Introduction

For students and young professionals in Africa and Asia who dream of studying law, diplomacy, human rights, or international relations at a world-class European university, the DAAD scholarships are among the most realistic and high-value pathways. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) funds many different scholarship programmes; one of the best known for development-oriented master’s and PhD students is the Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) programme, which offers generous monthly stipends—€934 per month for Master’s scholars—plus insurance, travel allowances and other support.

This article is written specifically with Africans and Asians in mind. It explains:

• What DAAD offers for Law and International Relations students in 2025/2026;

• Which DAAD programmes and university tracks are the most relevant;

• A clear comparison of options and costs;

• A practical, beginner-friendly, step-by-step application guide;

• Smart tips, SOP structure, common mistakes to avoid, and FAQs;

• How to position your background and experience to win a DAAD award.

I used the latest DAAD programme information and official EPOS materials to make sure the facts you rely on are current and accurate. If you want the official DAAD brochures and course lists, check the DAAD EPOS programme page and the DAAD scholarship search (both linked below).

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Why DAAD scholarships matter for Africans and Asians

• Affordability & living support: A monthly stipend of €934 for Master’s students—plus insurance and travel—means scholars from low- and middle-income countries can study without the crushing burden of living costs. That stipend is designed to cover accommodation, food, and basic living expenses in Germany’s cities.

• High academic quality: Germany’s universities are strong in comparative law, European law, international human rights, development policy, and global governance—fields that connect directly with Law & International Relations studies.

• Policy & practical orientation: EPOS-style programmes are often development-oriented—perfect if you want to bring knowledge back to public institutions, NGOs, or regional bodies in Africa and Asia.

• Networking & career impact: You gain exposure to EU policy, international organisations based in Europe, and research networks that can amplify your impact when you return home.

• Clear eligibility & support: DAAD programmes have structured application routes, country lists, and official deadlines—allowing you to plan carefully instead of guessing.

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Germany DAAD Law Scholarships 2025/2026

When people think “DAAD scholarships,” they often imagine technical or development programmes—but DAAD funds many relevant law and governance tracks as well. For law and international relations applicants, the two most relevant routes are:

1. EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) — many EPOS-listed programmes include LLMs, public international law, human rights, governance and development policy degrees. EPOS targets candidates from developing and newly industrialised countries and often requires professional experience.

2. University-level DAAD scholarships & Research Scholarships — some universities offer DAAD-managed scholarships for specific LLMs, or funded research master’s/PhD positions in law or global studies. These are usually tied to departments (e.g., an LLM in International & European Law at a specific university with DAAD co-funding).

Who should pick an LLM route under DAAD EPOS?

• Candidates who want a practice-oriented or development-focused law degree that directly links to public sector, NGO, or multilateral careers.

• Lawyers with minimum two years’ professional experience in public institutions, NGOs, or law firms working on development issues (a common EPOS requirement).

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DAAD International Relations Scholarships 2025/2026

(H2 keyword: DAAD International Relations Scholarships 2025/2026)

International Relations (IR) and development policy programs are central to EPOS. You’ll find relevant master’s programs in:

• Development policy / International Development;

• Global Governance / International Relations;

• Migration & Refugee Studies;

• Conflict Resolution & Peace Studies;

• Public Policy and International Public Administration.

EPOS is explicitly designed for development-related postgraduate courses, so many IR programmes listed under EPOS are an excellent fit for applicants from African and Asian countries who plan to return home and apply their skills to local or regional challenges.

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€934 Monthly Stipend — what it really covers

(H2 keyword: €934 Monthly Stipend)

The €934 monthly allowance for master’s-level DAAD EPOS scholars is intended to cover:

• Rent & utilities: Student accommodation or private flats in smaller German cities can be affordable; in bigger cities (Berlin, Munich) you may need to supplement.

• Food & daily needs: Groceries, local transport passes, phone & internet.

• Health & accident insurance (DAAD arranges or subsidises insurance as part of the scholarship package).

• Travel allowance for arrival and possibly return travel (depending on home country rules and DAAD guidance).

Important note: €934 is generous but not lavish. If you plan to bring family members or live in a high-cost city, budget carefully. DAAD sometimes offers rent subsidies or family allowances in specific cases—check the EPOS brochure for details.

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Quick comparison — DAAD EPOS vs other DAAD scholarships vs university funding

Below is a clear table comparing the main elements you’ll care about. It highlights the difference between the EPOS programme (best for development-oriented Law & IR) and other DAAD scholarship types.

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Who is eligible? (Short checklist)

• Citizens of DAAD-eligible countries (many African and Asian countries are on the EPOS list).

• A completed first university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent).

• Usually at least two years’ professional experience (EPOS requirement).

• Excellent academic record.

• Demonstrated interest in development / public policy / law / international affairs.

• Language requirements: many programmes in Germany are taught in English; some require German. Always check the individual course language and DAAD listing.

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Step-by-Step Guide — From zero to scholarship (for a complete newbie)

This is a practical roadmap. Treat it like your checklist and follow the timelines.

Phase 0 — Start now (12–18 months before intended start date)

• Decide your subject focus: Law (LLM?), human rights, international relations, public policy, migration studies, or regional governance? The more specific, the better.

• Build relevant experience: EPOS favors candidates with practical experience. Seek internships, policy roles, NGO work, or legal assistant positions. Two years is often the baseline.

• Create an achievements pack: CV, two or three good references, transcripts, and digital portfolio (publications, policy briefs, GitHub for research code, if any).

Phase 1 — Research & shortlist (6–12 months before deadline)

1. Find EPOS-listed courses: Use the DAAD course and EPOS listing to find law & IR programmes labelled “development-related” (the official DAAD EPOS brochure and course list is the authoritative source).

2. Check language & duration: Make sure the programme is taught in English (if you’re not fluent in German), and note the course length.

3. Confirm deadlines: EPOS courses have different deadlines—some once a year, some twice. Download the DAAD “List of application deadlines” and mark your calendar.

Phase 2 — Prepare documents (3–6 months before deadline)

• Academic transcripts (official, translated if necessary).

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) emphasising legal/IR experience and impact.

• Letters of recommendation (2 or 3, from professors or employers who can speak to your professional and academic strengths).

• Statement of Purpose or Letter of Motivation (tailor to the programme—see SOP structure below).

• Language certificates (English or German) if required; some universities accept proof of previous studies in English instead of tests.

• Work experience proof: employment certificates, recommendation letters from employers.

Phase 3 — Apply (1–2 months before deadline)

• Submit application to the university/program listed on the EPOS course entry. Most EPOS scholarships are tied to specific programmes, so you typically apply to the programme and indicate you’re applying for DAAD funding.

• Fill in DAAD application forms if asked. Some programmes nominate candidates to DAAD for scholarship decisions; others have a DAAD portal. Always follow the course listing instructions.

Phase 4 — After applying

• Prepare for interviews: If shortlisted, be ready to discuss your experience, your project interests, and how you’ll apply the knowledge in your home country.

• Visa & logistics: If selected, start visa application as soon as the university confirms admission and scholarship. Germany’s student visa requires proof of funding, passport, acceptance letter, and health insurance—DAAD scholarship letters usually ease this process.

• Flight & arrival planning: DAAD often offers orientation events; plan to attend, they are useful for networking and administrative support.

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Your Statement of Purpose — A simple, strong structure (SOP for Law & IR)

A well-written SOP often decides between shortlisting and rejection. Keep it clear, evidence-based and impact-oriented.

Suggested structure (700–900 words max):

1. Opening hook (1 short paragraph): Start with a concise, personal anecdote or insight that ties you to law/IR—e.g., a legal case you worked on, a community conflict you helped mediate, or a policy you helped implement.

2. Academic & professional background (1–2 paragraphs): Describe your degree(s), relevant courses, and two key professional experiences. Use numbers or outcomes—“reduced case backlog by 20%,” “drafted 3 policy briefs used by X ministry.”

3. Motivation & research interest (2 paragraphs): Explain the exact topic you want to study (e.g., transitional justice in West Africa; legal frameworks for cross-border migration). Show you’ve read the programme materials and know a possible supervisor or course.

4. Why this programme & Germany (1 paragraph): Link the course components, professors, or research labs to your plans. Mention DAAD EPOS’s development focus if relevant.

5. Impact & career plan (1 paragraph): How will the degree benefit your home country or region? Be specific: job placement, policy influence, NGO leadership, or research & teaching.

6. Closing (1 short paragraph): Reiterate commitment and readiness. Keep final sentence confident and forward-looking.

Tips: Avoid vague sentences like “I want to learn more.” Instead write: “I will apply advanced human rights litigation techniques to improve asylum adjudication procedures in [country].”

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Real-world examples & impact (brief case sketches)

Example 1 — From advocacy to academic policy:
A mid-career lawyer in Kenya with three years in refugee law applies for an EPOS-listed Master in Migration & Refugee Studies in Germany. With a DAAD stipend and exposure to EU legal frameworks, she returns to lead a national NGO team revising the refugee screening manual.

Example 2 — Government policy officer to regional strategist:
A civil servant in Bangladesh working on disaster law uses an LLM funded by DAAD to design a model climate-resilience legal framework used by two ministries.

These examples are illustrative, but they track the pathways many DAAD alumni take—study, applied research or policy work, then return to scale impact.

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Common mistakes—and how to avoid them