DAAD EPOS Scholarship for Postgraduate Study

About the DAAD EPOS Scholarship

The DAAD EPOS scholarship supports development-related postgraduate courses at German universities. For the 2026/2027 academic year, applications run on a per-course basis, so each programme sets its own window rather than one shared date. Because of this, the exact status depends on the specific course you target, and you should confirm the open window on the official database before you start.

EPOS stands for the Development-Related Postgraduate Courses scheme. It funds master’s and, in some cases, doctoral study for professionals from developing and emerging countries who want to strengthen skills they can apply back home.

Who Runs the Programme?

The German Academic Exchange Service, known as DAAD, runs the EPOS scheme. DAAD is Germany’s national agency for international academic cooperation, and it funds the courses in partnership with participating German universities. The individual courses are hosted and taught at those universities, so your day-to-day study happens on a German campus.

Study Level and Eligible Fields

This is a postgraduate scholarship. It covers master’s degree courses across a wide set of development-related subjects, and some doctoral options appear in the database too. Eligible fields include economics, public policy, agriculture, engineering, health, environmental sciences, and social sciences. Because the list is broad, the DAAD database lets you filter by subject to find a course that matches your background.

Award Slots Available

The number of DAAD EPOS scholarships is not stated as a single fixed figure. Each participating course sets its own intake, so slots vary by programme and by year. Check the specific course page in the DAAD database for its own quota where one is listed.

Who Can Apply?

The DAAD EPOS scholarship targets working professionals from developing and emerging countries, including many across Africa. Applicants normally hold a first academic degree and want postgraduate training with a clear development focus. In most cases you also need relevant work experience after your bachelor’s degree, because the scheme rewards people who can put new knowledge into practice at home.

What the Scholarship Covers

The DAAD EPOS scholarship provides funding designed to cover the full cost of study and living in Germany. Typical benefits include:

• A monthly stipend for master’s or doctoral candidates.
• Payments toward health, accident, and personal liability insurance cover.
• A travel allowance, unless another source funds your travel.
• A study and research allowance.
• In many cases, a rent subsidy and family allowance where applicable.

Course durations vary. Most master’s programmes last between 12 and 24 months, and the funding period matches the standard length of the course you join.

Eligibility Requirements

Requirements differ slightly by course, but the common DAAD EPOS conditions include:

• Citizenship of a developing or emerging country eligible under DAAD rules.
• A completed first academic degree, usually a bachelor’s, in a related field.
• Generally at least two years of relevant professional experience after graduation.
• Proof of English or German language ability, depending on the course language.
• An academic degree earned no more than six years before applying, in most cases.

Some courses set extra conditions, such as a minimum grade or a specific work background, so read each course page carefully.

How to Apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship

Applications for the DAAD EPOS scholarship for the 2026/2027 academic year go directly to your chosen course, not through one central form. First, use the DAAD scholarship database to find a course that fits your field. Then follow that course’s own instructions and submit within its stated window.

Deadlines vary by course, so confirm the exact date on the course page before you send anything. If you miss a course’s window, you generally must wait for the next intake.

Documents you will usually need include:

• A completed application form for the specific course.
• A current CV in the required format.
• Certified copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts.
• A language certificate for English or German.
• Proof of relevant work experience, such as employer letters.
• A motivation letter linking your study goals to development work.

For questions, use the contact details listed on each course page in the DAAD database, since each university handles its own queries.

Official Website

You can find the full course list and apply through the official page here: DAAD EPOS scholarship database.