Are you looking for a fully funded scholarship in Germany to boost your career? The DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026 is now one of the most prestigious opportunities for young professionals from developing countries. This program, officially known as the Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS), is designed to train future leaders who want to initiate change in their home countries.
If you want to study in Germany for free, this guide covers everything from the DAAD stipend amount to the specific application process for 2026.
Types of DAAD Scholarships Under EPOS
The EPOS program isn’t just one scholarship; it covers a wide range of postgraduate courses in Germany. Students can apply for:
- Master’s Degree Scholarships: (12 to 24 months)
- PhD/Doctoral Scholarships: (36 to 42 months)
These courses cover fields like Economics, Engineering, Health, Agriculture, and Social Sciences.
DAAD EPOS Scholarship Stipend & Financial Benefits (2026)
The DAAD scholarship stipend is highly competitive and covers all living expenses. For the 2026-2027 intake, the benefits include:
- Monthly Stipend: Graduates (Masters) receive €992, while Doctoral (PhD) candidates receive €1,300. (Note: Ph.D. stipends are scheduled to increase to €1,400 starting February 2026).
- Health Insurance: Full coverage for health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
- Travel Allowance: Round-trip airfare from your home country to Germany.
- Rent Subsidy: Additional monthly allowance if your rent exceeds a certain limit.
- Family Allowance: Monthly support for accompanying family members (under specific conditions).
Eligibility Criteria (Explained Simply)
To qualify for the DAAD EPOS scholarship, you must meet these simple requirements:
- Academic Background: You must hold a Bachelor’s degree (usually 4 years) in a relevant subject.
- Work Experience: You must have at least 2 years of professional work experience after your Bachelor’s degree at the time of application.
- Country of Origin: You must be from a developing or newly industrialized country (refer to the DAC list).
- Language Skills: Depending on the course, you need proof of English (IELTS/TOEFL) or German (DSH/TestDaF).
- Motivation: You must demonstrate that the degree will help you solve development problems in your home country.
Pro Tip: Make sure your academic degree is not older than 6 years. This is a common reason for rejection.
Required Documents for DAAD Application
Gathering these documents is the most critical part of your scholarship application process:
- DAAD Application Form (Signed and dated).
- Hand-signed CV (Use the Europass CV format).
- Hand-signed Letter of Motivation (Maximum 2 pages, explaining your development-related goals).
- Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates.
- Proof of Employment (Official letters from your employer covering at least 2 years).
- Proof of Language Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or German certificates).
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Unlike other awards, you apply directly to the University offering the EPOS course, not to the DAAD office.
- Select a Course: Choose up to 3 courses from the official DAAD EPOS list.
- Check Deadlines: Each university has its own deadline (usually between August and October 2025 for the 2026 intake).
- Submit Documents: Send your application and DAAD forms directly to the university portal.
- Selection: If the university recommends you, DAAD will contact you to upload your documents to the DAAD Portal.
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Application Window: Currently Open (Varies by course).
- Typical Deadlines: August 31, September 30, or October 15, 2026 (For 2027 starts).
- Selection Notification: Late 2026 or Early 2027.
FAQs for Students
Q1: Can I apply for more than one course? Yes, you can apply for a maximum of 3 courses. List them in order of priority in your DAAD form.
Q2: Is IELTS mandatory for DAAD? Most English-taught programs require an IELTS (usually 6.0 or 6.5) or TOEFL. Check the specific university’s page.
Q3: Does the DAAD EPOS Scholarship cover tuition fees? Yes, it is a fully funded scholarship, meaning it covers tuition (if any) and all living costs.
Official Links for Application
For the most accurate and updated information, always visit the official sources:
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