DAAD EPOS Scholarships 2025-2026 in Germany
Imagine studying at a world-class German university, fully funded, while gaining the skills to drive sustainable development in your home country. The DAAD EPOS Scholarships 2025-2026, offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), make this vision a reality for professionals from developing and newly industrialized countries. This prestigious, fully funded program supports Master’s and PhD degrees in development-related fields, empowering global changemakers to address pressing challenges like poverty, climate change, and health disparities. At MatokeoNecta.com, we’re excited to guide you through every detail of this transformative opportunity, from eligibility to application steps, with a spotlight on programs like the University of Freiburg’s MSc in Environmental Governance. Ready to shape a better future? Let’s explore!
Why the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
The DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) program, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, is a cornerstone of Germany’s commitment to global development. Since 1987, it has awarded over 7,000 scholarships, with a 90 %+ completion rate and 70% of graduates returning to contribute to their home countries. Hosted by top universities like Heidelberg, TU Dresden, and Freiburg, EPOS offers rigorous, practice-oriented training in fields critical to sustainable development. With no tuition fees at most German public universities and comprehensive financial support, it’s a golden ticket for professionals seeking world-class education and global networks.
Scholarship Overview
The DAAD EPOS Scholarships 2025-2026 support postgraduate programs (Master’s, MPhil, MBA, LLM, and PhD) at German state-recognized universities, focusing on development-related fields. The program spans 12–42 months, depending on the course, and is designed for professionals who will return home to drive socio-economic progress.
Key Details
- Host Country: Germany
- Funded by: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- Level of Study: Master’s and PhD
- Duration: 12–42 months (1–3.5 years)
- Target Group: Citizens of developing and newly industrialized countries (see eligible countries below)
- Application Deadlines: Vary by program (August 2025–March 2026)
- Number of Awards: Not specified (highly competitive, ~10–15% acceptance rate)
Scholarship Benefits
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship is fully funded, covering all major expenses to ensure scholars can focus on their studies:
- Full Tuition Coverage: Most public universities charge no tuition fees (except Baden-Württemberg, where non-EU students pay ~€1,500/semester).
- Monthly Stipend:
- Master’s: €992 (~USD 1,050)
- PhD: €1,300 (~USD 1,375)
- Health, Accident, and Personal Liability Insurance: Comprehensive coverage.
- Travel Allowance: Round-trip airfare, unless covered by the home country or another source.
- One-Off Study Allowance: For academic materials.
- Additional Benefits (if applicable):
- Monthly rent subsidy.
- Family allowance for accompanying dependents.
- If required, German language course (2–6 months) before the program starts.
Note: Stipends and benefits are adjusted periodically to reflect Germany’s living costs.
Available Fields and Programs
EPOS supports a curated list of development-related postgraduate courses across disciplines, including:
- Economic Sciences & Business Administration: International and Development Economics, Small Enterprise Promotion (MBA)
- Development Cooperation: Development Management, Global Health
- Engineering & Related Sciences: Hydro Science, Urban Design, Water Resources
- Mathematics: Applied Mathematics
- Regional & Urban Planning: Regional Development, Urban Governance
- Agricultural & Forest Sciences: Agricultural Economics, Tropical Forestry
- Natural & Environmental Sciences: Environmental Governance, Marine Biology
- Medicine & Public Health: International Health
- Social Sciences, Education & Law: Public Policy, Media Studies
- Interdisciplinary Fields: Climate Change, Disaster Risk Management
Featured Programs (2025-2026)
| University | Degree | Program Name | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Freiburg | MSc | Environmental Governance (MEG) | October 15, 2025 |
| TU Dresden | MSc | Hydro Science and Engineering | October 15, 2025 |
| University of Bonn | MSc | Global Health | November 15, 2025 |
| University of Hohenheim | PhD | Agricultural Economics (IPPAE) | August 31, 2025 |
| TU Dortmund | MSc | Regional Development (SPRING) | October 1, 2025 |
| University of Heidelberg | MSc | International Health | October 15, 2025 |
| University of Bremen | MSc | Marine Biology (ISATEC) | October 15, 2025 |
| University of Leipzig | MBA | Small Enterprise Promotion and Training (SEPT) | October 1, 2025 |
| University of Stuttgart | MSc | Urban Design and Air Quality (WASTE) | September 30, 2025 |
| TH Köln | MSc | Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) | November 15, 2025 |
For the complete list, download the DAAD EPOS Deadline Document.
Eligible Countries
The scholarship is open to citizens of developing and newly industrialized countries, including:
- Africa: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen
- Latin America & Caribbean: Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Venezuela
- Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine
- Oceania: Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Check the complete list in the EPOS Brochure 2026/2027.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible developing or newly industrialized country.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (typically 4 years) in a relevant field, completed within the last 6 years.
- Have at least 2 years of relevant professional experience (post-Bachelor’s) in a development-related field, working for a public authority, state, or private company.
- Demonstrate academic excellence (upper third of class, e.g., CGPA ≥ 3.0/4.0 or equivalent).
- Not have resided in Germany for over 15 months at the time of application.
- Show motivation for development-related work and commit to returning home and contributing to sustainable development.
- Meet language requirements:
- English-taught programs: TOEFL (550 PBT, 213 CBT, 80 iBT), IELTS (6.0 overall), or equivalent.
- German-taught programs: DSH 2 or TestDaF 4.
- Some programs accept university-issued language proficiency certificates (check course-specific requirements).
- Meet the specific academic and professional requirements of the chosen program.
Note: There is no upper age limit, but the degree must be recent.
Required Documents
Prepare the following documents in PDF format, ensuring they are clear, certified, and in English or German:
- DAAD Application Form: Download from daad.de and complete in full.
- Curriculum Vitae: Use the Europass format, detailing education and professional experience without gaps.
- Motivation Letter: Maximum two pages, explaining your academic goals, program relevance, and commitment to development.
- Degree Certificates: Certified copies of Bachelor’s (and Master’s for PhD applicants).
- Academic Transcripts: Full set, including grading scale, certified.
- Employment Certificates: Proving at least 2 years of relevant post-Bachelor’s experience, including employer contact details.
- Letter(s) of Recommendation: One from a recent employer or academic referee, on official letterhead with signature and stamp. Some programs require two.
- Language Proficiency Proof:
- English: TOEFL, IELTS, or university-issued certificate.
- German: DSH 2, TestDaF, or equivalent (if applicable).
- Research Proposal: For PhD applicants, 5–10 pages, detailing research objectives and methodology.
- Course Summary: Optional, explaining how prior studies align with the chosen program.
- Additional Documents: Check program-specific requirements (e.g., portfolio for urban design courses).
Note: All documents must be attested by the issuing authority or notarized. If shortlisted, keep copies ready for upload to the DAAD Portal.
Application Process
The DAAD EPOS application is submitted directly to the university, not DAAD. Follow these steps:
- Select Program(s): Choose up to three eligible EPOS courses from the DAAD Scholarship Database. List them in order of priority on the DAAD application form.
- Check Requirements: Review the program’s academic, professional, and language criteria on the university’s website.
- Prepare Documents: Gather and certify all required documents, ensuring translations are in English or German.
- Apply to University: Submit your complete application (including the DAAD form) directly to the university via their online portal or postal address. Do not send applications to DAAD, as they will be rejected.
- University Pre-Selection: The university evaluates applications and nominates candidates for the DAAD scholarship.
- DAAD Review:
- Nominated candidates receive an email with a link to upload documents to the DAAD Portal.
- DAAD’s selection committee assesses applications based on academic merit, professional experience, and development motivation.
- Final Notification: Selected candidates are informed by DAAD, typically 2–3 months after the program deadline.
- Pre-Departure: If selected, attend a German language course (if required) and complete visa and health formalities.
Important: Application deadlines vary by program (August 31, 2025–March 31, 2026). Check the DAAD EPOS Deadline Document for exact dates.
Spotlight: University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026
Program: MSc in Environmental Governance (MEG)
- Institution: University of Freiburg, ranked 128 globally (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- Duration: 2 years
- Deadline: October 15, 2025
- Focus: Trains professionals to address environmental challenges through governance, policy, and sustainable resource management.
- Language: English (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 100 required)
Benefits
- Monthly stipend: €992
- Full tuition waiver
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
- Travel allowance
- Rent and family support (if applicable)
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, social sciences, economics, or related fields.
- At least 2 years of post-Bachelor’s professional experience in environment or development.
- No residence in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of application.
- Strong academic record and motivation for sustainable development.
Application
- Submit online via the University of Freiburg’s MEG portal.
- Include all DAAD-required documents, plus a 1-page statement on environmental governance challenges in your home country.
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online interview.
Source: University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship
Application Deadlines
Deadlines vary by program and university. Key examples for 2025-2026:
- August 31, 2025:
- MSc International and Development Economics (HTW Berlin)
- PhD Agricultural Economics (University of Hohenheim)
- September 30, 2025:
- MSc Urban Design and Air Quality (University of Stuttgart)
- October 1, 2025:
- MBA Small Enterprise Promotion (University of Leipzig)
- MSc Regional Development (TU Dortmund)
- October 15, 2025:
- MSc Environmental Governance (University of Freiburg)
- MSc Hydro Science (TU Dresden)
- MSc International Health (University of Heidelberg)
- MSc Marine Biology (University of Bremen)
- November 15, 2025:
- MSc Global Health (University of Bonn)
- MSc Water Resources (TH Köln)
- March 31, 2026:
- MSc Vocational Education (TU Dresden)
For the complete list, refer to the DAAD EPOS Deadline Document.
Tips for a Winning Application
- Start Early: Begin 6–12 months in advance to gather certified documents and meet language requirements.
- Tailor Your Motivation Letter: Highlight how the program aligns with your career goals and the country’s development needs.
- Secure Strong Recommendations: Obtain letters from employers or professors who can attest to your professional and academic strengths.
- Verify Language Proficiency: Ensure your TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid (taken within 2 years) or obtain a university-issued certificate if allowed.
- Research Programs Thoroughly: Choose courses that match your experience and goals, and explain your choices clearly in the application.
- Check Program-Specific Requirements: Some courses require additional documents (e.g., portfolios or essays). Visit university websites for details.
- Keep Copies Ready: If nominated, submit all documents to the DAAD Portal.
- Proofread Everything: Ensure your application is error-free and professionally presented.
Why Study in Germany?
Germany is a global leader in education, ranked the 3rd most popular study destination for international students (ICEF Monitor, 2024). Benefits include:
- Tuition-Free Education: Most public universities charge no tuition, only semester fees (€100–400).
- World-Class Universities: Home to institutions like Heidelberg (QS rank 84), TU Munich (50), and Freiburg (128).
- Innovative Research: Access cutting-edge engineering, environmental sciences, and public health facilities.
- Post-Study Opportunities: Stay up to 18 months post-graduation to seek employment with a Job Seeker Visa or Opportunity Card.
- Cultural Hub: Vibrant cities like Berlin, Munich, and Freiburg offer rich cultural experiences, from art to history.
- Global Networks: Join DAAD’s alumni network, connecting 2 million+ scholars worldwide.
Why Choose DAAD EPOS?
- Prestige: One of the world’s most competitive scholarships, with a legacy of empowering development leaders.
- Comprehensive Support: Covers tuition, living costs, travel, and insurance, removing financial barriers.
- Development Focus: Equips you to address global challenges like climate change and poverty.
- Intercultural Competence: Fosters leadership and cross-cultural skills through academic and extracurricular activities.
- High Success Rate: Over 90% of EPOS scholars complete their degrees, with 70% returning to impact their home countries.
Final Thoughts
The DAAD EPOS Scholarships 2025-2026 are more than a funding opportunity; they’re a launchpad for global impact. By studying in Germany’s top universities, you’ll gain the expertise to tackle development challenges, build international networks, and inspire change in your home country. Whether you’re drawn to environmental governance at Freiburg or global health at Bonn, this fully funded program offers unparalleled academic and professional growth. At MatokeoNecta.com, we’re rooting for your success—start your application today, prepare meticulously, and take the first step toward a brighter, more sustainable future!
For more details, visit the DAAD Scholarship Database or download the EPOS Brochure 2026/2027. Stay connected with MatokeoNecta.com for scholarship updates and application tips!