DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Scholarships (EPOS) 2027–2028 | Fully Funded Master's & PhD Scholarships in Germany
Germany is one of the most popular destinations for international students because of its world-class universities, affordable education, and excellent research opportunities. Among the most prestigious scholarships offered by the German government is the DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) scholarship.
The EPOS scholarship is designed for talented professionals from developing countries who wish to pursue a fully funded Master's or, in exceptional cases, a PhD at selected German universities. The program is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and supports future leaders who aim to contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries.
What is the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
The Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) program offers fully funded scholarships for carefully selected postgraduate programs in Germany. These programs focus on development-related fields such as engineering, economics, public policy, agriculture, environmental sciences, public health, and more.
Unlike general DAAD scholarships, EPOS is available only for a list of approved postgraduate courses offered by selected German universities.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants receive a comprehensive funding package that generally includes:
Full tuition support (where applicable)
Monthly stipend of €992 for Master's students
Monthly stipend of €1,400 for doctoral candidates (from February 2026 onward)
Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
Round-trip airfare
Monthly rent allowance (if eligible)
Family allowance (where applicable)
Preparatory German language course (for selected programs)
Scholarships are awarded for 12 to 42 months, depending on the length of the degree program.
Eligible Degree Programs
The EPOS scholarship supports selected Master's programs and, in exceptional cases, doctoral programs in areas including:
Economics
Business Administration
Public Policy
Development Studies
Engineering
Environmental Sciences
Renewable Energy
Urban Planning
Agriculture
Forestry
Public Health
Education
Social Sciences
Water Resource Management
Natural Resource Management
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should generally meet the following requirements:
Be from an eligible developing or newly industrialized country.
Hold a Bachelor's degree (normally not older than six years).
Have at least two years of relevant professional work experience after graduation.
Demonstrate strong academic performance.
Show motivation to contribute to the social and economic development of their home country after completing their studies.
Meet the language requirements of the chosen university.
Required Documents
Most EPOS programs require:
Completed application form
Updated CV (Europass format is commonly recommended)
Letter of motivation
Academic transcripts
Degree certificate
Employment certificates proving at least two years of work experience
Recommendation letter from employer
English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL if required)
Passport copy
Additional documents requested by the university
Requirements may differ slightly depending on the course.
DAAD EPOS Application Deadlines (2027–2028 Intake)
Important: There is no single deadline for the EPOS scholarship. Each participating university sets its own application deadline.
For the 2027–2028 intake, application periods generally fall between:
August 2026
September 2026
October 2026
November 2026
Some courses may have earlier or later deadlines. Applicants must check the deadline for their chosen course in the official EPOS course list before applying.
Examples of Typical Deadlines
| University / Program | Typical Deadline |
|---|---|
| University of Stuttgart | August–October 2026 |
| TU Dresden | September–October 2026 |
| University of Bonn | September 2026 |
| University of Freiburg | October 2026 |
| Ruhr University Bochum | September 2026 |
| University of Hohenheim | October–November 2026 |
Always verify the exact deadline on the official course page before submitting your application.
How to Apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship
Unlike many scholarships, applicants usually apply directly to the university offering the EPOS course, not to DAAD first.
Step 1
Choose an eligible EPOS postgraduate course.
Step 2
Review the admission and scholarship requirements for that program.
Step 3
Prepare all required documents.
Step 4
Submit your application directly to the university according to its instructions.
Step 5
The university evaluates applications and nominates successful candidates to DAAD for the final scholarship decision.
Official Application Links
DAAD EPOS Scholarship Information
DAAD Scholarship Database
https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/
Official EPOS Scholarship Listing
https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?detail=50076777
DAAD Pakistan Scholarships
https://www.daad.pk/en/find-funding/daad-scholarship-programmes-for-pakistan/
Tips to Increase Your Chances
Maintain a strong academic record.
Gain at least two years of relevant professional experience.
Write a clear and convincing motivation letter.
Highlight how your studies will benefit your home country.
Apply to more than one eligible EPOS program if permitted.
Submit your application well before the deadline.
Ensure your English language test scores meet the university's requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DAAD EPOS scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship covers a monthly stipend, health insurance, travel allowance, and other benefits. Tuition support depends on the university and program.
Can Pakistani students apply?
Yes. Pakistan is among the countries eligible for many DAAD scholarship programs, including EPOS, provided applicants meet the program requirements.
Is work experience mandatory?
Yes. Most EPOS programs require at least two years of relevant professional experience after completing your first degree.
Can I apply before receiving university admission?
For EPOS, the scholarship application is generally submitted together with your application to the participating university, following that university's instructions.
Is IELTS mandatory?
English language requirements depend on the university and the chosen course. Some programs accept TOEFL or other approved proof of English proficiency.
Final Thoughts
The DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) Scholarship is one of the best opportunities for professionals from developing countries to earn a fully funded Master's degree—or, in exceptional cases, a PhD—in Germany.
With generous financial support, access to leading German universities, and programs focused on solving real-world development challenges, EPOS can be a transformative opportunity for students who are committed to making a positive impact in their home countries.
Start preparing your documents early, choose the program that best matches your academic and professional goals, and apply before your selected university's deadline.
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