The Freie Universität Berlin, in collaboration with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), is offering fully funded scholarships under the EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) program for the 2026/2027 academic year. These scholarships are designed for highly qualified professionals from developing countries who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in development-focused disciplines.
The program aims to empower candidates with the academic and practical tools needed to actively contribute to sustainable development in their home countries after graduation.
| Host Country | Germany |
|---|---|
| Institution | Freie Universität Berlin |
| Level of Study | Master’s Degree |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Scholarship Sponsor | German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) |
| Application Deadline | March 15, 2026 |
| Eligible Candidates | Professionals from developing countries |
Recipients of the DAAD EPOS Scholarship will receive comprehensive financial support, which includes:
Full tuition coverage
Monthly stipend:
€992 for Master’s students
€1,300 for PhD students (if applicable)
Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
Travel allowance (to and from Germany)
Optional financial support for:
Monthly rent supplement
Accompanying spouse and/or children
Applicants may choose from a wide range of development-related postgraduate courses, including:
Agriculture & Forestry
Development Cooperation
Economics & Business Administration
Engineering & Technology
Law, Media, & Education
Natural & Environmental Sciences
Public Health & Medicine
Regional & Urban Planning
Note: Most programs are taught in English; however, some may require German language proficiency.
To qualify for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship, applicants must:
Hold a Bachelor’s degree (usually four years) in a relevant field.
Have at least two years of full-time, post-graduate professional experience.
Demonstrate a strong commitment to development and clear motivation to apply the knowledge gained toward the betterment of their home country.
Show excellent academic performance (typically in the top third of their graduating class).
Provide proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS); some programs may require German.
The selection process is based on:
Academic excellence
Professional experience relevant to the selected field
Development-related motivation and potential for positive social impact
Language skills (depending on the course requirements)
Commitment to return and contribute to development in the home country
Note: Freie Universität and DAAD actively promote gender equality. Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants must prepare and submit the following:
Completed DAAD application form
A development-focused motivation letter
Europass CV (with current date and signature)
At least one recommendation letter from a current or former employer
Proof of professional experience (minimum two years)
Certified academic transcripts and degree certificates
Proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
Browse the official list of DAAD EPOS-approved programs at the DAAD International Programmes Website.
Select your desired program offered by Freie Universität Berlin (or other institutions if applicable).
Visit the official website of your selected program (usually linked from the DAAD site).
Follow the application instructions provided by the university.
Mention clearly in your application that you are applying for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship.
Prepare and upload all required documents through the university’s portal before its specified deadline.
Note: Deadlines may vary by program—some as early as August 2025, others as late as March 2026.
After submission, forward the confirmation email of your application to:
📩 external.relations@birzeit.edu
DAAD EPOS Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
University Program Deadlines: Vary by course (between August 2025 – March 2026)
Program Start Date: Typically October 2026