Are you a professional from a developing country looking to enhance your skills and contribute to sustainable development? The DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026-27 offers a unique opportunity to pursue a Master's (or PhD in exceptional cases) degree in development-related fields at Freie Universität Berlin, Germany. This fully funded scholarship is an excellent choice for individuals eager to make a positive impact in their home countries after completing their studies.
The Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) scholarship program is part of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) initiative. It is designed to support professionals from developing countries who aspire to contribute to sustainable development through advanced education and training. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and more, offering a comprehensive support package for those looking to advance their careers in development, economics, public health, law, and other related fields.
In this blog post, we will explore the key details of the DAAD EPOS Scholarship at Freie Universität Berlin, including eligibility requirements, available fields of study, funding details, and how to apply.
What is the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship is a prestigious funding opportunity for professionals from developing countries to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree in development-related subjects. The program is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive positive change in their home countries.
The 2026-27 DAAD EPOS Scholarship is available at Freie Universität Berlin and its partner universities across Germany. It offers scholarships in various development-oriented programs in fields such as economics, engineering, health, law, and public administration.
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Overview of the DAAD EPOS Scholarship:
● Study Level: Master’s (PhD in exceptional cases).
● Starting Date: Academic Year 2026-27 (depending on the selected program).
● Available Fields of Study: Multiple development-oriented programs at Freie Universität Berlin and its partner institutions.
● Funding Coverage: Full tuition fees, monthly stipend, insurance, travel allowance, and more.
● Application Deadlines: Varies by program (from 31 August 2025 to 15 March 2026).
● Duration of Funding: 12 to 42 months (depending on the study program).
Scholarship Program Benefits:
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support to ensure that recipients can focus on their studies without financial concerns. The scholarship covers the following:
1. Full Tuition Fees:
The scholarship covers all tuition fees for the selected Master's or PhD program. This allows recipients to study without worrying about the cost of education.
2. Monthly Stipend:
● €992 per month for Master’s students.
● €1,300 per month for PhD students (in exceptional cases).
● This stipend helps cover living expenses while studying in Germany.
3. Health, Accident, and Liability Insurance:
The scholarship includes full coverage for health, accident, and liability insurance, ensuring that students are covered during their studies.
4. Travel Allowance:
Recipients will receive a travel allowance to cover the cost of flights to and from Germany.
5. Optional Support for Rent and Accompanying Family Members:
In some cases, additional support may be available for accommodation or for accompanying family members.
6. Duration of Funding:
The duration of funding depends on the program and can range from 12 to 42 months.
Eligibility Criteria:
To apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship at Freie Universität Berlin, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria. The general requirements include:
1. Academic Qualifications:
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree (typically a four-year degree) in a relevant field. This degree should have been completed before the application deadline.
2. Professional Experience:
Applicants must have at least two years of professional experience related to the chosen field of study. This experience could be in government, NGOs, international organizations, or the private sector, among others.
3. Motivation for Development Goals:
Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to contributing to development goals in their home country after completing their studies. The scholarship aims to empower professionals who will use their knowledge to bring about positive social change.
4. Language Proficiency:
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or German, depending on the language of instruction for the chosen program. Most programs are offered in English, but some may require knowledge of German.
5. Strong Academic Performance:
Applicants should have a strong academic background, typically ranking in the top third of their class.
6. Gender Equality:
The scholarship program is committed to promoting gender equality, and women are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Available Fields of Study:
Applicants to the DAAD EPOS Scholarship can choose from several Master's programs related to development. These programs are offered in collaboration with renowned universities and institutions in Germany. Below are some of the key programs available for the 2026-27 academic year:
1. Economics & Business:
● MIDE (HTW Berlin): Master’s in International and Development Economics.
● Development Economics (University of Göttingen).
2. Development Cooperation:
● Development Management (Ruhr University Bochum).
3. Engineering & Related Sciences:
● Hydro Science (TU Dresden).
● WASTE (Stuttgart).
● SEDev (Flensburg).
4. Regional & Urban Planning:
● Urban Management (TU Berlin).
● SPRING (University of Dortmund).
5. Agriculture & Forestry:
● AgEcon (University of Hohenheim).
● Tropical Forestry (TU Dresden).
6. Natural & Environmental Sciences:
● ISATEC (Bremen University).
● Environmental Governance (University of Freiburg).
7. Public Health & Medicine:
● MSc in International Health (Charité Berlin).
● Global Urban Health (University of Freiburg).
8. Law, Media & Education:
● MIPLC (Munich).
● International Media Studies (DW Akademie).
These programs are designed to provide professionals with a comprehensive understanding of development issues and innovative solutions in areas like sustainability, public health, international law, urban planning, and natural resource management.
Selection Criteria:
The selection process for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship is highly competitive. The following factors will be considered during the selection process:
● Academic performance: Strong academic credentials and a solid track record in relevant fields.
● Professional experience: Relevant work experience in development-related sectors.
● Development motivation: A clear and well-articulated commitment to contributing to social and economic development.
● Language proficiency: Ability to communicate effectively in English or German.
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How to Apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026-27?
The application process for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship involves several steps:
1. Choose a Program:
Visit the official DAAD EPOS scholarship list and explore the available programs. Choose a program that aligns with your academic and career goals.
2. Visit the Program’s Official Website:
Each program has its own application portal and instructions. Go to the official website of the program you are interested in.
3. Prepare Required Documents:
You will need the following documents to apply:
● Completed DAAD application form.
● Motivation letter (focused on development goals).
● Europass CV.
● Recommendation letters.
● Proof of professional experience (minimum of 2 years).
● Degree certificates and academic transcripts.
● Proof of language proficiency (usually IELTS or TOEFL).
4. Submit Your Application
Submit your application directly to the university or program before the stated deadline. Deadlines vary by program, ranging from 31 August 2025 to 15 March 2026.
Conclusion
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship at Freie Universität Berlin is an incredible opportunity for professionals from developing countries to further their education and career in development-related fields. With a fully funded package that includes tuition, living expenses, insurance, and travel allowances, this scholarship offers exceptional support for individuals aiming to contribute to global development. If you’re passionate about making a difference and ready to take your expertise to the next level, apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026-27 today and take the first step toward a brighter future. So to apply and know more visit DAAD EPOS Scholarship at Freie Universität official link here.