University Of Freiburg Daad Epos Scholarship For Environmental Governance 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded — University of Freiburg and DAAD
⚠️ This scholarship's deadline has passed and it's no longer accepting applications.
Climate and natural resource policy careers increasingly start with specialized postgraduate training, and Freiburg’s Environmental Governance programme, backed by DAAD EPOS funding, is built to prepare exactly that kind of career.
About the Scholarship
The University of Freiburg offers its Master of Science in Environmental Governance through the DAAD EPOS funding scheme, which supports postgraduate study connected to development outcomes. The two-year programme trains students to analyze and shape environmental policy, resource management, and sustainability governance, drawing on Freiburg’s long academic tradition in forestry and environmental sciences.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship removes the major financial barriers to studying abroad.
- Full tuition coverage for the Environmental Governance programme
- A monthly living stipend
- Health insurance coverage throughout the study period
- Travel costs covered for relocation to Germany
- Possible additional support for housing and eligible family members
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must come from a developing or emerging country on the DAAD’s eligibility list and hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, forestry, geography, political science, or a related field. At least two years of relevant professional experience is generally expected, along with English proficiency at B2 level or higher, since the programme is taught in English.
Fields of Study Covered
The curriculum covers environmental policy analysis, natural resource governance, climate policy, and institutional approaches to sustainability, with opportunities to specialize based on regional or sectoral interest.
Required Documents
- DAAD scholarship application form
- University of Freiburg programme application
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- CV detailing professional and academic background
- Motivation letter connecting prior experience to environmental governance
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1. Confirm eligibility against the current DAAD list of developing and emerging countries.
2. Apply to the MSc Environmental Governance programme directly through the University of Freiburg.
3. Submit the DAAD EPOS scholarship application with all required supporting documents.
4. Attend an interview if selected by the DAAD regional selection committee.
5. Receive the funding decision ahead of the intended intake.
6. Begin visa processing once admission and funding are both confirmed.
Selection Process
Selection weighs academic background, relevant professional experience in environmental or policy work, and the strength of the applicant’s motivation letter in connecting personal history to environmental governance challenges in their home country or region.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Applicants who can point to specific fieldwork, internships, or professional roles related to environmental policy tend to stand out more than those with purely academic backgrounds. Framing the motivation letter around a concrete environmental challenge facing the applicant’s home region, rather than general interest in sustainability, makes for a more convincing narrative. Students comparing DAAD-funded routes in Germany may also want to review the University of Göttingen DAAD Scholarship for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences for a related but distinct funding option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is prior environmental work experience mandatory?
Most successful applicants have at least two years of relevant professional experience, though strong academic candidates with internship experience are sometimes considered.
Does the programme require German language skills?
No, the Environmental Governance programme is taught entirely in English, so German is not required for admission, though it helps with daily life in Freiburg.
Is this scholarship open to applicants from any country?
No, applicants must come from a country on DAAD’s current list of developing and emerging countries to qualify for EPOS funding.
What career paths follow this degree?
Graduates typically move into roles with environmental ministries, international organizations, NGOs, or research institutions focused on sustainability and resource governance.
Can self-funded students join the same programme?
Yes, the university accepts self-funded applicants through a separate admissions timeline outside the DAAD scholarship deadline.
How competitive is this scholarship?
EPOS scholarships are highly competitive given limited places, so a clear development-focused motivation and relevant experience are essential for a strong application.
Can applicants with a Master’s degree already in environmental studies still apply?
Yes, a Master’s degree in a related field does not disqualify an applicant, though the programme is primarily designed for professionals seeking to deepen or redirect their expertise toward governance and policy work.
Does the programme include a practical or fieldwork component?
Many students complete a practicum or applied research project as part of the degree, often connected to real policy institutions or environmental organizations in the region.
Is remote or part-time study an option?
No, the MSc Environmental Governance is designed as a full-time, in-person programme in Freiburg, consistent with most DAAD EPOS-funded degrees.