The DAAD EPOS MIDE Scholarship 2027 in Germany is a fully funded opportunity to pursue the Master in International and Development Economics (MIDE) at HTW Berlin, with the program’s key scholarship deadline set for 31 August 2026 for the April 2027 intake.
If you’re looking for a DAAD fully funded scholarship in Germany for international students from developing countries, the EPOS route for the MIDE program is a practical option, combining a clear career focus (development economics) with strong funding support.
Basic Information:
Application deadlines (important):
- Host Country: Germany
- University: HTW Berlin University of Applied Sciences
- Study Level: Master’s
- Program Name: MIDE (Masterʼs in International and Development Economics)
- Deadline: 31st August 2026
- Without scholarship (self-funded): 30 September 2026
The MIDE program confirms applicants should apply for April 2027 during the July–September application window.
University/Institution Details
The MIDE (Master in International and Development Economics) program is offered by HTW Berlin University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin).
For the MIDE application, HTW Berlin handles the process directly, and the program notes that an application via Uni-Assist is not required.
Study Areas (Available Program Names)
For this scholarship topic, the relevant DAAD EPOS-linked program name is:
Because “EPOS” is a DAAD framework for development-related postgraduate courses, the exact eligible program is determined by the specific course you apply to—here, that’s MIDE.
DAAD EPOS MIDE Scholarship Benefits (What You Get)
DAAD EPOS scholarships generally include:
- A monthly stipend (DAAD lists 992 euros/month for graduates in the EPOS framework).
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage support.
- A travel allowance (unless covered by your home country or another source).
- Possible additional support under certain circumstances, such as monthly rent subsidy and a family allowance for accompanying family members.
These benefits are part of the DAAD EPOS structure, and the final package can depend on DAAD rules and your specific circumstances.
Benefits Not Included (Common Exclusions)
Even with “fully funded” DAAD EPOS support, you should plan for costs that are often not fully covered or may vary by person, such as:
- Visa-related fees and document legalization costs (these are not listed as standard EPOS benefits).
- Deposit for housing in Berlin (usually required upfront by landlords; DAAD mentions rent subsidy as possible, not a deposit guarantee).
- Initial setup costs (bedding, kitchen items, winter clothing), because EPOS benefits are structured as allowances rather than a full “moving package.”
Eligibility Criteria for the DAAD EPOS MIDE Scholarship
DAAD EPOS outlines a typical profile and key eligibility rules.
Main DAAD EPOS requirements commonly applied to EPOS courses include:
- A Bachelor’s degree (minimum 180 ECTS or equivalent).
- At least 15 ECTS in Economics
- (or minimum 3 Economics-related courses for non-ECTS systems).
- Proof of English proficiency (unless previous degree was taught in English).
- You are from a developing country.
- You have at least 2 years of professional experience after graduation.
- Your degrees are typically not more than six years old.
- You can demonstrate development-related motivation and the potential to contribute to change in your home country after graduation.
- If you have been resident in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline, you cannot be considered for EPOS.
ECTS Requirement Notes
- 210 ECTS → Full admission.
- 180 ECTS → Must either:
- Have 6 months work experience after graduation, OR
- Complete extra 30 ECTS during the programme (may extend study by ~1 semester).
English Language Requirements
Required if your previous degree was not taught in English.
Accepted tests (within last 2 years):
- TOEFL iBT: 96
- IELTS: 7.0
- TOEIC: 800+
- Duolingo: C1 level
- Cambridge: CPE / CAE / BEC Higher
- Any C1 or C2 CEFR level test
❌ Not accepted:
- Institutional/General TOEFL
- FCE
- BEC Preliminary
- BEC Vantage
Admission Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- CGPA – 40%
- Economics courses completed – 25%
- Motivation letter – 35%
Required Documents for the Application
Because you’re applying to a program (MIDE) and also aiming for DAAD EPOS funding, you should expect two layers: MIDE admission documents plus additional EPOS documents.
MIDE program (electronic) documents listed by HTW Berlin include:
- Upload these documents online:
- Letter of Motivation
- Max 2 pages, signed and dated.
- Transcript of Records & Degree Certificate
- CGPA included
- Official translation (if not in English or German)
- Grading system explanation (highest grade & passing grade)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) in Europass format (signed & dated)
- Passport copy
- Proof of English proficiency
DAAD EPOS documents (DAAD framework list) typically include:
- Completed and signed checklist and the EPOS application form.
- CV in reverse chronological order (DAAD references Europass style) with no unexplained gaps.
- Motivation letter explaining academic/professional/personal reasons (and prioritization if applying to up to three courses).
- Letter of recommendation from your current employer (with letterhead, signature, stamp; current date).
- Employment certificates showing at least two years of relevant work experience; ideally include a re-employment guarantee after return.
- Proof of language skills (IELTS/TOEFL for English courses; institutional TOEFL not accepted per DAAD note).
- Copies of degree certificates and transcripts (with grading scale explanation if needed).
DAAD EPOS MIDE Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
This process is easiest when you treat MIDE as your “main application,” and the DAAD EPOS scholarship as integrated into it.
- Confirm you meet MIDE admission requirements (180 ECTS/equivalent, economics credits/modules, English proficiency).
- Confirm you meet DAAD EPOS eligibility (professional experience, degree recency, development motivation, and Germany-residency rule).
- Prepare your documents early (motivation letter, Europass CV, employment proofs, transcripts, language test if needed).
- Apply online to MIDE via HTW Berlin during July–September (Uni-Assist not required).
- Select/complete the DAAD scholarship section inside the MIDE application form (HTW Berlin notes this section must be completed to apply for DAAD scholarship consideration).
- Submit by the scholarship deadline (31 August 2026) if you want DAAD EPOS funding.
- Wait for program review and nomination (DAAD describes that the course selection committee suggests candidates to DAAD).
- If nominated, upload documents to the DAAD Portal when DAAD contacts you.
- Final decision is communicated after DAAD completes its checks and finalizes selection.
Tips for a Successful Application
A strong DAAD EPOS MIDE application is not only “good grades + English,” but a clear story that fits development impact and professional growth.
- Build your motivation letter around development outcomes (what problem you work on now, what skills you lack, and what you will implement after returning).
- Make your work experience easy to verify (clear role descriptions, dates, responsibilities, and relevance to economic/development themes).
- Show you meet MIDE’s economics coursework expectation (explicitly list the economics modules to match the “15 ECTS / three modules” requirement).
- Keep your CV clean and consistent (DAAD asks for no unexplained gaps, and MIDE asks for Europass format).
- Apply early in the window, not on the final day, so you have time to fix missing uploads or translation issues.
Monthly Living Expenses in Germany (USD)
Your actual monthly cost depends heavily on city and lifestyle, but Berlin typically requires careful budgeting even with a stipend.
A practical student-style budget range to plan in USD per month (approximate) is:
- Housing (shared room/student housing): $450–$800
- Food & groceries: $200–$350
- Local transport: $50–$90
- Health insurance top-ups/extra medical: $0–$50 (DAAD supports insurance, but small extras can occur).
- Phone + internet: $15–$35
- Study/personal expenses: $80–$200
If you receive DAAD EPOS support, the monthly stipend and possible rent subsidy can significantly reduce pressure, but you should still plan for one-time arrival costs (deposit, winter clothing, basic setup).
Why Choose This Scholarship? (5+ Reasons)
- Strong funding structure: DAAD EPOS includes stipend, insurance support, and travel allowance, which reduces the biggest barriers for international students.
- Career-relevant requirement: The scholarship is designed for professionals with work experience, aligning well with applicants aiming for policy, NGOs, or development finance roles.
- Development impact focus: DAAD explicitly looks for motivation tied to development and social responsibility after graduation, which fits applicants who want to create measurable change.
- Clear, program-based application route: DAAD requires you to apply to the course directly (not DAAD first), which makes the process more straightforward when you follow the program checklist.
- MIDE is English-taught and structured: MIDE requires English proficiency and accepts that if your previous degree was taught in English, extra proof may not be needed—helpful for many applicants.
- Transparent deadlines: MIDE publishes separate deadlines for scholarship vs. self-funded routes, helping you plan properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the deadline for DAAD EPOS MIDE Scholarship 2027?
The MIDE program lists 31 August 2026 as the deadline for applicants applying with DAAD scholarship (for the April 2027 intake).
Q2: Can I apply without the DAAD scholarship?
Yes—MIDE lists a later deadline (30 September 2026) for applicants applying without the DAAD scholarship.
Q3: Do I apply to DAAD directly first?
No—DAAD EPOS states applications must be sent to the respective course directly, and applications sent to DAAD are not forwarded.
Q4: How much work experience do I need for EPOS?
DAAD EPOS requires at least two years of professional experience after the first degree at the time of application.
Q5: Do I need certified hard copies for the MIDE application?
MIDE states you do not need certified hardcopies at the application stage; electronic copies are sufficient, and certified hardcopies are required only after admission and acceptance.
Q6: What are the main EPOS financial benefits?
DAAD EPOS lists a monthly payment (stipend), insurance coverage support, and travel allowance; it also notes possible rent subsidy and family allowance under certain circumstances.
Application Deadlines
- 31 August 2026 – With DAAD Scholarship
- 30 September 2026 – Without Scholarship
