Daad Epos Scholarship For Public Policy And Good Governance 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded — German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Every year, thousands of young professionals from developing countries look for a way to combine advanced study with practical skills in governance, public administration, and development economics. DAAD’s EPOS programme has become one of the most recognized routes into that kind of training, funding full master’s degrees at some of Germany’s strongest public policy faculties.
About the Scholarship
EPOS stands for Entwicklungsbezogener Postgraduiertenstudiengang, DAAD’s long-running development-related postgraduate programme. It groups together dozens of specialized master’s courses at German universities, covering public policy, governance, economics, engineering, agriculture, and natural resource management, all built with students from developing and transition countries in mind. Unlike a single scholarship tied to one university, EPOS funds a whole family of courses, so an applicant first selects a programme that fits their career goals, then applies for DAAD funding alongside it.
Programmes typically run for one to two years and are taught in English or German depending on the course. Many build in an internship period or a short stay in the student’s home region so the coursework connects directly back to real policy problems.
Scholarship Benefits
- A monthly stipend, usually around 992 euros for master’s students
- Full tuition coverage at the host university
- Health, accident, and liability insurance for the scholarship period
- A travel subsidy to and from Germany
- Study and research allowances, plus support for rent where applicable
- A German language course before the programme begins, where needed
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a citizen of a developing or transition country as defined by DAAD’s country list, and must not be a German citizen
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree, usually completed within the last six years, relevant to the chosen master’s course
- Should normally have at least two years of relevant professional experience after graduating
- Must apply to and be admitted into one of the specific EPOS-listed master’s programmes
- English or German language proficiency as required by the chosen course
Fields of Study Covered
EPOS spans public policy and good governance, economics and development studies, engineering and natural resource management, agricultural sciences, public health, and regional planning. Each field maps to a specific list of approved master’s courses published on the DAAD database.
Required Documents
- Completed DAAD online application form
- Letter of motivation explaining career goals and the chosen course
- Curriculum vitae in tabular form
- Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees
- University degree certificates and transcripts
- Proof of relevant work experience
- Language certificates (English or German, depending on the course)
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Search the DAAD scholarship database and filter by “Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)” to find eligible master’s programmes
- Shortlist two or three programmes that match your academic background and career plans
- Apply directly to the university or course for admission, following its own deadline
- Submit the DAAD scholarship application alongside or shortly after the university application, as instructed by the specific course
- Prepare all supporting documents in the formats requested, including certified translations where needed
- Track your application status through the DAAD portal and respond promptly to any requests for additional information
Selection Process
Each EPOS course runs its own selection committee, usually combining academic merit, relevant work experience, and a clear sense of how the degree connects to development work in the applicant’s home country. Interviews, sometimes conducted online, are common for shortlisted candidates. DAAD itself finalizes funding decisions once a university has recommended an applicant for a seat.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Choose a course where your prior work experience is clearly relevant, rather than the most famous university name
- Write a motivation letter that describes a specific problem in your home country you want to help solve, not generic career ambitions
- Apply to the course well before the scholarship deadline, since admission usually has to happen first
- Ask referees who know your professional work, not just your grades, to write recommendation letters
- Compare your options against a well-known programme like the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa if you are unsure whether to study in Germany or closer to home first
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EPOS only for African applicants?
No. DAAD’s development country list includes nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and parts of Eastern Europe, so eligibility depends on citizenship, not region alone.
Can I apply without work experience?
Most EPOS courses expect at least two years of relevant professional experience, though a few accept strong recent graduates. Check the specific course listing.
Does EPOS cover PhD study?
EPOS is a master’s-level programme. DAAD runs separate doctoral funding lines for applicants who already hold a relevant master’s degree.
How many EPOS courses can I apply to?
Most applicants focus on one or two courses that genuinely match their background, since each application requires a tailored motivation letter.
Is German language ability required?
It depends on the course. Many EPOS programmes teach entirely in English, though some include a mandatory German language course before classes start.
Will DAAD pay for my family to join me?
Family allowances are limited and vary by course. Applicants with dependents should check the specific programme’s terms before applying.
What happens if I am admitted but not awarded funding?
Some students self-fund or seek funding from other sources if DAAD does not select them, though admission without funding is uncommon once the scholarship track is chosen.
Can I work part-time while on the scholarship?
Scholarship holders may take on limited part-time work under German visa rules, but the stipend is designed to cover living costs without it.