The Freie Universität Berlin DAAD Scholarship 2026 offers fully funded opportunities for international students from developing countries to pursue postgraduate studies in Germany. This guide covers all essential details, including eligibility, deadlines, and application tips for the DAAD EPOS program at FU Berlin.
Basic Scholarship Information
- Full Name: DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) Scholarships at Freie Universität Berlin for the 2026-2027 academic year.
- Funding Body: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
- Target Group: Professionals from developing and emerging countries seeking a Master’s or PhD in development-related fields.
- Levels Offered: Master’s (12-24 months) and PhD (up to 42 months) programs.
- Grant Amount: €250 per month
- Duration: March–December 2026 (10 months)
- Total Awards: 10 students
- Application Deadline: January 11, 2026
- Official Sources: DAAD website and FU Berlin international office for updates.
University Details
- Institution Name: Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin), one of Germany’s top public research universities.
- Location: Dahlem district, Berlin, Germany – vibrant capital with excellent public transport and cultural scene.
- Global Ranking: Consistently top 100 worldwide (QS Rankings); renowned for humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary research.
- Student Population: Over 37,000 students, including 25% international students from 150+ countries.
- Key Strengths: Research excellence, partnerships with Max Planck Society, and focus on global challenges like sustainability.
- Campus Facilities: Modern libraries, labs, sports centers, affordable dorms, and career services for internationals.
- Language of Instruction: English for most EPOS programs; some German required.
- Tuition Policy: No tuition fees for public universities in Berlin; only semester contribution ~€300.
Available Study Areas
- Program Focus: EPOS-approved postgraduate courses in development-related fields only.
- Key Disciplines: Social sciences, economics, public health, environmental studies, and education for sustainable development.
- Sample Programs: Check DAAD EPOS list – includes Public Policy, International Relations, Global Health, and Development Economics at FU Berlin departments.
- Master’s Examples: MSc in Global Urban Health, MA in Social & Cultural Anthropology with a development focus.
- PhD Opportunities: In EPOS-aligned research groups on sustainable development, governance, and inequality.
- Note: Must select from official EPOS brochure; not all FU Berlin programs qualify.
- Duration: Master’s 1-2 years; PhD up to 3.5 years.
Freie Universität Berlin DAAD Scholarship Benefits
- A €250 monthly grant
- DAAD may increase your financing to a full grant of €861 per month if you are awarded another public scholarship.
- Part-time Job Facilities
- Language Course: Pre-study German language training if needed (2-6 months).
- Total Value: Fully funded package worth €20,000-€50,000+ depending on duration.
- Academic grades are not taken into account because the scholarship is not merit-based.
Benefits Not Included
- Visa Fees: Applicants cover their own Schengen visa/residence permit costs (~€75-100).
- Pre-Arrival Costs: Initial travel to the airport/home country not covered.
- Personal Expenses: Clothing, entertainment, and optional trips beyond allowance.
- Advanced Language Prep: Extra private German/English courses beyond what is provided.
- Dependents Beyond Limits: Full family support only if criteria are met; otherwise, partial.
- Post-Study Extensions: No funding for job search or extra semesters.
- Other Scholarships: Cannot combine with full public funding exceeding limits.
Eligibility Criteria for Freie Universität Berlin DAAD Scholarship
- International students at FU Berlin with:
- Refugee background, and/or
- Child(ren) under 12, and/or
- Caregiving responsibilities, and/or
- Disability (≥50%) or chronic illness
- Non-German citizens
- Entrance qualification obtained abroad
- Enrolled in Bachelor’s, State Exam, or Master’s (not PhD/exchange)
- Regular course attendance (min. 1 course/semester; 2 if first semester)
- Enrolled at FU Berlin for the full funding period
- Grades are not considered
- Income Rules
- Other funding may affect the amount
- Total funding up to €861/month possible
- Scholarship + work income must not exceed €1,311/month
Selection Process
- Shortlisting based on the application
- Interviews in February 2026
- Additional documents requested only after interview invitation
Required Documents
- DAAD Application Form: Completed online form from the EPOS portal.
- Motivation Letter: 1-2 pages explaining development relevance and career goals.
- CV: Europass format, detailing professional experience.
- Academic Transcripts/Degrees: Certified copies with translations if needed.
- Proof of Work Experience: Employer letters confirming 2+ years.
- Language Certificates: IELTS/TOEFL or German equivalents.
- Recommendation Letters: 2 from academic/professional referees.
- Passport Copy: Valid ID page.
- Optional: Research proposal for PhD applicants.
Freie Universität Berlin DAAD Scholarship Application Process Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Check eligibility and select the EPOS program from the DAAD brochure/FU Berlin site (October 2025).
- Step 2: Gather documents and apply to FU Berlin program via university portal (deadlines ~Dec 2025).
- Complete online application form by Jan 11, 2026
- Email by Jan 11, 2026:
- Certificate of enrollment
- Transcript of records
to: [email protected] - Applications accepted in English or German
- Step 3: Submit the DAAD EPOS application online via the DAAD portal simultaneously.
- Step 4: University nominates candidates to DAAD (Jan-Feb 2026).
- Step 5: DAAD reviews and selects (March-May 2026); results notified by June.
- Step 6: Accept offer, apply for visa, attend orientation/language course (summer 2026).
- Step 7: Arrive in Berlin by October 2026 for program start.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Tailor Motivation Letter: Link your experience to the program’s development goals; be specific.
- Highlight Impact: Show how studies will benefit your home country’s development.
- Strong Recommendations: Choose referees who know your professional contributions.
- Apply Early: Meet both university and DAAD deadlines precisely.
- Proofread Everything: Use professional translations; avoid errors.
- Network: Contact FU Berlin professors in your field before applying.
- Prepare Interview: Practice explaining your 2-year work relevance.
Monthly Living Expenses in Berlin (USD)
- Total Average: $1,300-$1,500 USD/month for international students.
- Rent (Shared/WG): $450-$800 USD (dorms cheaper at $250-$500).
- Groceries/Food: $200-$350 USD (student canteen meals $5-10).
- Transport (Semester Ticket): $60 USD/month (covers all public transport).
- Health Insurance: $120 USD (mandatory, often covered by scholarship).
- Utilities/Phone/Internet: $100-$150 USD.
- Leisure/Misc: $150-$250 USD (gym, cinema, outings).
- Note: Scholarship stipend covers most; part-time work allowed up to 20 hrs/week.
Why Choose This Scholarship? (7 Reasons)
- Prestigious Funding: Fully funded by DAAD, a top global scholarship for development professionals.
- World-Class University: FU Berlin’s research excellence boosts career prospects.
- Berlin Advantage: Study in Europe’s startup capital with global networks.
- Career Impact: A 2-year work requirement ensures a real-world application home.
- Comprehensive Support: Covers travel, insurance, and family – focus purely on studies.
- Alumni Network: Join 100,000+ DAAD scholars worldwide for lifelong opportunities.
- No Tuition Barrier: Free education in Germany’s best system.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can Bangladeshi students apply? A: Yes, Bangladesh is an eligible developing country for EPOS.
- Q: Is IELTS mandatory? A: Yes for English programs; German for others.
- Q: What if I have family? A: Family allowances are available under certain conditions.
- Q: Deadlines for 2026? A: Program-specific, Oct-Dec 2025; check DAAD site.
- Q: PhD funding duration? A: Up to 42 months.
- Q: Work allowed? A: Yes, 20 hrs/week; income limits apply.
- Q: Success rate? A: Competitive; strong profiles with 2+ years of experience win.
