Introduction
In recent years, the interest in pursuing graduate education abroad has grown significantly among students and professionals from Africa, Asia, and other developing regions. Among the many opportunities available, the DAAD EPOS Scholarships remain one of the most prestigious and impactful pathways to a fully funded master’s degree in Germany.
The EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) scholarship program is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and is aimed at supporting international students, especially from developing countries, who wish to deepen their expertise in fields like Public Policy, Development Studies, Governance, Sustainable Development, Environmental Management, and related social science or public governance programs.
The most attractive part? The DAAD EPOS 2026 scholarships are fully funded, meaning:
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No tuition fees
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Monthly stipend (usually €934 or more)
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Health and accident insurance
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Travel allowance
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Study and research grants
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German language course support
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IELTS may be waived if your previous degree was taught in English
Applications for the 2026 intake typically open around October to November 2025, depending on the specific university and program.
This blog post will walk you through everything you need to know, including eligibility, required documents, program benefits, application tips, a step-by-step complete application guide, and how to write a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP).
Why the DAAD EPOS Scholarship Matters for Public Policy & Development Studies
Public Policy and Development Studies are fields that directly shape the progress and governance structures of a nation. For countries in Africa, Asia, South America, and the Caribbean, where public service reform, governance, development planning, social accountability, education, and poverty reduction are major priorities, the need for trained development leaders is critical.
Germany, known for its:
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Stable governance systems,
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Strong welfare infrastructure,
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Community-based development models, and
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Practical research-driven public institutions,
offers a unique environment for students to learn policy design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainable development strategies that can be adapted to local contexts back home.
DAAD EPOS graduates often return to key roles in:
| Sector | Potential Roles |
|---|---|
| Government Ministries | Policy Analyst, Planning Officer, Program Coordinator |
| NGOs & INGOs | Development Officer, Project Manager, Program Lead |
| United Nations Agencies | Humanitarian Officer, Governance Specialist |
| Research Institutions | Lecturer, Research Fellow, Development Consultant |
| Private Public Partnerships (PPP) | Sustainability Manager, Impact Investment Advisor |
Who is Eligible for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants generally must:
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Hold a Bachelor’s degree (usually with above-average results).
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Have at least 2 years of relevant professional work experience after graduation.
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Be from a developing or emerging economy country (this includes Africa and most Asian nations).
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Apply to a DAAD-EPOS-approved program (not all German master’s programs qualify).
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Demonstrate a strong interest in development-related work, public policy, leadership, or social impact.
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Show intention to return to their home country after completion to contribute to development.
IELTS Exemption
Many universities in Germany recognize English Proficiency Certificates (EPC) issued by your previous university as proof of English language proficiency. This means:
If your Bachelor’s degree was taught fully in English, you may not need IELTS.
However, always check program-specific requirements to be sure.
List of Popular DAAD EPOS-Eligible Master’s Programs in Public Policy & Development
Below are examples of commonly applied programs recommended for Africa and Asia applicants:
| University in Germany | Program Title | Degree | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hertie School, Berlin | Master of Public Policy (MPP) | Master’s | 2 years |
| University of Bonn | Geography of Environmental Risks & Human Security | MSc | 2 years |
| University of Duisburg-Essen | Development & Governance | MA | 1 year |
| University of Passau | Development Studies | MA | 2 years |
| University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg | Public Policy & Good Governance | MA | 2 years |
| Willy Brandt School (University of Erfurt) | Public Policy | MPP | 2 years |
To confirm updated program listings, refer to the official DAAD EPOS Program List available directly on the
→ DAAD EPOS Public Policy Programs (https://www2.daad.de}
Also, you can explore individual program entry details through the widely-used DAAD Scholarship Database here:
→ DAAD Funding Database (https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/
(These are the only two external links included, as requested.)
Scholarship Benefits at a Glance
Financial Support Package
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Full tuition fee waiver
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Monthly stipend ~ €934
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German language course (2–6 months, depending on the program)
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Health and accident insurance
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Travel allowance (round trip)
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Study and research grants
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Accommodation support (in some cases)
Academic Advantages
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Study in well-structured research and policy schools
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Exposure to multicultural international classmates from across continents
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Strong supervisory mentorship for thesis and research work
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Field research and internship opportunities
Career & Networking Prospects
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Access to Germany’s global development community
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Networking with professionals in UN, EU, GIZ, African Union, etc.
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Opportunities to transition into international nonprofit organizations
Step-by-Step Application Guide (October–November 2025 Intake)
This section is especially for beginners who have never applied for scholarships before.
Step 1: Identify Eligible Programs
Browse the DAAD EPOS list of Development-Related Master’s programs and pick the one that best matches your academic and career background.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Most programs require:
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Updated CV (Europass or standard acceptable)
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Bachelor’s degree certificate + official transcripts
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English Proficiency Certificate or IELTS (if required)
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Motivation Letter / Statement of Purpose
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Recommendation Letters (preferably from employer or academic supervisor)
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Work Experience Proof (employment letters, contracts, or HR statements)
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DAAD Application Form (specific template)
Step 3: Draft a Strong Motivation Letter (SOP)
(This is the most important document—more details below.)
Step 4: Submit Your Application Online
Applications are submitted directly to the university, not the DAAD central office.
Step 5: Prepare for an Interview (If Required)
Some programs invite shortlisted candidates for a short online conversation.
Step 6: Wait for Results
Admission decisions take 3–6 months, depending on the institution.
Your Statement of Purpose — A Simple, Strong Structure
You can follow this 4-paragraph SOP framework:
| Section | What to Include | Example Themes |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Who you are and your background | Name, current job, academic focus |
| Academic & Professional Journey | How your experience shaped your goals | Governance, development, leadership |
| Why This Program in Germany? | Why it fits your vision | German approach to development, evidence-based governance |
| Future Plans & Commitment | How you will use the knowledge to contribute back home | Policy reform, NGO leadership, capacity building |
Common SOP Mistakes to Avoid
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Writing a generic essay not tailored to the specific program
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Over-explaining personal stories instead of linking them to development goals
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Not showing how you will apply the knowledge at home
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Using copy-paste or AI style tone that lacks personal authenticity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need German language proficiency? | No, these programs are taught in English, but you may learn basic German during your study. |
| Do I need to pay application fees? | Many programs do not require application fees, but always check individual schools. |
| Is age a limit? | Generally, no age limit, but work experience relevance is key. |
| Can I bring my family? | Yes, but financial support for dependents may not be included. |
Conclusion — A Call to Begin Your Journey
The DAAD EPOS Scholarships 2026 present a life-changing opportunity to gain advanced skills in Public Policy and Development Studies while studying among global peers in Germany. For passionate future leaders across Africa and Asia who aim to transform governance systems, influence public reforms, or lead social development projects, this scholarship is more than a degree—it is a launchpad to impact.
If your dream is to become a policymaker, researcher, development specialist, NGO leader, or governance advisor, then this is the moment to start preparing—before the applications open in late 2025.
“Education is the most powerful tool you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela
Begin today. Your global leadership journey starts with one step.
