Rathish
Author – Ritesh Ranjan: The DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026–27 is one of the most respected funding opportunities for international graduates who want to pursue postgraduate education in Germany. Officially known as the Development-Related Postgraduate Courses scholarship, the programme supports talented professionals from developing and newly industrialised countries who want to study a Master’s degree or, in exceptional cases, a doctoral degree at a German university.
The scholarship is offered by the German Academic Exchange Service, commonly known as DAAD. It is designed for candidates who already have professional experience and are committed to contributing to sustainable development in their home countries after completing their studies.
For international graduates with strong academic records, relevant work experience and a clear development-focused career vision, EPOS can be a major opportunity. It combines financial support, international academic exposure and access to high-quality German universities.
According to the official DAAD scholarship database, EPOS funding is available for selected postgraduate courses and the duration of support depends on the chosen study programme, ranging from 12 to 42 months.
What is the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship is a funding programme created for graduates from developing and newly industrialised countries. Its main goal is to train specialists who can later contribute to social, economic and institutional progress in their home countries.
Unlike general international scholarships, EPOS has a strong development focus. It is not only about helping students study abroad. It is about preparing professionals who can return with advanced knowledge, practical skills and global exposure.
The programme is especially useful for candidates working in fields such as public policy, governance, engineering, environmental studies, health, education, economics, social sciences, urban planning, agriculture and development management.
Through this scholarship, students can study at selected German universities offering development-related postgraduate courses. These courses are listed in the official DAAD EPOS course catalogue for the 2026–27 intake.
Who Can Apply for DAAD EPOS 2026–27?
The scholarship is open to international graduates from eligible developing and newly industrialised countries. Applicants must usually hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. In most cases, the degree should be equivalent to a four-year undergraduate programme.
One of the most important requirements is professional experience. Candidates must have at least two years of relevant professional experience after completing their first degree. This makes EPOS particularly suitable for working professionals who want to upgrade their qualifications and take on greater responsibility in their field.
DAAD also looks for applicants with strong academic performance. Candidates should be able to show above-average results in their previous degree and must meet the admission requirements of the selected German university.
However, academic marks alone are not enough. Since EPOS is development-oriented, applicants must demonstrate a clear connection between their education, professional experience and future plans. A strong applicant is someone who can explain how studying in Germany will help them contribute to positive change in their country.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship offers a strong financial package for selected candidates. Scholars receive monthly payments depending on their academic level. For graduates, the monthly payment is €992. For doctoral candidates, the payment is €1,300, rising to €1,400 from February 2026.
In addition to the monthly stipend, DAAD provides support for health insurance, accident insurance and personal liability insurance. The scholarship also includes a travel allowance unless travel expenses are already covered by the applicant’s home country or another funding source.
Under certain circumstances, scholarship holders may also receive additional benefits such as a monthly rent subsidy and family allowance. These extra benefits depend on the candidate’s situation and DAAD’s applicable rules.
The length of funding depends on the selected study programme. Since different courses have different structures, the support period can range from one year to more than three years.
Why DAAD EPOS Stands Out
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship stands out because it is built around impact. Many scholarships focus only on academic achievement or tuition support. EPOS goes further by supporting candidates who are likely to use their education for development-related work.
This makes the scholarship especially important for countries that need skilled professionals in areas such as climate action, infrastructure, public health, governance, education, agriculture and social development.
Germany also benefits from the programme because it brings together motivated professionals from across the world. Students studying under EPOS become part of an international academic environment where they can exchange ideas, build networks and understand global development challenges from different perspectives.
For candidates, the scholarship is not just a way to study in Germany. It is a chance to gain specialised knowledge, experience a new academic culture and prepare for leadership roles in their professional field.
Selection Criteria for DAAD EPOS
The selection process focuses on academic ability, professional experience, motivation and development potential. Applicants must meet the academic requirements for admission to their selected postgraduate course in Germany.
Professional experience is a key part of the selection process. DAAD expects candidates to have relevant work experience that connects with their chosen field of study. For example, a candidate applying for a public policy course should ideally have experience in government, development organisations, research, advocacy or related sectors.
Language skills are also important. Requirements vary by course. Some programmes are taught in English, while others may require German language proficiency. Applicants should carefully check the language requirements of each university and course before applying.
A strong motivation letter can make a major difference. Candidates should clearly explain why they are applying, how the course fits their career goals and how they plan to use their knowledge after returning home.
How to Apply for DAAD EPOS 2026–27
Applicants should begin by reviewing the official EPOS Brochure 2026/2027, the FAQ section and the course list. The scholarship applies only to selected postgraduate courses, so candidates must choose from the approved DAAD course catalogue.
Each course has its own deadline and application procedure. Some programmes may require applicants to apply directly to the university, while others may have specific DAAD-related steps. Document requirements can also vary depending on the institution.
Commonly required documents may include academic transcripts, degree certificates, a CV, proof of professional experience, language test scores, letters of recommendation and a motivation letter. Applicants should check each course page carefully before preparing their application.
The official DAAD scholarship database remains the most reliable source for updated information about eligibility, benefits, application requirements and deadlines. Since deadlines vary by course, applicants should avoid waiting until the last moment.
A Strong Opportunity for Future Leaders
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026–27 is more than a financial award. It is a pathway for experienced graduates to build advanced expertise, study in one of Europe’s strongest higher education systems and return home with the skills needed to support sustainable development.
For professionals who want to study in Germany and contribute meaningfully to their country’s future, EPOS is one of the strongest international scholarship options available.
Candidates with a strong academic background, relevant work experience and a clear development-focused vision should consider applying early and preparing their documents carefully.
FAQs on DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026–27
1. What is the DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026–27?
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship is a development-focused funding programme for graduates from developing and newly industrialised countries who want to pursue selected postgraduate courses in Germany.
2. Who is eligible for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
Applicants must usually have a Bachelor’s degree, at least two years of relevant professional experience, strong academic performance and a clear motivation to contribute to development-related work after completing their studies.
3. What does the DAAD EPOS Scholarship cover?
The scholarship includes monthly payments, insurance support and a travel allowance. Under certain conditions, scholars may also receive rent subsidy and family allowance.
4. Can I apply for any course under DAAD EPOS?
No. The scholarship applies only to selected development-related postgraduate courses listed in the official DAAD EPOS course catalogue for the 2026–27 intake.
5. How can I apply for DAAD EPOS 2026–27?
Applicants should check the official DAAD scholarship database, read the EPOS brochure and review the requirements of their selected course. Since each course has its own deadline and application process, candidates must follow the instructions given by the respective university.