DAAD EPOS (Germany, master's) 2026: eligibility, amount, selection and how to apply
DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS), given by DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). Monthly stipend, insurance and travel.
DAAD: EPOSCheck if you can applyLetter of recommendation helperVisa
Who can apply for DAAD EPOS (Germany, master's)
You can apply if
- A graduate from an eligible developing or newly industrialised country
- A bachelor's degree (usually four years) in a related subject, normally not more than six years old
- At least two years of professional experience after the first degree
- Not living in Germany for more than 15 months at the deadline
Check if you can apply
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Answer the questions to see if you meet the published conditions.
JanWatchdog does not give a percentage chance: the scholarship does not publish one. Meeting every rule makes you eligible to apply; selection then depends on the steps below.
What DAAD EPOS (Germany, master's) pays
Monthly stipend, insurance and travel. EUR 992 a month for graduates (EUR 1,400 a month for doctoral candidates from February 2026), health, accident and liability insurance, and a travel allowance; a rent subsidy and family allowance are possible.
What it covers
- Monthly payment: EUR 992 (graduates)
- Health, accident and personal liability insurance
- Travel allowance (unless paid by another funder)
- Possibly a monthly rent subsidy and an allowance for family members
How DAAD EPOS (Germany, master's) selection works
- You apply directly to up to three courses, ranked by priority
- The course's selection committee suggests candidates to DAAD
- DAAD asks suggested candidates to upload their application to the DAAD Portal
- Criteria: a first degree in the upper third, two years' experience, language skills and development-related motivation
How to apply for DAAD EPOS (Germany, master's), step by step
- Pick up to three EPOS courses from DAAD's list and note each course's deadline.
- Send one complete application directly to each course (DAAD does not forward them).
- Include the checklist, the EPOS form, a Europass-style CV, one motivation letter, the employer's letter, employment certificates, IELTS or TOEFL (or German), degree certificates and transcripts.
- If suggested by the course, upload your application to the DAAD Portal.
Dates: Deadlines depend on the course; DAAD publishes a list for 2027-28.
Documents to keep ready
- Checklist and EPOS application form
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letter from your current employer
- Employment certificates (two years)
- IELTS or TOEFL score, or German proof
- Degree certificates and transcripts
Letters of recommendation for DAAD EPOS (Germany, master's)
Who should write them: Your current employer.
How they are sent: On the employer's letterhead, signed, stamped and recently dated, sent with your application to the course.
What the letter should cover
- Your role and responsibilities at work
- How your work relates to development in India
- Why the course will help you and your organisation
DAAD sets the letter's form (employer letterhead, signed, stamped, dated); the points are suggestions for your referee, not DAAD rules.
Prepare notes and a starting draft for your referee
Fill in what you can. The helper puts your examples under each point the scholarship asks about and writes notes and a plain starting draft. Your referee must write the letter in their own words, check every fact and sign it: scholarships check references, and a letter your referee does not stand behind can cost you the scholarship.
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Visa: German national (D) visa for study or research
- Start on the Consular Services Portal of the German Missions in India: a questionnaire decides your visa type.
- Keep ready: a passport issued within the last 10 years with 2 empty pages, school and degree certificates with marksheets, language certificate, admission letter, motivation letter, CV and health insurance.
- Show money to live on: a blocked account of EUR 11,904 (at most EUR 992 a month can be withdrawn), or proof of a German or EU scholarship.
- Most Indian applicants need an APS certificate; it is not needed if your stipend is from German or EU public funds, or for PhD and postdoc study.
Fees and rules change: check the official visa pages before you apply.
Visa sources
- German Missions in India (Federal Foreign Office): Studies, including preparatory college and language courses
Sources
Everything on this page comes from these documents and pages. Checked 18 Oct 2026.
- DAAD (funded by the German Federal Government): Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS): scholarship database Not a government document
JanWatchdog is not connected with any scholarship. Apply only on the official website; applying is free and no agent is needed.
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