If you are seeking a top-rated, fully funded postgraduate scholarship in Germany, the DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026/27 is a golden opportunity for international graduates from developing countries. Find out how to apply, eligibility criteria, required documents, and monthly living expenses for students in Germany—all with updated facts and essential keywords for your study abroad journey.
Basic Information About the DAAD EPOS Scholarship
The DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) Scholarship is provided by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for postgraduate students who aspire to contribute to development in their home countries. This scholarship is aimed at students from developing and recently industrialized countries planning to pursue master’s, MBA, LLM, MPhil, or PhD degrees at leading German universities. The 2026/27 intake is now open, with deadlines varying by program—but most fall between August and October 2025.
- Duration: Between 12 and 42 months, depending on the program length.
Objective
- Supports postgraduate studies in Germany for professionals from developing and newly industrialised countries.
- Aims to train specialists who contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
- Focus: Reducing poverty, improving education, and health.
University and Institution Details
DAAD EPOS scholarships are hosted by prestigious state-recognized German institutions, offering programs in collaboration with local and global partners. Universities like the University of Bonn, University of Hohenheim, Technical University of Dresden, University of Giessen, and Rhine-Waal University regularly participate. Each university offers development-focused courses at both master’s and doctoral levels, with English or German as the medium of instruction.
Postgraduate courses with application deadlines 2026/27.
You can apply for a diverse range of programs focused on development and global issues. Popular areas include:
Economic Sciences / Development
- International & Development Economics (MIDE) – HTW Berlin → 🗓️ 31 Aug 2025
- Development Economics – Göttingen → 🗓️ 1 Oct–15 Nov 2025
- Small Enterprise Promotion & Training (SEPT) – Leipzig → 🗓️ 1 Oct 2025
Development Cooperation
- Development Management – Bochum → 🗓️ 30 Sep 2025
- Environmental Risks & Human Security – Bonn/UNU → 🗓️ 15 Dec 2025
- Development Research (BIGS-DR PhD) – Bonn → 🗓️ 31 Aug 2025
- Sustainable Development Management – Rhein-Waal → 🗓️ 1 Jun 2025
- Resource Nexus PhD (NEXtra) – TU Dresden → 🗓️ 15 Mar 2025
Engineering & Related Fields
- Hydro Science & Engineering – TU Dresden → 🗓️ 15 Oct 2025
- Textile Machinery Tech – TU Dresden → 🗓️ 15 Sep 2025
- Sustainable Energy & Development (SEDev) – Flensburg → 🗓️ see website
- Water Resources (WATENV) – Hannover → 🗓️ 30 Sep 2025
- Renewable Energy (SuRE) – Oldenburg → 🗓️ 15 Oct 2025
- Photogrammetry & Geoinformatics – Stuttgart → 🗓️ 15 Oct 2025
- WASTE (Env. Eng.) – Stuttgart → 🗓️ 1 Aug–15 Oct 2025
- Natural Hazards (NHRE) – Weimar → 🗓️ 15 Oct 2025
Urban & Regional Planning
- Urban Management – TU Berlin → 🗓️ 31 Aug 2025
- SPRING (Regional Planning) – TU Dortmund → 🗓️ 1 Oct 2025
- Integrated Urbanism & Sustainable Design (IUSD) – Stuttgart → 🗓️ see website
Agriculture & Forestry
- Tropical Forestry – TU Dresden → 🗓️ 30 Oct 2025
- Agricultural Economics (AgEcon) – Hohenheim → 🗓️ 15 Dec 2025
- PhD Agricultural Economics (IPPAE) – Giessen/Hohenheim → 🗓️ see website
Natural & Environmental Sciences
- Marine Biology (ISATEC) – Bremen → 🗓️ 15 Oct 2025
- Tropical Hydrogeology (TropHEE) – Darmstadt → 🗓️ 15 Dec 2025
- Environmental Governance (MEG) – Freiburg → 🗓️ 15 Oct 2025
- Landscape Ecology (LENC) – Greifswald → 🗓️ 1 Dec 2025
- NRM / IWRM / REM – TH Köln → 🗓️ 30 Sep 2025
- IWRM (German-Jordanian) – TH Köln → 🗓️ 15 Nov 2025
- ENREM (Latin America Focus) – TH Köln → 🗓️ 31 Jan 2026
Medicine / Public Health
- MSc International Health (Berlin) – Charité → 🗓️ 31 Oct 2025
- Global Urban Health – Freiburg → 🗓️ 15 Apr–15 Oct 2025
- MSc International Health (Heidelberg) – Heidelberg → 🗓️ 15 May–15 Oct 2025
- Global Health – Bonn → 🗓️ 1 Sep–15 Nov 2025
- PhD Medical Research (Int’l Health) – LMU Munich → 🗓️ Dec 2025–Jan 2026
Social Sciences / Education / Law
- Vocational Education – TU Dresden → 🗓️ 15 Sep 2025
- International Education Management (INEMA) – Ludwigsburg → 🗓️ see website
- LL.M. Intellectual Property & Competition Law – MIPLC Munich → 🗓️ 15 Oct 2025
Media Studies
- International Media Studies (IMS) – Bonn-Rhein-Sieg → 🗓️ 15 Mar 2026
DAAD EPOS Scholarship Benefits
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship is fully funded and covers all major costs for international students:
- Monthly stipend:
- €992 for Master’s students.
- €1,300 (€1,400 from Feb 2026) for PhD students.
- Additional benefits:
- Health, accident, and liability insurance.
- Travel allowance.
- Possible rent subsidy.
- Allowance for family members (if applicable).
Note: The scholarship does not typically cover visa fees, university semester fees, or the cost of exam retakes.
Benefits Not Included
While the DAAD EPOS Scholarship is highly generous, some expenses are generally not covered:
- Visa application fees
- Personal expenses beyond the monthly stipend
- Certain university-specific administrative or semester fees
- Costs for repeat examinations or elective courses not part of the approved plan.
Eligibility Criteria for DAAD EPOS Scholarship
To be eligible for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026-27, applicants must:
- Graduates from eligible developing or newly industrialised countries.
- Must have at least 2 years of professional experience.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (usually a 4-year program).
- Have their degree obtained within the last six years
- Demonstrate motivation for study in Germany and to work in development in your home country
- Not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months before applying
- Meet university/program-specific language requirements (IELTS: minimum 6.0 bands or equivalent TOEFL score; some courses require German proficiency).
Selection Criteria
- Strong academic performance (top third of class).
- Relevant Bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum 2 years of work experience.
- Proven motivation for development-related goals.
- Commitment to social responsibility and positive change after returning home.
Required Documents for Application
Prepare the following documents for your DAAD EPOS application:
- Completed DAAD application form (typed, signed with current date).
- Curriculum Vitae (use Europass format; signed and dated)
- Motivation letter (max 2 pages, covering current employment & study choice; signed and dated)
- Letter of recommendation from current employer (dated, signed, official letterhead, stamped)
- Employment certificates proving at least 2 years’ relevant work experience (dated, signed, stamped)
- Academic degree certificates (with certified translation if not in English/German)
- Academic transcripts (with grading scale/explanation)
- Proof of English or German language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- For Chinese applicants: APS certificate
- Additional program-specific forms if required
DAAD EPOS Scholarship Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Select Courses:
Check the DAAD EPOS official database for eligible programs and note deadlines per course.
2. Prepare Documents:
Gather all required documents, translated/certified as necessary.
3. Complete Application:
Fill out the DAAD application form and the online application for your chosen EPOS course.
4. Submit Application:
Send all documents directly to the university/program (not DAAD). Many programs require online upload.
5. Wait for Selection:
Programs shortlist candidates; DAAD makes final selection.
6. Language Preparation:
If required, enroll in German language preparation (if awarded).
7. Visa and Travel:
If selected, apply for visa, book travel, and get ready for your studies!
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start early: Universities have differing deadlines, so begin the process the moment applications open.
- Tailor your motivation letter: Show a clear connection between your experience and your development goals.
- Choose courses wisely: Apply for up to 3 programs and rank your choices based on interest and eligibility.
- Prepare strong documents: Recommendation letters and work certificates must be recent, signed, and stamped.
- Meet all language requirements—some programs require proof issued within the past year.
- Make sure all certifications and translations are properly attested.
- Engage in networking and get advice from current/previous EPOS scholars, if possible.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Germany (USD)
Living expenses for DAAD EPOS scholars are well covered, but it’s helpful to know actual costs:
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $400–$600 |
| Food | $200–$300 |
| Health Insurance | Included/Free |
| Transportation | $75–$100 |
| Personal Expenses | $150–$250 |
| TOTAL | $825–$1,250 |
DAAD stipend is designed to comfortably cover these expenses, but lifestyle choices vary.
Why Choose the DAAD EPOS Scholarship? (Top 5 Reasons)
- Full Funding: Covers tuition, living, travel, and insurance costs.
- Prestigious German Education: Access to highly-ranked universities and departments.
- Career Growth: Practical curriculum and networking for future development roles.
- International Exposure: Study and collaborate with professionals worldwide.
- Post-Graduate Opportunities: Pathways to German employment (Opportunity Card/Job Seeker Visa) open after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I apply for more than one course?
Yes, up to three courses. Rank them on your DAAD form.
Q2: Can I apply if I haven’t worked two years after my bachelor’s?
No, two years of post-graduation work is required, excluding internships.
Q3: Do I need an IELTS or TOEFL certificate?
Yes, usually IELTS 6.0 or equivalent; check with your course for specifics.
Q4: Are family benefits included?
Yes, monthly family allowance may be included for accompanying dependents.
Q5: Is it possible to apply if I already live in Germany?
Not if you’ve lived in Germany longer than 15 months before the application deadline.
Scholarship Deadlines
The application deadline for the DAAD EPOS scholarship 2026 is different for each program, so make sure to check the details of each program before you apply.
Nursing ausbilding
I am interested in Phd medical science.