DAAD/EPOS Scholarships 2026/2027 for Students from Developing Countries

Applications are now open for the DAAD/EPOS Scholarships 2026/2027, offering fully funded study opportunities for young professionals from developing countries. The scholarships are provided by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) under the “Development-Related Postgraduate Courses” (EPOS) initiative. Among the selected programs is the highly regarded MSc in Environmental Governance (MEG) at the University of Freiburg in Germany.

This competitive scholarship enables candidates to pursue a master’s degree in a field critical to sustainable development while gaining exposure to German academic and cultural life. Candidates will be selected first by the MEG program’s admissions committee, followed by a thorough review and final decision by DAAD.

The EPOS scholarship aims to empower future leaders from developing countries by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to drive transformation in their home countries.

Host Country: Germany
Host Institution: University of Freiburg
Scholarship Provider: DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service
Program Name: MSc in Environmental Governance (MEG)
Degree Level: Master’s Degree
Program Start: October 2026
Application Deadline: October 15, 2025

Benefits of the DAAD/EPOS Scholarship:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly living stipend
• Travel allowance to and from Germany
• Health insurance
• Study and research grants
• Preparatory German language course (up to 6 months, if applicable)

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must meet both the DAAD EPOS requirements and the MEG program admission criteria. To be eligible, you must:

• Be a citizen of a developing country listed by the OECD DAC (see list here: DAC List PDF)
• Have completed a bachelor’s degree no more than six years before the time of application (i.e., after October 2019)
• Possess at least two years of relevant professional experience after obtaining your first degree
• Show academic excellence (upper third of graduating class)
• Not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months before the application deadline
• Note: Academic work such as teaching or research may not count as work experience unless under exceptional circumstances

Important Note on Work Experience:

Internships and voluntary work are not accepted as qualifying work experience. Candidates must demonstrate practical, professional experience in development-related areas to be considered.

Application Process:

1. Complete the Online Eligibility Assessment (OEA):
   If you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility criteria, fill out the OEA at MEG OEA Portal. Results will be emailed within a week. The OEA is available only until October 1, 2025.
2. Prepare Application Documents:
   All required documents must be compiled into one single PDF file and uploaded through the online application form (link to be published on July 1, 2025).
3. Submit Reference Letters:
   Referees must email their letters directly to: info-meg@unr.uni-freiburg.de. Letters submitted by applicants will not be accepted.
4. No Additional DAAD Forms Required:
   If you submit all the required documents listed for the MEG program, you do not need to separately fill out DAAD application forms like the project outline.

Required Documents:

• Completed OEA form (if applicable)
• DAAD Application form (only if explicitly requested by MEG)
• Statement of motivation (with reference to academic and professional experience)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) in the Europass format
• Proof of relevant work experience
• Reference letters from current or former employers
• Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)

Official Website and Links:

• DAAD EPOS Scholarship Info
• University of Freiburg MEG Program – DAAD Scholarship Info

Apply by October 15, 2025, for your chance to study in Germany on a fully funded scholarship and contribute to a more sustainable future.