DAAD EPOS Scholarships 2027/28: Fully Funded Development-Related Master's Degrees in Germany
If you are a young professional in the Middle East or North Africa dreaming of a fully funded Master's degree in Germany, the DAAD EPOS scholarship should be at the very top of your list. EPOS — short for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses — is one of the German Academic Exchange Service's (DAAD) flagship programmes. It awards individual scholarships to applicants from developing and emerging countries so they can study carefully selected postgraduate courses at German universities, then return home with the skills to make a real difference. Applications for the 2027/28 intake are open now, and because every course sets its own deadline, the smartest applicants start preparing months in advance. This guide walks you through eligibility, benefits, deadlines and a step-by-step application plan.
Who Is Eligible for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
EPOS is designed for people who are already building a career, not fresh graduates straight out of the exam hall. The typical profile looks like this:
- You are a citizen of a country on the DAAD list of eligible developing and emerging countries. Most MENA countries appear on this list — including many across North Africa, the Levant and beyond — but you should confirm your own country on the official page before applying.
- You hold a bachelor's degree, usually completed within roughly the last six years.
- You generally have around two years of relevant professional experience in a field connected to your chosen course.
- You can demonstrate motivation related to development: you want your studies to benefit your home country or region.
Exact criteria vary from course to course — some ask for more experience, some accept slightly older degrees — so always check the requirements of your specific course on the official page.
What the Scholarship Funds
EPOS is a genuinely comprehensive scholarship. Funded participants typically receive:
- A monthly stipend for postgraduates of about €992 (confirm the current amount on the official page).
- Health insurance coverage in Germany.
- A travel allowance to help with your journey to and from Germany.
- In many cases, a preparatory German language course before your degree begins.
- No tuition fees — tuition is not charged for funded participants.
Some additional allowances, such as a rent subsidy or family allowances, may apply in certain circumstances. Because these depend on your personal situation, check the official page for the details that apply to you.
Deadlines for the 2027/28 Intake
This is the single most important thing to understand about EPOS: there is no one central deadline. Each participating course has its own deadline, and you send your application directly to the chosen course or university — not to DAAD headquarters. For most courses in the 2027/28 intake, deadlines fall roughly between August and October 2026, though some are later. Before you do anything else, find your course on the official DAAD EPOS deadline list and write its exact deadline in your calendar. Missing it by a day means waiting a full year.
Degree Levels and Fields of Study
EPOS scholarships mostly fund Master's degrees, with some doctoral options also available. The participating courses are all development-related, covering fields such as:
- Economics and development economics
- Governance and public policy
- Environmental management
- Engineering and infrastructure
- Health
- Agriculture and rural development
- Urban planning and related development fields
Many courses are taught in English, in which case an English test such as IELTS or TOEFL is required. Some courses are taught in German. Check the language of instruction for your course before you start preparing documents.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
- Pick your course from the official EPOS course list. Choose a programme that genuinely matches your degree and work experience.
- Check its deadline and requirements on the official DAAD EPOS deadline list — every course is different.
- Prepare your documents: the DAAD application form, an up-to-date CV, a strong motivation letter linking your career to development goals, degree certificates and transcripts, work certificates proving your professional experience, and a language test result (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught courses).
- Apply directly to the course at the German university, following its stated procedure exactly.
- Confirm every detail on the official page before submitting — requirements and dates can differ between courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need work experience to apply for EPOS?
Yes, in general. The typical target group is working professionals with around two years of relevant professional experience, though the exact requirement varies by course. Check your course's page for its specific rule.
Is the EPOS scholarship really fully funded?
Funded participants pay no tuition and receive a monthly stipend of about €992, health insurance, a travel allowance and, in many cases, a preparatory German language course. Confirm current amounts on the official page.
When is the deadline for the 2027 intake?
There is no single deadline. Each course sets its own, with most falling roughly between August and October 2026 and some later. Always verify your course's deadline on the official DAAD EPOS list.
Take the First Step Today
Strong EPOS applications are built over months, not days: choosing the right course, booking a language test, collecting work certificates and polishing a motivation letter all take time. With deadlines for the 2027/28 intake arriving from August 2026, now is the moment to begin. Visit the official DAAD EPOS programme page to see the full course list, confirm your eligibility and start your application.
Source: DAAD official EPOS programme page
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