The University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026 offers a fully funded opportunity for young professionals from developing countries to pursue a Master’s degree in Environmental Governance (MEG). The DAAD has recognized the MEG program as a development-focused postgraduate course, offering a limited number of competitive EPOS scholarships. To apply, candidates must meet both the MEG program’s admission criteria and the DAAD EPOS requirements.
The University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship covers tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend, and includes additional benefits to support students during their studies in Germany. The application period runs from April 15 to October 15, 2025, for the academic year starting in 2026.
University/Institution Details
- Name: Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg
- Location: Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Ranking: Consistently ranked among Germany’s top universities, known for excellence in research and teaching.
- Program: MSc in Environmental Governance (MEG)
- Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Study Areas
- Environmental policy and governance
- Natural resource management
- Environmental law and institutions
- Ecological economics
- Sustainability science
- Global change and biodiversity
- Participatory and interdisciplinary research methods
- Project planning and evaluation
- Social-ecological systems analysis
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation
University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly stipend of €934 for Master’s students
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
- Travel allowance
- Potential additional benefits: rent subsidy and family allowance
Benefits Not Included
- Visa application fees
- Airfare for family members (if applicable)
- Personal expenses beyond the stipend
Eligibility Criteria for University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship
- Young professionals from DAC-listed developing countries
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree not older than 6 years (by October 2025)
- Have at least 2 years of full-time relevant professional experience post-Bachelor (internships and voluntary work not accepted)
- Work in academia (e.g., university teaching/research) is generally not accepted as relevant experience (exceptions are rare)
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with above-average grades (upper third of the class)
- Must have lived in Germany for no more than 15 months prior to application
- Applicants with a Master’s degree must justify the need for another postgraduate degree
Required Application Documents
- DAAD Application Form
- Download and fill with correct and consistent information
- Include date of issue
- MEG Application Form
- Download and complete
- Letter of Motivation
- Follow MEG guidelines, max 2 pages
- Include date of issue
- If applying to other DAAD-EPOS programs: submit a second motivation letter explaining choices and priorities
- CV (Europass format)
- Full, reverse chronological, no gaps
- Include date of issue
- Transcript of Records
- Bachelor’s transcript with numeric grade and grading scale
- Certified translation (if not in English/German)
- Include Master’s transcript if applicable (informational only)
- University Degree Certificate
- Original and certified translation if needed
- Work Certificate(s)
- At least 2 years of relevant experience
- Must show exact employment dates
- On official letterhead, signed/stamped
- Two Recommendation Letters
- One from employer (DAAD), one academic (MEG)
- Sent directly by referees to info-meg@unr.uni-freiburg.de
- On letterhead, signed/stamped, include explanation if no stamp
- English Language Certificate
- TOEFL (95), IELTS (7.0), Cambridge C1, or PTE (76)
- Submit results by Oct 15 or proof of registration with results by Oct 31
- Exemptions for native speakers or graduates from English-speaking countries
- Signed DAAD Checklist
- Print, sign by hand, scan (no digital signature)
- Tick only included documents
- APS Certificate
- Mandatory only for applicants from China, India, or Vietnam
- Can be submitted later
- Submission
- Merge all documents into one compressed PDF
- Email to: info-meg@unr.uni-freiburg.de
University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship Application Procedures – Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Complete the Online Eligibility Assessment (OEA)
- Optional but recommended if you’re unsure of your eligibility
- Submit by October 8, 2025 to get feedback within a week
- Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
- Merge all required documents into one compressed PDF file
- Send to: info-meg@unr.uni-freiburg.de
- Reference letters must be sent directly by referees to the same email
- Step 3: Submit your full application
- Deadline: October 15, 2025
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- No need to include additional DAAD documents like a project outline if you follow the MEG list
- Final selection results by mid-February
Tips for a Successful Application
- Ensure all documents are complete and correctly formatted.
- Tailor your motivation letter to reflect your experience and goals.
- Highlight relevant professional experience and its alignment with the MEG program.
- Obtain strong recommendation letters from credible referees.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
Living costs in Freiburg typically range between €850 and €950 per month, covering:
- Accommodation: €300–€500
- Health insurance: €110
- Food: €150–€250
- Leisure activities: €50–€100
- Miscellaneous expenses: €50–€100
Why Choose This Opportunity?
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship at the University of Freiburg offers a unique chance to study in a prestigious institution while focusing on pressing environmental issues. The comprehensive support ensures that scholars can fully engage with their studies without financial burdens. Additionally, the program’s interdisciplinary approach equips graduates with the skills needed to address complex environmental challenges globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I apply for multiple DAAD EPOS programs?
Yes, you can apply for up to three programs. Ensure each application includes a separate motivation letter explaining your preferences.
Q2: Is work experience mandatory?
Yes, a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience is required at the time of application.
Q3: What if my Bachelor’s degree is older than six years?
Unfortunately, degrees obtained more than six years prior to application are not eligible.
Q4: Are language test scores mandatory?
Yes, valid English proficiency test scores are required unless you have completed your education in an English-speaking country.
Q5: When will I know the outcome of my application?
Shortlisted candidates will be notified by January 2026, with final decisions communicated by mid-February 2026.
Official Link for More Details and Application
For comprehensive information and application guidelines, please visit the official MEG program scholarship page
