DAAD EPOS Scholarships 2027/2028: Postgraduate Funding in Germany

The DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) programme supports professionals from eligible developing and newly industrialised countries to pursue selected postgraduate courses in Germany.

Funding generally supports Master’s study, with doctoral opportunities in exceptional cases. Awards last 12–42 months, depending on the programme. Applicants should demonstrate how their studies will help them contribute to development in their home countries. 

Application deadline: Varies by course. Some 2027/2028 scholarship deadlines have already passed.

What the scholarship provides

The published benefits include:

• €992 per month for graduates.
• €1,400 per month for doctoral candidates, reflecting the increase effective from February 2026.
• Payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance.
• A travel allowance, unless another funding source covers those expenses.
• Possible rent subsidies and allowances for accompanying family members, subject to conditions.

Check the award conditions for your chosen course before making financial commitments. EPOS funding details.

Are tuition fees covered?

The EPOS-specific FAQ states that scholarship holders do not pay tuition fees. However, registration or enrolment charges may remain payable. Confirm these charges with the university. Official EPOS FAQ.

Who can apply?

You should meet the following requirements:

• Hold a relevant first university degree with above-average results, normally within the upper third.
• Have at least two years of relevant professional experience after completing your first degree, accumulated by the application deadline.
• Normally have completed your most recent university degree within the previous six years.
• Meet the chosen course’s academic and language requirements.
• Demonstrate a convincing connection between your proposed studies and development.
• Not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months by the application deadline.

If you already hold a Master’s degree, explain why another postgraduate qualification is necessary and how it builds on your previous studies. Individual courses may impose additional restrictions. EPOS eligibility and selection checklist.

Eligible countries

You must qualify under DAAD’s official EPOS eligible-country list.

The document currently linked by DAAD carries a 2024–2025 validity label. Confirm your country’s eligibility for the 2027/2028 intake with the selected course, particularly if its classification has changed.

Which courses can you study?

EPOS funds only the programmes included in its approved course list. The 2027/2028 list covers areas including:

• Economics and business.
• Development cooperation.
• Engineering.
• Regional and urban planning.
• Agriculture and forestry.
• Environmental sciences.
• Medicine and public health.
• Social sciences.

Examples include MSc Development Economics at the University of Göttingen, Agricultural Economics – AgEcon at the University of Hohenheim, and Tropical Hydrogeology and Environmental Engineering – M.Sc. TropHEE at TU Darmstadt.

Use the official 2027/2028 course list to identify eligible programmes, then visit their websites for current application instructions.

Language requirements

For German-taught courses, the EPOS FAQ specifies B1 German at application and DSH 2 or TestDaF 4 for enrolment.

English-taught courses set their own proficiency requirements. Check the accepted tests, required scores and any permitted exemptions directly with the course. Language guidance.

Documents to prepare

The standard application includes:

1. A completed and signed EPOS checklist.
2. The DAAD EPOS application form.
3. A Europass CV in reverse chronological order, explaining any gaps.
4. A motivation letter.
5. A recent recommendation from your current employer.
6. Employment certificates establishing the required professional experience.
7. Recent evidence of language proficiency.
8. Degree certificates and complete academic transcripts.

The employer recommendation should include official letterhead, a signature, a stamp and a current date. Include certified translations where required and an explanation of the grading system if your transcript does not provide one. Universities may request additional documents. Official document checklist, EPOS application FAQ.

How to apply

1. Choose an approved course and check its scholarship deadline.
   Confirm that its subject requirements match your qualifications and experience.

2. Prepare your complete application.
   Follow both DAAD’s requirements and the university’s instructions.

3. Apply directly to the selected course.
   Initial applications sent to DAAD are not forwarded to universities.

4. If applying to several courses, keep your priorities consistent.
   You may apply to up to three courses. Use the same motivation letter, explaining your choices and their ranking.

5. Follow the nomination process.
   Candidates recommended for a scholarship are contacted to upload their documents to the DAAD portal before selection is finalised. Official application procedure.

Application arrangements vary. For example, Göttingen’s MSc Development Economics uses one university application for both admission and EPOS funding. Göttingen application instructions.

Deadlines for the 2027/2028 intake

There is no single EPOS closing date. The official course list directs applicants to individual programme websites for deadlines.

Two verified examples show why checking the scholarship deadline matters:

Bonn lists later deadlines for self-funded applicants. Those later dates do not extend its EPOS scholarship application period.

Selection process

Universities assess applicants against their course requirements and recommend candidates for DAAD funding. Interviews may form part of the process.

At Göttingen, shortlisted Development Economics applicants undertake a virtual interview, and decisions are normally communicated in mid-March. This timetable applies to that course; check your selected programme for its own arrangements. Göttingen selection guidance.

Official information and application

• Full scholarship call: DAAD EPOS
• Approved programmes: 2027/2028 course list
• Application preparation: EPOS checklist
• Applicant questions: Official EPOS FAQ

Apply through the website of your selected course, following its EPOS instructions.