The joint scholarship by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the EPOS program is a unique opportunity for young professionals from developing countries (DAC countries) to pursue graduate studies. DAAD has selected the Master’s Program in Environmental Governance (MEG) as one of the development-related postgraduate courses, enabling the program to offer a limited number of funded EPOS scholarships.
The selection process takes place in two stages:
- Initial evaluation by the MEG Program Committee.
- Final review by DAAD to determine the nominees.
The process is highly competitive and requires meeting the DAAD/EPOS scholarship requirements in addition to MEG’s admission criteria.
Scholarship Details
- Program Duration:24 months.
- Funding Provided:
- Tuition fees.
- €992 per month for graduates.
- Contribution towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
- Travel allowance (unless covered by the home country or another funding source).
- In some cases, additional benefits may include:
- Monthly rent subsidy.
- Monthly allowance for accompanying family members.
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is intended for young professionals fromdeveloping countrieswho meet the following requirements:
- Hold a university degree not older than 6 years (as of October 2025).
- Have at least 2 years of professional experience after the bachelor’s degree (internships and voluntary work are not accepted).
- Academic work (teaching or research) is not considered relevant experience except in exceptional cases.
- Academic performance within the top third of the graduating class.
- Must not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months prior to application.
- If the applicant already holds a master’s degree, they must justify why they require funding for another master’s degree.
Required Documents
Applicants must upload documents in the following order:
- DAAD application form (with date of issue).
- Motivation letter (up to 2 pages, stating motivation and academic priorities).
- If applying to multiple DAAD-EPOS programs, a separate motivation letter must be submitted for each program.
- If applying to multiple DAAD-EPOS programs, a separate motivation letter must be submitted for each program.
- Curriculum Vitae (EUROPASS format, reverse chronological order, without time gaps).
- University transcripts (with certified translation if required).
- Bachelor’s transcript must include the final grade and the grading scale.
- Master’s degree transcripts are not considered for evaluation but may be included for information.
- Bachelor’s transcript must include the final grade and the grading scale.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate (with translation if required).
- Certificates of at least 2 years of relevant professional experience (must clearly state employment period, with original stamp and signature).
- Letter of recommendation from current employer.
- Letter of recommendation from a university professor or academic supervisor.
- Proof of English proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL iBT 95, IELTS 7.0, Cambridge C1, or PTE 76).
- Exemptions apply for native speakers of English or graduates of English-speaking universities.
- Exemptions apply for native speakers of English or graduates of English-speaking universities.
- DAAD checklist signed by hand.
- APS certificate (mandatory only for applicants from China, India, and Vietnam).
How to Apply
Application Period:
- July 1 to October 15, 2025 (for Winter Semester 2026/27).
Application Steps:
- Preliminary Eligibility Assessment (OEA):
Applicants may complete the online questionnaire to confirm eligibility. A response will be provided within one week. - Upload Required Documents:
All documents must be submitted in a single PDF file via the online application form (available from July 1, 2025). - Important Notes:
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Recommendation letters must be sent directly by the referees to:[email protected]
After Applying
- By end of January 2026:Applicants will be informed of the preliminary results.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
- Mid-February 2026:Final admission results for the scholarship will be announced.