DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2025/2026 – Fully Funded Master’s & PhD in Germany

Designed for leaders committed to development, the EPOS scholarship enables scholars to study in fields that are critical to sustainable progress, such as economics, engineering, public health, environmental sciences, urban planning, law, and more.

  Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2025/26, applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:

• Citizenship: Must be from a developing or newly industrialized country.

• Professional Experience: At least two years of relevant work experience after completing a bachelor’s degree.

• Academic Qualification:

  • For Master’s: A first degree (bachelor’s) – typically a 4-year program.

  • For PhD: A relevant master’s degree.

• Recency of Degree: The most recent academic degree should generally not be older than six years

• Motivation & Development Commitment: Applicants should demonstrate a clear development-related motivation, social responsibility, and the intention to contribute to development in their home country.

• Residency Limitation: Applicants who have lived in Germany for more than 15 months prior to application are typically ineligible.

• Language Requirements: Depending on the program, applicants must prove English or German proficiency (often via IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent). DAAD+1

   Scholarship Benefits

The DAAD EPOS Scholarship provides generous support, including:

• Monthly Stipend:

  • For Master’s students: approx. €934 per month.

  • For PhD students: approx. €1,300, and in some sources, up to €1,400 depending on program and adjustments.

• Health & Insurance: Coverage for health, accident, and personal liability insurance.

• Travel Allowance: Return airfare to and from Germany is included.

• Study / Research Allowance: Up to €460 per year for study and research expenses (in some programs).

• Housing: Possible rent subsidy depending on the host university and program.

• Family Support: In some cases, there is a monthly allowance for accompanying family members.

• Language Course: A mandatory German intensive course (2–6 months) before studies start, depending on the university/program.

The duration of funding varies by program level:

• Master’s: 12 to 24 months.

• PhD: Up to 42 months (in doctoral programs).

   Eligible Fields of Study

DAAD EPOS supports a broad range of development-related academic programs, including but not limited to:

• Economics, Business & Political Economics

• Development Cooperation / International Development

• Engineering & Applied Sciences  

• Regional & Urban Planning

• Agricultural & Forest Sciences

• Natural & Environmental Sciences

• Public Health / Medicine

• Social Sciences, Education & Law

• Media Studies & Communications

   Required Documents

When applying for the EPOS Scholarship, you should prepare the following:

• Application form (via the host university, not directly to DAAD)

• CV (resume) showing professional and academic background

• Letter of Motivation / Personal Statement demonstrating development commitment

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates (bachelor or master as needed)

• Proof of professional experience: employment letters, contracts, or reference letters

• Language test results (English or German, based on program)

• Proof of citizenship or nationality

• Possibly reference letters (depending on the university)

    How to Apply

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:

1. Search for Eligible Programs

   • Visit the DAAD database or the EPOS program list in the DAAD brochure to find relevant courses. DAAD+1

2. Check University Deadlines

   • Each German university has its own application deadline for both the Master’s program and the EPOS scholarship.

3. Apply to the University

   • Submit your postgraduate program application (via Uni-Assist or university portal, based on their procedure).

4. Complete the DAAD Application

   • Once shortlisted by your chosen university, DAAD will request you to upload your full application to their portal.

5. Prepare Documents

   • Upload your CV, motivation letter, transcripts, proof of work experience, and language certificates.

6. Participate in Language Course

   • If selected, you may need to attend a German language course before you begin your degree.

7. Wait for Selection

   • DAAD evaluates through a combination of academic merit, work experience, and development motivation.

   Application Timeline

• Application window: Varies by host university. Some deadlines as early as August 31, 2025.

• Language course: Usually held before semester start (2–6 months, depending on program).

• Scholarship duration for Master’s: typically 12–24 months → PhD: up to 42 months.

    Why This Scholarship Matters

• Fully funded: Covers nearly all major expenses (tuition, stipend, insurance, travel).

• Professional development: Tailored for mid-career professionals with practical work experience.

• Global impact: Focus on development-related fields helps you contribute to your home country after graduation.

• Strong network: DAAD EPOS alumni are positioned to influence policy, business, and community development.

• Quality education: Study at top-tier German universities known for research and academic excellence.

   Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I apply if I don’t have 2 years of work experience?
No, this is one of the core requirements: at least two years of relevant professional experience is required.

Q2: Do I apply to DAAD directly?
No. You first apply to your chosen university’s postgraduate program. If shortlisted, the university will forward your application to DAAD.

Q3: Can I bring my family?
Yes, in some cases. EPOS provides a family allowance for dependents, but this depends on the scholarship terms and program.

Q4: Do I need German language skills?
Not necessarily. Many EPOS programs are offered in English. But for some programs, basic German may be required.

Q5: Will I be required to return to my home country?
There is no formal “return home” bond like some scholarships, but DAAD EPOS is designed for development professionals who intend to contribute to their countries.

• How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay

• Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Studying in Europe

• Career Tips for Postgraduate Applicants

• DAAD EPOS Programme – DAAD Website DAAD

• DAAD EPOS FAQ DAAD

• EURAXESS – EPOS 2025/2026 Call EURAXESS