DAAD Scholarships in Germany for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses 2025/2026 — Fully Funded for International Students
Are you a development-driven professional from a developing country aspiring to study in Germany? The DAAD Scholarships for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) 2025/2026 present a life-transforming opportunity to gain world-class education at top German institutions — fully funded.
Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this prestigious scholarship program is one of the most competitive and impactful international education opportunities. It is designed for talented, mid-career professionals who are eager to return home and help drive change through knowledge and innovation.
Whether you’re in public health, urban planning, agriculture, engineering, or economic development, the DAAD EPOS Scholarship can fund your Master’s or PhD studies in Germany while preparing you for leadership in global development.
What is the DAAD EPOS Scholarship Program?
The DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) program is part of Germany’s long-standing commitment to global development and cooperation. It supports young professionals from developing and newly industrialized countries by offering scholarships for development-focused postgraduate degrees.
By studying in Germany, scholars are expected to gain critical academic and practical skills that will enable them to address pressing challenges in their home countries — from poverty alleviation and climate change to health systems reform and good governance.
The program is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Eligibility Criteria for DAAD EPOS Scholarships
To qualify for the DAAD EPOS 2025/2026 scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: You must be a citizen of a developing or newly industrialized country.
(Check the official country list for eligibility.) - Education: Hold a Bachelor’s degree (at least second upper division) in a field relevant to the course you wish to pursue.
- Professional Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience in a relevant field after graduation.
- Academic Achievement: Strong academic records with proven commitment to development-related work.
- Language Proficiency:
- English: IELTS (minimum 6.0 band) or TOEFL (80 iBT / 550 PBT)
- Some programs may require German proficiency (language courses are provided).
- Residence: You must not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of application.
- Commitment to Return: Candidates must commit to returning to their home country to apply the knowledge gained.
Required Documents for DAAD Scholarship Application
Each university may request slightly different documents, but generally, applicants need to provide:
- DAAD Application Form – Available on the DAAD website
- Motivation Letter – Tailored to the course and development relevance
- CV in Europass Format – Up-to-date with employment details
- Academic Certificates and Transcripts – Certified copies
- Proof of Professional Experience – Letter from employer(s)
- Recommendation Letter(s) – From academic and/or professional references
- Language Proficiency Test Results – TOEFL/IELTS certificate
- Research Proposal (if required) – Especially for PhD applicants
All documents must be submitted in English or German, or with certified translations.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship requires careful planning:
Step 1: Identify Eligible Courses
Visit the official EPOS Course List PDF and select a development-related course that aligns with your background and goals.
Step 2: Check Course Requirements
Visit the specific university website offering the course for exact eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application process.
Step 3: Prepare and Submit Your Application
You must apply directly to the university, not DAAD. Indicate that you are applying for the “DAAD EPOS Scholarship.”
Apply to only one course unless stated otherwise by the university.
Scholarship Benefits – What’s Covered?
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship is fully funded, which means it covers almost all costs associated with your studies in Germany:
- Tuition Fees – Waived at most public universities
- Monthly Stipend –
- €934/month for Master’s students
- €1,300/month for PhD candidates
- Travel Allowance – Economy class to/from Germany
- Health, Accident, and Personal Liability Insurance
- Rent Subsidy – For students with dependents or special needs
- German Language Course – Up to 6 months before the program begins
This support makes studying in Germany accessible, stress-free, and comfortable for international students focused on development impact.
Who Should Apply? | Target Audience
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship targets:
- Professionals from developing countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
- People working in the public sector, NGOs, international agencies, or private sector development programs.
- Academics, educators, and researchers with strong interest in sustainable development goals (SDGs).
- Women and underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.
Fields of Study | What Courses are Eligible?
DAAD EPOS supports over 40+ postgraduate courses across multiple fields at top German universities. These include:
- Agricultural and Forest Sciences
- Development Cooperation
- Economic Sciences, Business & Political Economics
- Engineering and Natural Sciences
- Public Health and Medicine
- Regional and Urban Planning
- Mathematics and Data Science
- Social Sciences, Education, and Law
- Media and Communication Studies
Explore the complete course list here:
EPOS Course List PDF (Download)
Number of Scholarships Available
DAAD awards several hundred EPOS scholarships each year, distributed across more than 40 postgraduate programs in various German institutions.
This makes the DAAD EPOS one of the largest and most diverse scholarship programs in Germany.
Application Deadlines
The application period usually runs from June to October 2025 for studies beginning in the 2026/2027 academic year.
Each course has its own deadline, so it’s critical to:
Visit the specific course page
Note the exact application window
Submit your documents early
Official Registration & Application Portal
To begin your application:
Go to: DAAD EPOS Official Page
Choose your course
Apply directly to the university via their website
Indicate you are applying for a DAAD EPOS scholarship
References and Resources
Conclusion
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2025/2026 is more than just financial aid — it’s a gateway to academic excellence, cultural exchange, and leadership development. By equipping professionals from the Global South with advanced knowledge and international exposure, this program enables real impact in health, governance, education, the environment, and beyond.
If you’re passionate about solving development challenges, committed to serving your community, and ready to take on the global stage — this is your chance.
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