DAAD/EPOS Scholarships 2027/2028 (Germany) – Closes 15 October 2026
The DAAD EPOS (Public Policy and Good Governance) programme funds fully funded postgraduate study in development-related fields — including environmental governance, public policy, economics, and international development — at German universities. It is one of DAAD’s flagship programmes specifically designed for students and young professionals from developing countries, including across Africa.
What it covers: Full tuition waiver (most German public universities charge no tuition for these programmes), a monthly stipend (currently around €934–€1,300 depending on degree level), health, accident and personal liability insurance, a travel allowance, and in some cases a study/research allowance and rent subsidy.
Deadline: Applications for the 2027/2028 intake close 15 October 2026.
Detailed Eligibility Checklist
- Citizen of a developing country (DAAD publishes an official country list; most African nations qualify)
- Hold a strong first university degree (usually top 30% of your graduating class) relevant to your chosen EPOS programme
- At least two years of relevant professional experience for most programmes (varies by specific course)
- Academic activity within the last six years — DAAD generally does not fund applicants who graduated long ago without recent academic engagement
- English or German language proficiency as required by your chosen programme
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Search the DAAD scholarship database for EPOS-eligible Master’s or PhD programmes matching your field.
- Check each programme’s specific entry requirements — EPOS covers dozens of postgraduate courses across many German universities, each with its own admission criteria.
- Apply directly to the university programme, indicating that you are applying for DAAD/EPOS funding as part of your application.
- Submit DAAD-specific documents — typically a letter of motivation, CV, reference letters, and a language certificate — alongside your university application.
- Await joint review by the university and DAAD, with results typically communicated several months after the October deadline.
Why This Scholarship Is Competitive
EPOS is unusually well-targeted: it funds working professionals in development-relevant fields rather than only recent graduates, so candidates with real workplace experience in governance, environmental management, or public policy are often strongly placed — even against applicants with marginally stronger grades. A motivation letter that clearly ties your professional background to your intended field of study is one of the most heavily weighted parts of the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to already speak German? Not necessarily — many EPOS programmes are taught fully in English, though some require basic German for daily life.
Can recent graduates with no work experience apply? Most EPOS programmes require at least two years of relevant experience, though a small number of courses accept strong recent graduates — check each programme’s specific requirements.
Is the tuition waiver automatic? Most German public universities charge no tuition for these degree programmes regardless of scholarship status, though a small semester contribution fee usually still applies.