The DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) Scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year is now open for applications at Freie Universität Berlin, one of Germany’s top universities. This fully funded scholarship provides an excellent opportunity for graduates from developing and newly industrialized countries to pursue Master’s or Ph.D. degrees in Germany. If you’re looking to advance your education while contributing to global sustainable development, this scholarship is a unique chance to achieve that goal. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the DAAD EPOS Scholarship, including its eligibility criteria, benefits, and the application process.
DAAD EPOS 2026 Scholarship
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree, at least 2 years of professional experience, and motivation to contribute to sustainable development. |
| Scholarship Benefits | Monthly stipend (up to €1,300), health insurance, travel allowance, and support for accompanying family members. |
| Target Audience | Graduates from developing and newly industrialized countries. |
| Program Duration | 12 to 42 months, depending on the degree program. |
| Application Deadline | Varies by program; check specific course deadlines. |
| How to Apply | Apply directly through the Freie Universität Berlin’s postgraduate program portal. |
| Official Website | DAAD EPOS at Freie Universität Berlin |
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year at Freie Universität Berlin provides an incredible opportunity for students from developing countries to advance their education while contributing to global development. By offering a comprehensive financial package and focusing on fields related to sustainable development, this scholarship enables students to make a meaningful impact in their home countries.
Whether you’re applying for a Master’s or Ph.D., the DAAD EPOS Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity that will open doors for your academic and professional growth. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about contributing to sustainable development, this could be the perfect program for you.
What Is the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship is a prestigious program designed to help students from developing countries gain advanced qualifications that will allow them to contribute to their home countries’ social, economic, and sustainable development. Hosted by Freie Universität Berlin, this scholarship provides a range of benefits, from covering tuition fees to offering generous financial support, allowing students to focus fully on their studies and future careers.
EPOS scholarships are primarily aimed at postgraduate students looking to enroll in a Master’s or Ph.D. program, focusing on development-related fields. This means that if you’re pursuing studies in areas like international relations, public policy, economics, or environmental sciences, this could be the scholarship you’ve been waiting for.
The scholarships are open to individuals who want to not only advance their careers but also contribute to global development by addressing the challenges faced by developing countries.
Eligibility Criteria for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship
To apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship, you need to meet the following eligibility requirements:
1. Academic Qualifications
- You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree (typically 4 years) or a higher qualification. This is essential to demonstrate that you have the necessary academic foundation to pursue advanced studies.
- For certain programs, a Master’s degree may be required, particularly for Ph.D. applicants.
2. Professional Experience
- At least two years of professional experience in a development-related field is required. This could be work in areas like international development, environmental sustainability, policy analysis, or economic planning.
- This experience is important as it demonstrates your practical knowledge and ability to apply your learning in real-world contexts.
3. Language Proficiency
- For English-taught programs, you must provide proof of your English language proficiency, which can be shown through certificates like the IELTS or TOEFL.
- For German-taught programs, you will need at least a B1 level of German at the time of application, with a requirement to pass a language exam (such as DSH 2 or TestDaF 4) during your studies.
4. Nationality
- Applicants must be from developing or newly industrialized countries, as defined by the DAAD. A full list of eligible countries can be found on the official DAAD website.
5. Motivation to Contribute to Development
- The DAAD EPOS Scholarship is specifically designed for students who are passionate about contributing to sustainable development in their home country. Therefore, a strong personal motivation to use the knowledge gained during the program to support national development is required.
6. Graduation Date
- You must have graduated within the last six years. This ensures that the scholarship supports individuals who are still early in their careers but have already acquired some level of academic or professional experience.
Scholarship Benefits and Financial Support
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship offers a comprehensive financial package to help students pursue their studies without the burden of tuition fees or living costs. Here are the key benefits:
1. Monthly Stipend
- €992 per month for Master’s students.
- €1,300 per month for Ph.D. candidates.
2. Insurance Coverage
- The scholarship covers essential health, accident, and personal liability insurance while you study in Germany.
3. Travel Allowance
- The scholarship includes coverage for international travel from your home country to Germany, allowing you to focus on your studies without worrying about the cost of flights.
4. Family Allowance
- If you have dependents, you may receive an additional monthly allowance to support your family during your studies.
5. Accommodation and Living Costs
- A monthly rent subsidy is provided, along with financial support to cover your living expenses in Germany.
6. Program Duration
- The duration of the scholarship depends on the program, ranging from 12 months for Master’s programs to 42 months for Ph.D. candidates.
Application Process: DAAD EPOS 2026 Scholarship Guide
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship requires a structured application process. Here’s a detailed guide on how to apply:
1. Check Program Eligibility
- Before you apply, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria outlined above. Verify that you have the necessary academic background and professional experience to be considered.
2. Prepare Required Documents
- You will need to submit several documents as part of your application:
- DAAD application form (available on the DAAD website).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining your academic and professional experience.
- Motivation letter explaining why you want to pursue this program and how it aligns with your career goals.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Proof of professional experience (such as employment certificates or reference letters).
- Language proficiency certificates (either for English or German, depending on the program).
- Letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
3. Submit Your Application
- Applications must be submitted directly through the Freie Universität Berlin application portal. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and submit all required documents.
4. Wait for the Selection Process
- The selection committee will review your application, considering your academic qualifications, professional experience, motivation, and potential to contribute to development efforts.
5. Acceptance and Visa Process
- If you’re selected, you’ll receive an official offer, and the DAAD will help guide you through the visa and relocation process.
Personal Experiences and Testimonials
Past recipients of the DAAD EPOS Scholarship have often spoken about how the program helped transform their careers and provided them with the skills needed to make meaningful contributions to their home countries. For instance, Amina, a recipient from Kenya, pursued a Master’s in International Development and has since worked with several NGOs, advocating for sustainable agriculture practices.
Amina notes, “The scholarship gave me the opportunity to study at one of the top universities in Germany, where I was able to deepen my knowledge in my field. It’s also helped me build a professional network that I now use in my current role working on climate change initiatives in Kenya.”
Tips for Writing a Strong Motivation Letter
One of the most important parts of your application is the motivation letter. Here are some tips to make yours stand out:
- Be Personal: Share your story and explain why you are passionate about your field of study.
- Align with Development Goals: Highlight how your studies will help contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Be Specific: Provide concrete examples of your past work and how it relates to the goals of the DAAD EPOS Scholarship.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Application
- Incomplete Applications: Double-check that you’ve included all the required documents.
- Generic Motivation Letters: Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach; make your letter specific to your background and aspirations.
- Missing Deadlines: Be aware of the application deadline for your specific program, as it may vary.
How the DAAD EPOS Scholarship Supports Global Sustainable Development
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship isn’t just about getting a degree; it’s about creating global change. Many of the programs supported by the scholarship directly align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as poverty reduction, quality education, and environmental sustainability.
Through the EPOS program, students gain the knowledge and skills to tackle the most pressing global challenges, often returning to their home countries to apply their learning in meaningful ways.
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FAQs for DAAD EPOS 2026 Scholarship at Freie Universität Berlin
1. What is the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship is a fully funded program for students from developing countries, offering the opportunity to pursue Master’s or Ph.D. degrees at Freie Universität Berlin in development-related fields, focusing on sustainable development.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
To apply, you need a Bachelor’s degree, at least two years of professional experience, and a clear motivation to contribute to global sustainable development. You must also meet language requirements and be from an eligible country.
3. How much financial support does the DAAD EPOS Scholarship offer?
The scholarship includes a monthly stipend (€992 for Master’s students, €1,300 for Ph.D. students), health insurance, travel allowance, accommodation support, and additional benefits for dependents, if applicable.
4. What documents do I need to submit for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
Required documents include a DAAD application form, CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, proof of professional experience, language proficiency certificates, and letters of recommendation.
5. How do I apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
Applications must be submitted directly through the Freie Universität Berlin postgraduate program portal. Be sure to check the program’s specific deadlines and submit all required documents.
6. What is the application deadline for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
The application deadline varies by program. It is essential to check the specific deadlines for the program you are applying to on the official website of Freie Universität Berlin or the DAAD page.
