Status: Open
Location: Germany
Duration: 12 to 42 months
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Scholarship Value: Up to €1,400 per month

🎯 Objective

The DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) program supports highly qualified professionals from developing and newly industrialized countries who aim to contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries.

Through postgraduate or doctoral study in Germany, DAAD helps participants strengthen their expertise, gain international experience, and become key drivers of social, technological, and economic transformation.

🌐 Who Can Apply?

The scholarship is open to graduates with at least two years of professional experience from eligible developing countries listed on the DAAD website.

Eligible applicants must:

Hold a Bachelor’s degree (minimum four years) in a relevant field.
Have achieved above-average academic results (top third of their class).
Have at least two years of professional experience after graduation.
Demonstrate a development-related motivation and a commitment to drive positive change after returning home.

⚠️ Applicants who have lived in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline are not eligible.

🎓 What Can Be Funded?

This scholarship funds individual postgraduate courses in Germany that are listed in the official EPOS course list for 2026/27.

You may apply for up to three postgraduate programs, indicating your preferences in order of priority in the DAAD application form.

⏳ Duration of the Scholarship

The scholarship period ranges between 12 to 42 months, depending on the study program.

💰 Scholarship Benefits

Depending on academic level, scholarship holders will receive:

Monthly stipend:
- €992 for graduates
- €1,300 for PhD candidates (€1,400 starting February 2026)
Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
Travel allowance (if not funded by another source)

Additional benefits may include:

Monthly rent subsidy
Allowance for accompanying family members

📚 Language Requirements

Depending on the course language:

For German-taught programs:

Minimum B1 German level required at application time
Scholarship includes a 6-month German language course in Germany
Applicants must pass DSH 2 or TestDaF 4 before starting the study program

For English-taught programs:

Proof of English proficiency:
- IELTS or TOEFL (Institutional TOEFL is not accepted)

📝 Required Application Documents

Applications must be sent directly to the respective course (not to DAAD).
Required documents (in this order):

Completed and signed checklist
EPOS Application Form
Updated CV (Europass format)
Motivation Letter (for up to three courses, explaining your priorities)
Letter of Recommendation from your current employer
Certificates of Employment (showing at least two years of experience)
Proof of language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or German certificate)
Copies of degree certificates and transcripts (with certified translation if not in English or German)
APS Certificate (for applicants from China)

💡 Note: Incomplete applications or those not following the required format will not be considered.

🧭 Application and Selection Procedure

Step 1: Submit your complete application directly to your chosen postgraduate program.
Step 2: The university shortlists candidates and recommends them to DAAD.
Step 3: Shortlisted candidates upload their documents to the DAAD Portal.
Step 4: DAAD finalizes the selection and notifies successful applicants.

📅 Application Deadline

Deadlines vary depending on the selected study program.
Check the official EPOS course list and the respective university websites for details.

📍 Where to Apply

Submit your application directly to the chosen postgraduate course.
Applications sent to DAAD will not be processed.

📘 Typical Scholarship Holder

A DAAD EPOS scholar typically:

Works for a public authority or private organization involved in development policy or planning.
Holds a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.
Demonstrates outstanding academic performance and a strong commitment to development.
Has clear plans to use their knowledge to improve their home country’s economic, social, or technological landscape.

🔗 Useful Links

DAAD EPOS Official Page
Apply Here

🏁 Conclusion

The DAAD EPOS Scholarship is an incredible opportunity for professionals from developing countries to pursue advanced education in Germany. By combining world-class academic training with a focus on sustainable development, EPOS scholars return home equipped to make meaningful contributions toward a better future.