Quick answer: The DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) programme offers scholarships for selected development-related postgraduate degrees in Germany to qualified professionals from developing countries. Funding can run for 12 to 42 months depending on the program. DAAD currently lists monthly payments of €992 for graduates and €1,400 for doctoral candidates from February 2026, plus insurance and a travel allowance in qualifying cases. For the 2027–2028 intake, deadlines are course-specific, so applicants must check the official EPOS deadline list and the individual university program.
For broader funding options, compare EPOS with our Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students 2027 and Erasmus Mundus Scholarship guide. You can also track opportunities through the Course Centrals Scholarship Calendar.
DAAD EPOS 2027–2028 at a glance
| Program | Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) |
| Country | Germany |
| Target group | Qualified professionals from developing countries |
| Funding duration | 12–42 months depending on program |
| Graduate stipend | €992 per month according to the current DAAD listing |
| Doctoral stipend | €1,400 per month from February 2026 according to DAAD |
| Other support | Insurance and travel allowance, with some additional benefits possible |
| 2027/28 deadline | Varies by selected course |
What is the DAAD EPOS scholarship?
EPOS is a DAAD scholarship programme linked to selected development-related postgraduate courses at German universities. Its purpose is to support highly qualified professionals from developing countries in gaining advanced, practice-oriented education that can contribute to development in their home countries and regions.
This differs from a single university scholarship. Applicants choose from eligible EPOS postgraduate programs, and the application route and deadline can vary by course.
What does DAAD EPOS cover?
According to the current DAAD scholarship database, benefits can include monthly scholarship payments, health, accident and personal liability insurance, and a travel allowance unless travel costs are covered by another source. Under certain circumstances, recipients may also qualify for a monthly rent subsidy or allowance for accompanying family members.
Funding duration depends on the degree and can range from 12 to 42 months.
Who is eligible?
DAAD states that candidates should meet the academic requirements for their selected program, generally hold an appropriate bachelor’s degree and demonstrate strong academic performance. EPOS is designed around development-related postgraduate study and professional relevance, so applicants should read both the general DAAD criteria and the specific university course requirements.
Eligibility can vary by course, country and academic background. Do not assume that qualifying for one EPOS program means you qualify for every program in the portfolio.
Which courses are available for 2027–2028?
DAAD’s official 2027/28 deadline list includes programs across fields such as development economics, business and political economics, engineering, sustainable energy, urban management, agriculture, forestry, environmental sciences and public health.
Examples listed by DAAD include MSc Development Economics at the University of Göttingen, Small Enterprise Promotion and Training at Leipzig University, Hydro Science and Engineering at TU Dresden, Sustainable Renewable Energy Technologies at the University of Oldenburg, Urban Management at TU Berlin and Agricultural Economics at the University of Hohenheim.
The list can change, so use the official DAAD EPOS course and deadline document as the source of truth.
When is the DAAD EPOS 2027–2028 deadline?
There is no single universal EPOS deadline. DAAD’s current 2027/28 list directs applicants to course-specific deadlines. This is an important distinction because relying on a generic scholarship deadline can cause applicants to miss their chosen university’s closing date.
Our recommendation is to shortlist programs first, record each official deadline separately, and work backward to allow enough time for academic documents, employment evidence, references and language requirements.
How to apply
- Review the official EPOS scholarship database. Confirm that you meet the general DAAD requirements.
- Choose an eligible postgraduate course. Match your academic background and professional development goals.
- Check the individual deadline. Use the official 2027/28 list and the university’s own program page.
- Review course-specific requirements. Language scores, professional experience and document requirements can differ.
- Prepare evidence early. Academic records, CV, professional experience and motivation should tell a coherent development-focused story.
- Follow the specified application route. Submit through the channel named by the relevant program rather than assuming every EPOS course uses the same process.
DAAD EPOS vs Erasmus Mundus
| Factor | DAAD EPOS | Erasmus Mundus |
|---|---|---|
| Primary study geography | Germany | Joint international master’s programs, typically across multiple institutions/countries |
| Focus | Development-related postgraduate study | Joint master’s programs across diverse fields |
| Deadline model | Course-specific | Program-specific |
| Best fit | Qualified professionals with development-related goals | Students seeking an international joint-master experience |
See our full Erasmus Mundus funding and application guide before deciding which route better matches your profile.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating EPOS as having one universal deadline.
- Applying without checking the individual course requirements.
- Choosing a course only because it is funded rather than because it fits your academic and professional trajectory.
- Leaving language tests or references until the final weeks.
- Using old deadline lists when DAAD has published a current intake document.
Frequently asked questions
Is DAAD EPOS fully funded?
EPOS provides substantial scholarship support including monthly payments, insurance and qualifying travel support. Applicants should review the current official award terms for their program rather than relying on the phrase “fully funded” alone.
How much is the DAAD EPOS stipend?
The current DAAD listing states €992 per month for graduates and €1,400 per month for doctoral candidates from February 2026.
Is there one DAAD EPOS deadline for 2027–2028?
No. Deadlines vary by course. DAAD publishes an official list for the intake and applicants must check their selected program.
Can I apply to any German master’s through EPOS?
No. EPOS applies to selected development-related postgraduate courses included in the program.