Scholarship Opportunity: Apply now for the fully funded DAAD Scholarship for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)
Are you someone from a developing country who wants to advance your career in Germany? If so, you should consider the DAAD Scholarship for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses, also known as EPOS.
This scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for professionals from developing countries who already hold a degree and wish to pursue further studies in Germany. The program allows you to earn a Master’s degree or even a PhD at a state-recognized university.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) facilitates this training to help professionals work internationally and contribute to the development of their home countries. The DAAD believes that by empowering people with education and jobs, we can fight poverty and create a better future for everyone.
Scholarship Details at a Glance
- Host Country: Germany
- Degree Level: Master’s & PhD
- Target Audience: Professionals from Developing Countries
- Financial Benefits: Fully Funded (Monthly Stipend + Allowances)
- Deadlines: Vary by Course (Typically August-October)
Comprehensive Financial Benefits
The DAAD Scholarship is fully funded, significantly reducing the financial burden of studying abroad. Funding usually lasts between 12 and 42 months, depending on the study program.
- Monthly Stipend:
- Graduate Students: 934 Euros per month.
- Doctoral Students: 1,200 Euros per month.
- Insurance: Includes health, accident, and private liability insurance coverage.
- Travel Allowance: Covers travel expenses, provided these are not covered by your home country or another sponsor.
- Additional Support: In some cases, scholars may receive a monthly rent subsidy or an allowance for accompanying family members.
Available Fields of Study
The scholarship supports over 40 different postgraduate courses across various disciplines, including:
- Economic Sciences / Business Administration / Political Economics
- Development Cooperation
- Engineering and Related Sciences
- Mathematics
- Regional and Urban Planning
- Agricultural and Forest Sciences
- Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Medicine and Public Health
- Social Sciences, Education, and Law
- Media Studies
Eligibility Requirements
Admission is highly competitive. Applicants must meet the following specific criteria:
- Professional Background: You must currently work for a public authority, state company, or private company in a developing country. Your work should involve the planning and execution of development-related projects.
- Education: You must hold a Bachelor’s degree (usually a 4-year course) in a relevant subject.
- Academic Excellence: You must have a record of strong academic performance (typically with results in the top third of your class).
- Work Experience: You must have at least two years of professional experience in your field after completing your first degree.
- Degree Age: Your last academic degree should generally be no more than six years old.
- Language Skills:
- For German courses: Minimum B1 level at the time of application. (Scholarship includes a 6-month preparatory German course; you must pass DSH 2 or TestDaF 4 before starting studies).
- For English courses: Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL) as required by the specific course.
Required Documents
Applicants generally need to submit a physical portfolio containing the following:
- Application Form: A signed DAAD Application Form.
- Resume: A CV in Europass format, signed and dated by hand.
- Motivation Letter: A concise letter (max. 2 pages) explaining your reasons for applying, signed by hand.
- Certificate of Employment: Proof of at least two years of relevant work experience, clearly stating the duration and nature of your employment.
- English Proficiency: Proof of language skills.
- Academic Records: Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts (with translations if necessary) and University Entrance Qualification (secondary school leaving certificate).
- Recommendation Letter: A current reference from your employer on official letterhead, signed and dated.
How to Apply
The application process for the EPOS program is unique because you apply directly to the course, not the DAAD initially.
- Select a Course: Review the list of eligible postgraduate courses on the DAAD website.
- Check Course Website: Visit the specific website of your chosen course to understand their unique application procedure, deadlines, and document requirements.
- Submit Application: Send your complete application directly to the university offering the course.