How to Apply for DAAD EPOS Scholarships apply2026

This guide prepares you for the 2026 pathway to funding for development‑oriented postgraduate study in Germany.

You will learn why you must submit program applications first and only contact the central portal if you are shortlisted. The selection is multi‑stage: program shortlisting, a portal upload of a single PDF, and final decisions.

Who fits? Graduates from eligible countries with strong academics and at least two years of professional experience. You may choose up to three courses and must keep a consistent priority order and one motivation letter.

What is covered? Funding runs 12–42 months and can include monthly stipends, health and liability insurance, travel allowance, and possible rent or family supplements.

Table of Contents

DAAD EPOS at a glance: Why it matters for your development-related postgraduate studies

Access to a stable monthly stipend and insurance makes graduate study in Germany feasible for candidates from eligible countries.

What the funding covers. You receive a monthly stipend (992 euros for graduates; 1,300 euros for doctoral candidates, rising to 1,400 euros from February 2026). The package also contributes to health, accident, and personal liability insurance and includes a travel allowance.

Extra support options. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for rent support or family allowances. These supplements make longer study periods much easier to manage.

Who benefits

Graduates from eligible developing and newly industrialized countries who have at least two years of relevant professional experience are the target group. You should demonstrate strong academics (upper-third) and a clear development-related motivation for your studies.

Program scope and duration

The funding supports development-related master’s and doctoral studies at state or state-recognized German universities. Duration ranges from 12 to 42 months depending on the course.

Reliable support: predictable monthly payments and insurance contributions.
Career impact: funding is tied to development-focused goals and network building.
Practical step: check the program list and detailed application instructions for course-specific months and conditions.

Eligibility and requirements you must meet before you apply

Start by confirming you meet key eligibility rules. Check your work history, degree, residency, and language proof before investing time in documents.

Professional experience

You must have at least two years of post‑bachelor professional experience in a development‑related role. Internships, short voluntary roles, and most university employment usually do not count.

Academic criteria

Present a bachelor degree (normally four years) in a related field with upper‑third academic results. Degrees older than six years may not meet the rules unless the program states otherwise.

Country eligibility and residency

You must be a national of one of the listed eligible countries and must not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months by the deadline.

Language requirements

For German‑taught programs show B1 at application and meet DSH 2 or TestDaF 4 before enrollment. For English‑taught courses provide IELTS/TOEFL or program‑specified proof (institutional TOEFL is not accepted).

Tip: ensure employer letters state exact start/end dates, are on letterhead, and carry signatures and stamps.

DAAD EPOS Scholarships apply: your step‑by‑step 2026 application path

Start your 2026 application journey by targeting development-focused master’s programs at state‑recognized German universities.

Plan early: most course windows open about a year before start. For 2026 intake, many program deadlines fall in 2025. Timelines differ by course, so track each university calendar closely.

Choose courses and keep priorities fixed

You can select up to three development-related courses. Keep the same priority order in every program form, your application form, and your motivation letter.

Follow the multi-step submission path

Submit complete applications directly to each program do not send them to the central portal.
Programs shortlist and nominate candidates to the central office.
If nominated, you will be invited to upload a single merged PDF to the DAAD Portal.
The central office completes the final review, may interview candidates, and then notifies results.

«Make sure your documents are consistent across all forms and that a single merged PDF is ready if you are shortlisted.»

Keep identical biographical and academic data across every application. Mismatches can disqualify candidates.

For specific program dates and examples, see this useful listing for a related course at Heidelberg: MSc program details and timeline.

Documents and formatting standards that make or break your application

A neat, correctly sequenced PDF can be the difference between interview and rejection.

Make sure you assemble one merged PDF per program in the exact order required. Reviewers flag incomplete files quickly, so compress and name the file clearly.

Core pieces and the required order

Required sequence: signed checklist; application form; Europass CV; letter of motivation covering up to three priorities; employer recommendation on headed paper; work certificates proving two years; language proof; degree certificates and full transcripts; APS if applicable.

Formatting, translations and proofs

You must use a Europass CV in reverse chronological order with no unexplained gaps. Attach certified translations for anything not in English or German.

Recommendations, employment and language

Obtain employer letters on official letterhead with signature and stamp. Referees should send academic recommendations directly if the course requires it.

Language proof: valid IELTS/TOEFL or program-accepted tests for English tracks; B1 at submission and later higher tests for German tracks.
Checklist: physically sign the DAAD checklist and ensure issue dates appear on documents.
Consistency: make sure names, dates, degree titles and course priorities match across all documents and the application form.

Your final pre‑submission checks and next steps toward Germany

A careful final review of eligibility, documents, and timelines often separates strong candidates from the rest.

Make sure you meet core rules: upper‑third results, a bachelor degree usually no older than six years, at least two years of relevant professional experience, and eligible nationality with no more than 15 months in Germany by the deadline.

Verify every signature, stamp, issue date, and the required file order for your single merged PDF. Confirm referees send direct letters on time and that your application form, letter of motivation, and course priorities match across all applications.

Use the remaining months to check language proof, prepare for interviews, and plan logistics (visa, housing, arrival). For a program example and deadline details, see this Ruhr University listing.

Check the Ruhr University program details to align timelines and final steps with your own application.

(FAQ) – Everything You Need to Know

What is the purpose of the DAAD EPOS program and who should consider it?

The program funds development-related postgraduate studies for professionals from eligible countries. You should consider it if you seek a master’s or PhD focused on development topics and if you have relevant professional experience and a qualifying academic record.

How long does funding typically last and which degree types are supported?

Funding generally covers 12 to 42 months depending on the degree. The most common supported degrees are master’s programs and selected doctoral studies tied to development objectives.

What financial support is included in the award?

The package includes a monthly stipend to cover living costs, a travel allowance for arrival and departure, and personal liability insurance for the scholarship period. Specific amounts can vary by year and program.

How many years of work experience do I need to qualify?

You must show at least two years of relevant full-time professional experience after your bachelor’s degree. Shorter internships or pre-graduation work usually do not count toward this minimum.

What academic criteria are evaluated in the selection?

Selection looks at degree level and academic performance, preferably an upper-third or equivalent ranking, relevance of your prior studies, and the recency of your degree. Transcripts and grading scales help assess comparability.

Which countries are eligible to nominate candidates and is there a residency requirement?

Eligible countries are those listed by the funding program’s latest country list. You must normally hold citizenship or habitual residence in an eligible country and must not have been resident in Germany for more than 15 months prior to application.

What language proof do I need for English-taught courses?

You need recognized test scores such as IELTS or TOEFL within acceptable validity dates, or documented proof of prior instruction in English if the course allows exemption. Check each program’s specific minimum scores.

Are German language skills required for German-taught programs?

Yes. For programs taught in German you typically need at least B1 or a higher level depending on the course. Some programs accept test certificates like TestDaF or Goethe-Institut results.

When should I start the application process for the 2026 intake?

Start about one year before your intended start date. Program deadlines vary, so you should apply first to your chosen university course(s) and align timelines to ensure you can submit all documents on time.

Do I apply to the university or to the funding portal first?

You apply to the university or program first. If the university shortlists you, you will then submit the required documents via the funding portal as part of the scholarship selection process.

Can I list multiple courses and how must I present them?

You may prioritize up to three courses, but you must use the same prioritized list consistently across all forms and your motivation letter. Inconsistency can disqualify your application.

What is the typical selection process timeline after I submit my materials?

The selection path usually includes program shortlisting, a review by the funding agency, a possible interview, and a final decision. Timing varies by program; expect several months between shortlist and final offer.

How should I format and compile my application documents?

Compile a single PDF in the exact order requested. Include a Europass CV, certified copies of degree certificates, transcripts with grading scales, and certified translations where required. Use clear file names and legible scans.

What employer documents and references are required?

Provide employer certificates that state your job title, duties, start and end dates, and whether the position was full-time. Obtain at least two signed and, where possible, stamped recommendation letters from professional referees.

How do I prove my language exemption or prior qualifications taught in English?

Submit official transcripts or degree certificates showing instruction language, or an institutional letter confirming English-medium instruction. If you have a prior degree from an English-speaking country, include that diploma and transcript.

What are the exact document order and file requirements for upload?

Follow the program checklist precisely: cover letter/motivation, CV, degree certificate(s), transcripts with grading scales, employer certificates, language tests, recommendation letters, and passport copy. Merge them into one PDF and respect size limits stated by the portal.

Can recent graduates apply if they lack two full years of experience?

No. The minimum requirement is two years of relevant full-time professional experience after completing your bachelor’s degree. If you lack the experience, consider gaining work experience and reapplying later.

What should I emphasize in my motivation letter?

Explain how the chosen course links to your career goals and development impact in your home country. Describe relevant professional achievements, your reasons for studying in Germany, and how funding will help you make a measurable contribution.

Are there common reasons for rejection and how can I avoid them?

Common causes include missing or misordered documents, inconsistent course priorities, insufficient professional experience, and weak relevance between your background and the study program. Follow the checklist strictly and tailor your motivation to development impact.

If shortlisted, what happens at the interview stage?

Interviews assess your motivation, subject knowledge, professional experience, and plans for implementing your skills after the program. Prepare clear examples of your work, a feasible project plan, and how the degree will benefit your community or sector.

How are stipend payments handled and when do they start?

Stipend payments typically begin after you register at the host university and complete administrative steps in Germany. Payment schedules vary; check the grant letter for exact disbursement details and conditions.

Who can I contact for clarification during the application process?

Contact the program coordinator at your chosen university and the scholarship contact listed on the funding portal. Use official email addresses and keep correspondence formal and concise.