The DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026-2027 is a golden opportunity for professionals from developing and newly industrialized countries to pursue postgraduate studies in Germany, fully funded.
Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this scholarship supports Master’s, MPhil, MBA, LLM, and PhD programs, empowering local experts to drive sustainable development in their home countries. You can also checkout Ireland Fellows Programme 2026/27 for MS studies.
Key Highlights of the DAAD EPOS Scholarship
- Fully Funded: Covers tuition, monthly stipend (€992 for Master’s, €1,300-€1,400 for PhD), travel, and insurance.
- Study Fields: Economics, Public Health, Engineering, Environmental Governance. See full list here
- Duration: 12-42 months, depending on the program.
- Language: English or German (B1 German required for German-taught programs, plus a 6-month preparatory course).
- Application: Apply directly to universities, not DAAD; deadlines vary (August-November 2025).
- Start Date: Programs typically begin in 2026 (check specific university schedules).
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Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026, you must meet these criteria:
Eligibility Requirements
- Nationality: Be from a DAAD-eligible developing or newly industrialized country.
- Academic Background: Hold a Bachelor’s degree (usually a four-year program) in a relevant field with above-average results (top third of your class).
- Professional Experience: Have at least two years of relevant work experience after your Bachelor’s degree, ideally in a public authority, state, or private company focusing on development-related policies (technological, economic, or social areas). Internships or voluntary work typically do not count.
- Degree Age: Your academic degree should not be older than six years at the time of application.
- Language Proficiency:
- English-taught programs: Provide proof of English skills (e.g., IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 95, or equivalent). Check program-specific requirements.
- German-taught programs: Minimum B1 German level at application, with the ability to pass DSH 2 or TestDaF 4 after a 6-month preparatory German course.
- Residency: Must not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline.
- Motivation: Show a commitment to development-related goals and social responsibility, with plans to drive change in your personal and professional environment post-study.
Check also: King Saud University Graduate Scholarships 2026
Note: Some programs, like MIDE at HTW Berlin or SEPT MBA at Leipzig University, may have additional requirements. Always verify with the specific course.
Scholarship Benefits
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship covers all major expenses, making studying in Germany accessible:
- Monthly Stipend: €992 for Master’s students; €1,300 for PhD candidates (€1,400 from February 2026).
- Insurance: Health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage.
- Travel Allowance: Airfare to and from Germany, unless covered by another source.
- Additional Benefits (if applicable):
- Monthly rent subsidy.
- Allowance for accompanying family members.
- Annual study and research allowance (€460).
- Tuition Fees: Fully covered for most programs (e.g., MEG at the University of Freiburg waives €1,500/semester fees for scholarship holders).
- German Language Course: A 2-6 month intensive German course (if required) before the program, even for English-taught courses.
Read: Portugal Government Scholarships 2025-2026
How to Apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026
Applying is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Select Your Program: Choose up to three postgraduate courses from the DAAD EPOS course list.
- Check Deadlines: Deadlines vary by program, typically between August and November 2025. Confirm on the university’s website.
- Prepare Documents:
- Completed and signed checklist
- Completed DAAD EPOS application form (available from the university or DAAD website).
- Curriculum Vitae (use the Europass template, detailing studies and work experience without gaps).
- One motivation letter (max 2 pages) covering academic, professional, and personal reasons for applying. If applying to multiple programs, explain your course choices and priorities in the same letter.
- One recommendation letter from your current employer (on letterhead, signed, stamped, and dated).
- One academic recommendation letter (from your university, on letterhead, signed, and stamped).
- Certificate(s) of employment proving at least two years of relevant work experience post-Bachelor’s, ideally with a guarantee of re-employment upon return.
- Academic degree certificates and transcripts (certified translations if not in English or German, with grading system explanation if needed).
- Proof of language skills:
- English: IELTS or TOEFL (institutional TOEFL not accepted).
- German: Certificate proving at least B1 level for German-taught programs.
- For Chinese applicants: An APS Certificate.
- Submit Application: Send applications directly to the university offering the program, not to DAAD. Some programs use platforms like uni-assist (e.g., Hochschule Rhein-Waal), which may charge a fee.
- Selection Process:
- Universities shortlist candidates and may conduct interviews.
- Selected candidates are recommended to DAAD, who will contact them to upload documents to the DAAD Portal.
- An independent committee finalizes selections, and candidates are informed of the outcome.
Check: ISTA Scientific Internship in Austria 2025-26 (Fully Funded)
Important: Submit all documents in English or German. Incomplete applications or those sent to DAAD directly will not be considered. Keep PDF copies of all documents for potential DAAD Portal upload.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start Early: Collect documents and refine your motivation letter well in advance.
- Customize Your Motivation Letter: Link your background to the program’s goals and your country’s development needs.
- Verify Requirements: Check for program-specific documents or language criteria.
- Seek Support: Contact the university or visit DAAD’s scholarship database for guidance.
Worth Read: Tongareva International Scholarship 2025
Take the Next Step
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026 is your gateway to world-class education and a brighter future. Visit the DAAD website or the relevant university’s application portal to apply. Don’t miss your chance to make a global impact!
Additional documents
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Sources: Information sourced from DAAD official website, DAAD EPOS Brochure 2026/2027, and university websites.
