DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses Scholarship 2026

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) Scholarship program for 2026 is open for applications. 

This scholarship provides fully funded opportunities for graduates from developing and newly industrialized countries to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees at state-recognized German universities. The program aims to nurture specialists who can contribute to sustainable development in their home countries. 

Summary

Funding TypeFully Funded
Host CountryGermany
Scholarship TypeMasters and PhD
Eligible CountriesCheck here
CoverageMonthly payments of €992 for graduates or €1,300 (€1,400 from February 2026) for doctoral candidates
CoursesCheck here

Application deadline		Varies based on the course

Who Can Apply?

Graduates with at least two years’ professional experience from eligible countries

Focus

The scholarship targets development-related studies in various fields, with an emphasis on sustainable development

Value

  • Depending on academic level, monthly payments of €992 for graduates or €1,300 (€1,400 beginning from February 2026) for doctoral candidates
  • Payments towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance cover
  • Travel allowance (unless these expenses are covered by the home country or another source of funding)

Under certain circumstances, scholarship holders may receive the following additional benefits:

  • Monthly rent subsidy
  • Monthly allowance for accompanying family members

Eligibility Requirements

  • A Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or a Master’s degree (for PhD applicants). 
  • At least two years of relevant work experience. 
  • Demonstrated commitment to development-related work and a desire to contribute to positive change in the applicant’s home country. 
  • Proof of English or German language proficiency, depending on the course. 
  • No upper age limit, but the time between finishing your Bachelor’s and starting the scholarship may be considered

How To Apply

Applications are made directly to the chosen study programme following these steps:

  1. Select a DAAD-listed postgraduate course in Germany that aligns with your academic background and career goals. Check the list of courses and their deadline here
  2. Ensure you meet all the requirements for both the chosen course and the DAAD EPOS scholarship. 
  3. Gather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, degree certificates, language certificates, and a motivation letter explaining your interest in the program. 
  4. Submit your application to the chosen course by its respective deadline. 

Selection Procedure

Step 1: You send your complete application(s) directly to the postgraduate course.
Step 2: A selection committee suggests potential candidates for a DAAD scholarship.
Step 3: The suggested candidates will be contacted by DAAD to upload their complete application to the DAAD Portal.
Step 4: The selection process will be finalized, and the suggested candidates will be informed accordingly.
IMPORTANT:
Make sure that you have a copy of each document as a PDF file ready to be uploaded to the DAAD Portal in case you are selected for a DAAD scholarship!

Further information

Best of luck!