“DAAD scholarship” describes many different awards. For experienced professionals in eligible African countries and India who want a development-related postgraduate degree in Germany, one important route is DAAD EPOS. Start with its programme-specific list rather than a general claim that every German degree is funded.
What EPOS funds
The official EPOS entry covers selected development-related postgraduate courses at German state or state-recognised universities. It generally supports master’s or other postgraduate study and, exceptionally, doctoral study. Funding lasts 12 to 42 months according to the course. The entry lists monthly payments, contributions toward health, accident and liability insurance, and a travel allowance unless travel is funded elsewhere. Additional rent or family support may be possible under particular conditions.
Who should check eligibility?
EPOS asks for a suitable first degree and at least two years of professional experience. It is aimed at graduates from eligible developing and newly industrialised countries who can connect their work to development. Applicants from Nigeria, other African countries and India should check the country selector and current EPOS rules for their own country, residence and course. The university may also set academic and language thresholds.
Find the 2027/28 course deadline
- Open DAAD’s list of postgraduate courses with 2027/28 application deadlines. Identify a course that matches your degree and work.
- Follow that university’s current admissions and EPOS instructions. Deadlines and submission routes differ by course; some 2027 entry deadlines may already have passed by September 2026.
- Prepare your degree and transcript records, CV, work history, motivation, references and language proof according to the particular course’s checklist.
- Explain the problem your work addresses and what you will do with the qualification afterward. A precise professional example is more useful than an unsupported promise of impact.
Compare your intended study costs against the award’s actual benefits. Tuition rules and course fees vary; a DAAD stipend is not a blanket guarantee that every degree, dependent’s expense or personal cost is covered.
Status checked 24 September 2026. Use the DAAD database and university page for final eligibility and dates.