The Ruhr University DAAD EPOS Scholarships 2028-30 in Germany offer a fully funded opportunity for development professionals from developing and newly industrialised countries to study the MA in Development Management (MADM) at Ruhr University Bochum. For the 2028-30 intake, the published deadline for DAAD-EPOS scholarship applicants is 30 September 2027, while self-financed applicants have until 31 December 2027.
Basic Information about the Scholarships
- Scholarship name: Ruhr University DAAD EPOS Scholarships 2028-30 in Germany.
- Host country: Germany.
- Host university: Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB).
- Host institute: Institute of Development Research and Development Policy (IEE).
- Degree level: Master’s degree.
- Program name: MA in Development Management (MADM).
- Duration: 3 semesters (full-time)
- Language: English
- Start: Every 2 years (next: September 2026)
- Credits: 90 ECTS
- Accreditation: Valid until 2029 Part of DAAD EPOS Programme
- Application deadline for DAAD-EPOS applicants: 30 September 2027.
- Application deadline for self-financed applicants: 31 December 2027.
University/Institution Details
The scholarship is linked to Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) in Germany, specifically through the Institute of Development Research and Development Policy (IEE) and its MA in Development Management (MADM) program. Ruhr University Bochum is a public research university in Bochum, and the MADM program is an 18-month master’s degree designed for professionals who want to build stronger expertise in development policy, program planning, and project management. The program is accredited through 2029 and carries 90 ECTS credits across three semesters.
Purpose
- Designed for professionals in development-related fields
- Prepares for roles in:
- Planning
- Implementation
- Management
- Evaluation of development projects
📚 Programme Structure
1️⃣ First Semester
- Basics of:
- Development theories
- Social science & economics
- Research methods
- Choose a research topic
- Optional 2-month internship
2️⃣ Second Semester
- Focus on:
- Project planning & management
- Evaluation methods
- Write seminar paper
- Prepare for field research
3️⃣ Third Semester
- Conduct field research
- Write Master’s thesis
- Career & thesis-related training
Study Areas
- Main program: MA in Development Management (MADM).
- Core academic areas:
- Program design:
- Practical option:
- Career-oriented academic scope:
- Development programs and projects
- Public policy implementation
- Social development planning
- Applied development research.
Ruhr University DAAD EPOS Scholarships Benefits
- Tuition coverage:
- The DAAD-EPOS scholarship covers tuition costs for selected students.
- Monthly stipend:
- Health insurance:
- Health coverage is included.
- Accident and liability insurance:
- Travel support:
- Airfare support is included.
- Rent subsidy:
- A monthly rent subsidy is listed in scholarship summaries.
- Family allowance:
- German language preparation:
- DAAD-EPOS scholars are required to attend a preparatory German language course starting in July before the September program start.
- Internship opportunities
- Field research experience
- Intercultural training
- German language classes (mandatory for DAAD scholars)
Benefits not included
- The scholarship is not open to every applicant category, because DAAD EPOS is aimed at specific applicants from developing and newly industrialised countries with professional experience.
- Personal luxury spending and non-essential lifestyle costs are not part of the scholarship package.
- Self-financed students do not receive the DAAD-EPOS package, even though they may still apply to the same program.
- Optional costs beyond the standard student budget are not clearly covered, so applicants should still budget carefully for everyday living in Bochum.
Eligibility Criteria for the Ruhr University DAAD EPOS Scholarships
- Bachelor’s degree in:
- Social science,
- economics,
- law,
- political science,
- geography,
- or related
- Minimum grade: Upper second class (or equivalent)
- Relevant experience:
- At least 4 weeks (general applicants)
- 2+ years (for DAAD-EPOS scholarship)
- English proficiency:
- IELTS 6.0 /
- TOEFL 79–80 /
- Duolingo 110
Required Documents for the Application
- Motivation letter
- CV (Europass format)
- Academic certificates & transcripts
- School certificate
- English language proof
- Work experience certificates
- 2 recommendation letters (academic + professional)
- Passport copy & photo
- 👉 Extra for DAAD:
Ruhr University DAAD EPOS Scholarships Application Process
- Step 1: Review the MADM program carefully and confirm that your academic background and professional experience match the program focus on development management.
- Step 2: Check that you meet the DAAD EPOS profile, especially the two years of post-graduation professional experience requirement.
- Completed and signed DAAD checklist
- Completed DAAD application form .
- Step 3: Prepare all required documents early, because the program uses an extensive checklist and incomplete files are rejected.
- Step 4: Complete both the MADM university application and the DAAD-specific forms if you are applying for the scholarship route.
- Step 5: Submit all materials through the online MADM Application Platform.
- Step 6: Submit before 30 September 2027 if applying for the DAAD-EPOS scholarship.
- Step 7: If you are not applying for EPOS funding, you may still apply as a self-financed student until 31 December 2027.
- Step 8: If selected as an EPOS scholar, prepare for the German language course starting in July before the academic program begins in September.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start your application early, because the document list is long and incomplete files are rejected outright.
- Do not overlook the DAAD-specific forms, since EPOS applicants need both the university application and the scholarship paperwork.
- Show clear development-sector experience, because professional background matters as much as academic results in this program.
- Use a strong motivation letter that links your past work to future impact in development management.
- Request recommendation letters early, especially the employer letter required for the DAAD-EPOS route.
- Double-check English test validity, because the program specifies accepted score types and minimums.
- Explain your reintegration plan well, since return-and-impact potential is valued in EPOS selection.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (USD)
- Accommodation: Around USD 400 to USD 700 per month in Bochum, depending on housing type and location.
- Food and groceries: Around USD 220 to USD 350 per month.
- Transportation: Around USD 40 to USD 90 per month, though student mobility benefits may reduce this in practice.
- Utilities and internet: Around USD 90 to USD 160 per month if not already included in rent.
- Study materials and books: Around USD 30 to USD 80 per month.
- Health and personal expenses: Around USD 100 to USD 220 per month, although major insurance support is part of the scholarship package.
- Estimated total monthly living cost: Around USD 880 to USD 1,600 for a practical student budget in Bochum.
- Budget note: With the commonly cited €934 monthly stipend, the scholarship can cover a large share of regular living expenses in Bochum, especially when combined with insurance and rent-related support.
Why Choose This Scholarship?
- It is fully funded through DAAD EPOS, one of the most recognized development-related scholarship schemes in Germany.
- It is designed for development professionals, not just fresh graduates, which makes it highly career-relevant.
- It combines theory and practice, including project planning, research, and an optional internship.
- It supports return-oriented impact, encouraging scholars to apply what they learn in their home countries.
- It includes strong financial support, with tuition, stipend, insurance, airfare, and housing-related assistance.
- It is hosted at a respected German public university, giving students access to a solid academic environment in Europe.
- It offers a focused master’s in Development Management, which is valuable for careers in NGOs, public institutions, international organizations, and policy work.
Frequently Asked Questions about the scholarship
- Is the Ruhr University DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2028-30 fully funded?
Yes, reviewed sources describe it as fully funded and covering tuition, monthly stipend, insurance, travel, and other support such as rent subsidy. - What is the application deadline?
The deadline for DAAD-EPOS scholarship applicants is 30 September 2027, while self-financed candidates can apply until 31 December 2027. - What program is funded by this scholarship?
The scholarship supports the MA in Development Management (MADM) at Ruhr University Bochum. - How long is the program?
The program lasts 18 months across 3 semesters and carries 90 ECTS. - Who can apply?
Graduates from developing and newly industrialised countries with at least two years of professional experience in a development-related field can apply. - What English score is required?
The program lists TOEFL iBT 79–80, IELTS 6.0, or Duolingo 110 as accepted benchmarks. - Is work experience mandatory?
Yes, at least two years of post-graduation professional experience is required for EPOS applicants. - Do I need an employer recommendation?
Yes, DAAD-EPOS applicants are required to include an employer recommendation letter.
Application Deadlines (2028–30 Intake)
- DAAD Scholarship: 30 September 2027
- Self-funded: 31 December 2027
