DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027/28 in Germany: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply

DAAD is the German Academic Exchange Service, Germany’s main funder of international study. Its EPOS programme, short for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses, gives full scholarships to professionals from developing countries for selected master’s courses, and some PhD courses, at German universities. Most courses set their deadline between August and October of the year before studies begin.

This guide explains what EPOS covers, who can apply, the documents, how candidates are selected and how to apply step by step. Each course has its own deadline, so check your chosen course. It was last checked on 4 October 2026.

DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027/28 at a glance

What is the DAAD EPOS programme?

EPOS funds a fixed list of postgraduate courses in fields linked to development, such as economics, engineering, agriculture, public health and environmental sciences. It is aimed at people who already work in their field and will use the degree to improve things at home. It is different from DAAD Research Grants, which fund doctoral research.

What does the DAAD EPOS Scholarship cover?

DAAD states that scholarship holders receive a monthly payment of 992 euros for graduates, or 1,400 euros for doctoral candidates at the rate that applies from February 2026. DAAD also makes payments toward health, accident and personal liability insurance and gives a travel allowance. Depending on your situation, you may receive a monthly rent subsidy and an allowance for family members who come with you.

Some programmes also include a German language course.

Who can apply?

• You are a citizen of an eligible developing country.
• You have at least two years of relevant professional experience.
• You hold a bachelor’s degree, usually from a four-year course, in a suitable subject.
• Your degree was completed within the last six years.
• Your first degree result is above average, in the top third.
• You meet the language requirements of the course.

Documents you need

• DAAD application form
• Signed CV, with the Europass format recommended
• Signed motivation letter
• Recommendation letters
• A letter from your employer
• Degree certificates and language certificates

Our Europass CV guide and motivation letter template can help you prepare these.

How candidates are selected

DAAD publishes what the selection looks for:

• Academic record: an above-average first degree and the required language skills.
• A bachelor’s degree in an appropriate subject.
• At least two years of professional experience.
• Motivation that is related to development, and the expectation that you will take on social responsibility and support change at home.

The process has four steps. You send your application to the postgraduate course. A selection committee at the course proposes candidates for a DAAD scholarship. DAAD asks the proposed candidates to upload their application to the DAAD portal. The selection is then finalised and candidates are informed.

Typical timeline

How to apply for DAAD EPOS, step by step

1. Find your course. Use the DAAD scholarship database to see the EPOS courses offered for 2027/28.
2. Check its deadline and rules. Each course has its own date and document list.
3. Prepare your documents. Sign your CV and motivation letter, and ask your employer and referees for letters.
4. Apply directly to the course, not to DAAD.
5. Keep PDF copies of every document. If you are proposed, you upload them to the DAAD portal.
6. Wait for the result from the course and DAAD.

Tips to strengthen your application

• In your motivation letter, connect the course to your current job and to a development problem in your country.
• Show your two years of experience clearly, with dates and duties.
• Ask your employer to confirm your role and, if possible, that you can return to it.
• Apply to courses that match your degree and work, not to as many as possible.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Sending the application to DAAD when the course expects it.
• A motivation letter with no link to development.
• Applying with less than two years of professional experience.
• Forgetting to sign the CV and motivation letter.

Is DAAD EPOS right for you?

It suits you if:

• you have at least two years of work experience after your first degree;
• your job is linked to development in your country, in the public sector, a company or an organisation;
• your first degree is less than six years old and your result was above average;
• you plan to return home and use the degree in your work.

Look elsewhere if:

• you are a fresh graduate with no work experience;
• you want a research career, in which case DAAD Research Grants fit better;
• you want to stay abroad permanently after your studies.

How to choose a course

• Use the official EPOS list. Only the courses on it carry this scholarship.
• Match the course to your job. The selection committee looks for a clear link between your work and the course.
• Check the language. Some courses are taught in English, some in German and some in both.
• Note each course’s deadline. They differ, and some close in August.
• You can name up to three courses in the DAAD application form, in order of priority. Check the current form for the rule.

How to write the DAAD motivation letter

The motivation letter carries a lot of weight, because EPOS is about development impact as well as grades. Build it in four parts:

1. Your work now: your position, your responsibilities and a problem you deal with.
2. Why this course: the skills you lack and how the course provides them. Name modules or specialisations.
3. Why Germany and this university: something specific to the course or the institution.
4. What you will do afterwards: the position you will return to or aim for, and the change you expect to make.

Sign and date the letter, and keep it to the length the course asks for. Our motivation letter template gives a structure.

Employer letter, references and CV

• Employer letter: ask your employer to confirm your position, your years of service and, if possible, that you can return after your studies.
• References: choose people who can speak about your work and your academic ability, and ask early.
• CV: use the Europass format, list your work experience with dates and duties, and sign it. See our Europass CV guide.

A preparation plan

1. Spring: read the EPOS course list and shortlist up to three courses.
2. Early summer: take a language test if you need one, and ask for your employer letter and references.
3. Six weeks before the first deadline: write your motivation letter and complete the DAAD form.
4. By each course deadline: send your application to the course, in the way that course asks.
5. After selection: upload your documents to the DAAD portal when DAAD invites you.

After you are selected for EPOS

The course tells you whether its selection committee has proposed you, and DAAD then asks you to upload your full application to its portal. Once the scholarship is confirmed, you apply for a German study visa at the embassy or consulate in your country. Start as soon as you have the award letter, because appointments can take weeks. For some courses, DAAD arranges a German language course in Germany before the degree starts, and the scholarship pays for it.

How EPOS differs from other DAAD scholarships

DAAD runs many programmes, and applicants often mix them up. EPOS is for working professionals from developing countries and covers a fixed list of courses. DAAD Research Grants are for doctoral research and are assessed mainly on your research project. Other DAAD programmes target specific fields or countries. Read the programme description on the DAAD website carefully and apply only to the one whose target group you belong to, because an application in the wrong programme is rejected without review.

Frequently asked questions

Is IELTS required for DAAD EPOS?

Each course sets its own language requirement. English-taught courses ask for proof of English, and German-taught courses ask for German. Check your course.

Can fresh graduates apply?

No. EPOS requires at least two years of professional experience.

Do I apply to DAAD or the university?

You apply directly to the postgraduate course.

When is the deadline?

Most courses close between August and October of the year before studies begin.

Does DAAD fund PhD study?

Yes, through Research Grants. See our DAAD Research Grants page.

Where to apply

Find EPOS courses and their deadlines in the official DAAD scholarship database. See our DAAD EPOS scholarship page for benefits and eligibility in one place.