GERMAN ACADEMIC EXCHANGE SERVICE (DAAD)
DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)
full · masters, phd
- Fully FundedScholarship type
- Study in GermanyHost country
- ~€934/mo (Master’s)Stipend
- ~2 yrs experienceRequirement
- Development fieldsFocus
- 40+ EPOS coursesChoice
At a glance
full
Funding
€16k
Max amount
Rolling
Deadline
DAAD-listed developing and newly industrialised countries
Country
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Provider
DAAD's Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) fund master's and some PhD study in Germany for professionals from developing and newly industrialised countries, in fields relevant to their countries' development. The programme is run by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and supports a defined list of development-oriented courses at German universities. The scholarship is fully funded: it provides a monthly stipend of ~€934 for master's scholars (~€1,300 for PhD candidates), plus health insurance, a travel allowance, a study/research subsidy, and often a rent and family subsidy. Many EPOS courses are taught in English, and a funded German language course is offered before the programme. Applicants apply directly to a specific EPOS course (chosen from the DAAD database of ~40+ programmes in areas like economics, engineering, agriculture, public health, and governance), and each course sets its own deadline — most fall between ~August and ~October.
What's covered
- Monthly stipend — ~€934/month for master's scholars; ~€1,300/month for PhD candidates.
- Health insurance — Health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
- Travel allowance — A travel subsidy to and from Germany, unless covered by another source.
- Study & research subsidy — A study allowance and, where relevant, a research/printing subsidy.
- Rent & family subsidies — A monthly rent subsidy and an allowance for accompanying family members where applicable.
- German language course — A funded German language course (typically ~2–6 months) before the programme.
How to apply
Choose an EPOS course from the DAAD database and apply directly to that course at the German university, opting for the DAAD scholarship, by the course's deadline.
- Find an EPOS course — Use the DAAD scholarship database to find an EPOS master's/PhD course matching your field and background.
- Check the course deadline — Read the course's specific admission and scholarship deadline and requirements.
- Prepare documents — Assemble your degree, transcripts, CV, proof of work experience, references, and language certificates.
- Apply to the course — Apply directly to the university course, indicating you seek the DAAD EPOS scholarship.
- Selection — The course/DAAD selection committee reviews applicants and awards scholarships.
- Language course & start — Selected scholars complete the funded German course (if applicable) and begin the programme.
Eligibility
OriginCitizen of a developing or newly industrialised country on the DAAD list.
DegreeA bachelor's degree (generally with above-average results) for master's applicants.
Work experienceNormally at least ~2 years of relevant professional experience after the first degree.
Degree recencyThe qualifying degree should usually have been completed within the last ~6 years.
LanguageEnglish (and/or German) proficiency as required by the chosen EPOS course.
There is no single EPOS deadline — you apply to a specific course, each with its own admission and scholarship deadline (commonly ~August–October). Apply directly to the course/university.
Eligible countries
DAAD-listed developing and newly industrialised countries
Deadlines
Varies by EPOS course
Selection
Each EPOS course runs its own DAAD selection committee, assessing academic record, the relevance of the applicant's professional background and the chosen course to their home country's development, motivation, and references. Preference goes to applicants who will use the degree to drive development at home.
Verified sources
- DAAD EPOS — Development-Related Postgraduate Courseswww2.daad.deofficial
About the provider
The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), the German Academic Exchange Service, is the world's largest funder of international academic exchange. Its EPOS programme is funded mainly by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to strengthen development-relevant expertise in partner countries by training their professionals in Germany.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the DAAD EPOS programme?
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DAAD's Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) fund master's and some PhD study in Germany for professionals from developing countries, in fields relevant to their countries' development. It covers ~40+ listed courses.
Who is eligible?
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Professionals from DAAD-listed developing countries with a bachelor's degree, normally ~2 years of relevant work experience, and a degree completed within the last ~6 years.
What does it cover?
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A monthly stipend (~€934 master's, ~€1,300 PhD), health insurance, a travel allowance, a study/research subsidy, often a rent and family subsidy, and a funded German language course.
Do I need work experience?
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Yes — normally at least ~2 years of relevant professional experience after your first degree. EPOS specifically targets working development professionals.
When is the deadline?
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There is no single EPOS deadline — each listed course sets its own, most commonly between ~August and ~October. Check the specific course in the DAAD database.
How do I apply?
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Choose an EPOS course in the DAAD scholarship database and apply directly to that course at the German university, indicating that you seek the EPOS scholarship.
Are courses taught in English?
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Many EPOS courses are taught in English. A funded German language course is also offered before the programme; some courses involve German. Check the course's language of instruction.
How many courses can I apply to?
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You may apply to more than one EPOS course, but each is a separate application with its own deadline; focus on courses that fit your background and development goals.
Does it fund PhDs?
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EPOS primarily funds master's study, but some listed programmes include doctoral options with a higher monthly stipend (~€1,300). Check whether your chosen course offers a PhD track.
Can my family come with me?
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Yes — EPOS can provide a family allowance and rent subsidy for accompanying dependants in many cases; confirm the details for your course and personal situation.
How competitive is EPOS?
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Competitive — selection weighs academic merit, relevant work experience, and the development relevance of your study plan to your home country.
What is the German language course?
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A funded German language course (typically ~2–6 months) offered before your programme begins, to help you settle in Germany even if your course is taught in English.