If you’re a highly qualified professional from a developing or newly industrialized country looking to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree in Germany, the DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026/27 could be your golden ticket. Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) scholarship program supports sustainable development by funding postgraduate education for individuals who can contribute to their countries’ progress upon their return.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the DAAD EPOS 2026/27 intake, including how to apply for DAAD EPOS scholarship 2026, DAAD EPOS eligibility criteria for developing countries, and a complete DAAD EPOS list of courses 2026/27 intake. We’ll also cover the DAAD scholarship application deadline 2025 for 2026/27 intake, benefits, and key FAQs. This article is ideal for those researching fully funded scholarships for postgraduate study in Germany 2026 and Germany postgraduate scholarship for developing nations.
What is the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
The Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) program is part of the broader mission of the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) to support education and training in developing countries. This scholarship enables professionals with at least two years of work experience to pursue a postgraduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in Germany.
The goal is to empower future leaders, change-makers, and innovators to contribute to their home countries’ social, economic, and environmental development. The scholarship is only available for a select list of DAAD development-related postgraduate programs.
DAAD EPOS Eligibility Criteria for Developing Countries
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026/27 targets professionals who meet the following criteria:
- Must be from a developing or newly industrialized country (see full DAC list).
- Must have a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 4 years) in a relevant field.
- Must have at least two years of professional experience after graduation.
- Must demonstrate a strong development-related motivation.
- Must be committed to returning to their home country to apply their knowledge.
- Must meet the language requirements (usually IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programs).
List of eligible countries includes regions from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Oceania. Countries like India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Kenya, Vietnam, and Ghana are on the eligible list.
What Does the DAAD EPOS Scholarship Cover?
The DAAD EPOS scholarship 2026/27 benefits are generous and designed to eliminate the financial burden for international students:
- Monthly stipend:
- €992 for Master’s students
- €1,300 for PhD candidates
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
- Travel allowance (unless covered by another source)
- Rent subsidy, if applicable
- Family allowance for accompanying spouses or children
The duration of funding depends on the course length:
- Master’s: 12 to 24 months (up to 42 months in rare cases)
- PhD: Up to 42 months
DAAD EPOS List of Courses 2026/27 Intake
The DAAD only funds a specific list of development-related postgraduate programs at German universities. Below is a categorized overview of the most popular fields:
1. Economic Sciences, Business & Development
- MIDE – International and Development Economics (HTW Berlin) – Deadline: 31 August 2025
- Development Economics (University of Göttingen) – Deadline: 1 Oct – 15 Nov 2025
- Small Enterprise Promotion and Training – SEPT (University of Leipzig) – Deadline: 1 Oct 2025
2. Development Cooperation
- Development Management (Ruhr University Bochum) – Deadline: 30 Sept 2025
- Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security (UNU/EHS + University of Bonn) – Deadline: 15 Dec 2025
3. Engineering and Energy
- Sustainable Energy and Development – SEDev (University of Flensburg)
- WATENV – Water Resources and Environmental Management (Leibniz University Hannover) – Deadline: 15 Jan 2026
4. Environment and Natural Sciences
- Environmental Governance – MEG (University of Freiburg) – Deadline: 15 Oct 2025
- TropHEE – Tropical Hydrogeology (TU Darmstadt) – Deadline: 31 Aug 2026
5. Urban & Regional Planning
- Urban Management (TU Berlin) – Deadline: 30 Apr 2026
- SPRING – Regional Development Planning (TU Dortmund) – Deadline: 1 May 2026
6. Public Health
- MSc International Health (Charité Berlin) – Deadline: 31 Mar 2026
- Global Health (University of Bonn) – Deadline: 15 Nov 2025
7. Media and Law
- International Media Studies (DW Akademie + Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg) – Deadline: 15 Mar 2026
- LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Competition Law (MIPLC Munich) – Deadline: 30 Apr 2026
Note: Some programs have dual deadlines – one for DAAD applicants and one for self-funded students.
These DAAD EPOS courses taught in English 2026 provide accessible opportunities for global scholars.
How to Apply for DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026
Applying for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship requires detailed preparation and following program-specific requirements.
Step 1: Choose Your Eligible Course
Visit the official DAAD EPOS list of courses 2026/27 intake and choose the program best aligned with your career goals.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Documents
The common documents required include:
- DAAD application form (fillable PDF)
- Curriculum Vitae (Europass format)
- Letter of motivation (explaining your development-related goals)
- Academic transcripts and certificates (with certified translations)
- Proof of work experience (minimum 2 years)
- Language proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL or German language certificate)
Some programs may request:
- A research proposal (PhD applicants)
- Recommendation letters from employers or academic supervisors
Step 3: Apply Directly to the University
Submit your full application to the specific university offering the program—not to DAAD directly. Each program has its own application portal and deadline.
Step 4: Wait for Selection Results
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or follow-up document verification.
DAAD Scholarship Application Deadline 2025 for 2026/27 Intake
Each course has a different application timeline. Some of the earliest deadlines include:
- HTW Berlin – MIDE: 31 August 2025
- TU Dresden – TropHEE: 15 December 2025
- University of Bonn – BIGS-DR PhD: 31 August 2025
- University of Freiburg – MEG: 15 October 2025
Start preparing your application as early as possible—ideally 6 to 9 months before the deadline
Why Choose a Germany Postgraduate Scholarship for Developing Nations?
- World-class education at top-ranked German universities
- Low or no tuition fees for international students
- Access to English-taught programs
- Rich cultural and professional experience
- DAAD support for academic and professional networking
Most importantly, scholars return home empowered to create long-term impact in fields like environmental protection, public health, economic development, and education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the deadline for DAAD EPOS 2026/27 applications?
Each course has its own deadline. Most fall between August 2025 and March 2026. Always check the program’s official website for the exact date.
2. Can I apply for more than one DAAD EPOS course?
Yes, you can apply to up to three programs, but you must rank them in order of preference and tailor each application accordingly.
3. Do I need to speak German to apply for the EPOS scholarship?
No, most programs are DAAD EPOS courses taught in English 2026. However, some may require basic German for internships or fieldwork.
4. How competitive is the DAAD EPOS scholarship?
Very competitive. Strong academic records, a clear development-related motivation, and relevant work experience are key selection criteria.
5. Can I apply if I haven’t yet completed two years of work experience?
No. The DAAD requires at least two years of full-time professional experience after completing your undergraduate degree.
6. Can I bring my family if I win the scholarship?
Yes. In certain cases, the DAAD provides a monthly family allowance and helps with visa support.
Final Thoughts
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026/27 is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships for postgraduate study in Germany 2026 for professionals from developing countries. If you’re passionate about making a difference and advancing your career, this program could change your life and help you shape the future of your country.
Start early, follow application guidelines carefully, and contact your desired university for clarification if needed. Your journey toward academic excellence and sustainable development starts here.
