters
- Include proof of English or German proficiency if required by the course
- Submit your complete application to the university before the deadline
- Keep copies of all documents ready for any further submission requests
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship is fully funded for master’s students from developing countries, requiring 2 years of work experience, language proficiency, and application to eligible listed programmes. Benefits include monthly allowance, health insurance, travel, and study support.
For which university programmes can I apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
You can apply only for the postgraduate programmes listed in the current DAAD EPOS Scholarship booklet. The booklet provides all necessary details, including application conditions, deadlines, documents required, and an overview of supported courses in Germany.
Can I apply if I am already studying a master’s programme in Germany?
No, the DAAD EPOS Scholarship is only granted for the entire duration of the courses listed in the official booklet. Current enrolment in an unsupported programme does not make you eligible for funding.
How much work experience is required for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
Applicants must have at least two years of relevant professional experience by the time they submit their application. This ensures candidates have practical exposure aligned with the development-focused goals of the DAAD EPOS Scholarship.
What language requirements must I meet for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
For English-taught courses, an IELTS minimum band 6 or TOEFL (550 paper, 213 computer, 80 internet) is required. For German-taught courses, a B1 certificate at application and DSH 2 or TestDaF 4 for matriculation is needed.
Can I use a university-provided institutional score instead of TOEFL/IELTS?
In some cases, an institutional language score may be accepted. However, you must check directly with the postgraduate course to confirm if this alternative meets the DAAD EPOS Scholarship language requirements.
Where and how do I submit my DAAD EPOS Scholarship application?
Applications must be sent directly to the respective German university. Documents sent to DAAD will not be forwarded. The complete application must be in English or German and include CV, motivation letter, references, employment confirmation, and proof of language ability.
Can I apply for multiple programmes with the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
Yes, you can apply for up to three programmes at once. You must submit one motivation letter explaining why you chose these courses and list them in order of priority on your application form.
What expenses are covered under the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
The scholarship provides a monthly allowance of €850 for master’s students and €1,200 for PhD students. Additional coverage includes health insurance, travel allowance, and a study and research allowance of €230 per semester.
Is there an age limit for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
There is no strict age limit for applicants. However, your latest academic degree should not be older than six years at the time of application. This ensures candidates are suitably recent graduates or professionals for the programme. Older graduates may not qualify if their degrees are beyond the six-year limit. Ensure your professional and academic experience aligns with the eligibility criteria before applying.
Do I need to be accepted into a master’s programme before applying for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
No, pre-acceptance into a master’s programme is not required. You can apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship simultaneously while applying to the eligible postgraduate courses listed in the current booklet. Your selection will depend on meeting programme-specific eligibility, documents, and work experience. Admission and scholarship evaluation occur in parallel for eligible candidates.
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