The DAAD Scholarship 2026 is one of the world’s most comprehensive and prestigious fully funded programs for international students. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), it specifically targets individuals from developing countries who are committed to making a sustainable impact in their home nations after completing their studies in Germany.
Scholarship Overview: DAAD 2026
The flagship program under this scholarship is the EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses), which offers a selection of Master’s and PhD programs across various German universities.
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | Germany |
| Funding Agency | German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) |
| Degree Levels | Master’s, MBA, LLM, MPhil, and PhD |
| Financial Status | Fully Funded |
| Monthly Stipend | €934 (Masters) |
| Typical Deadlines | August – October 2025 (for 2026 intake) |
Comprehensive Financial Benefits
The DAAD scholarship is designed to remove all financial barriers, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their academic and professional development.
- Tuition Fees: 100% waiver for the entire duration of the program.
- Monthly Allowance:
- Master’s Candidates: €934 per month.
- Doctoral Candidates: €1,300 per month.
- Insurance: Comprehensive health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage.
- Travel Grant: A lump-sum travel allowance to cover flights to Germany and back home.
- Family Support: Monthly rent subsidies and allowances for accompanying family members (under specific conditions).
- Research Grant: A one-time study and research allowance.
Mandatory Eligibility Criteria
The DAAD selection process is rigorous, looking for “change-makers” with professional experience.
- Work Experience: Applicants must have at least two years of relevant professional experience at the time of application.
- Academic Degree: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (usually a 4-year program). The degree should generally not be older than six years.
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of a developing or newly industrialized country (refer to the DAC List).
- Language Skills:
- English-Taught Courses: IELTS (minimum 6.0) or TOEFL (minimum 550 paper/80 iBT).
- German-Taught Courses: Minimum DSH 2 or TestDaF 4 (a B1 certificate is often required for the application stage).
The Application Roadmap: Step-by-Step
Applying for a DAAD EPOS scholarship is a two-step process: you apply to the university program and the scholarship simultaneously.
| Step | Action Item |
| Step 1: Find a Course | Visit the DAAD EPOS Brochure to select an eligible program. |
| Step 2: Documentation | Prepare your Europass CV, a hand-signed Motivation Letter, and Recommendation Letters. |
| Step 3: Submit | Applications are sent directly to the respective university, not the DAAD, via the university’s online portal. |
| Step 4: Interview | Shortlisted candidates are invited for a technical interview with the university’s selection committee. |
Required Documents Checklist
- DAAD Application Form: Signed and dated.
- Europass CV: Hand-signed.
- Motivation Letter: A personal statement (max 2 pages) detailing your professional goals and link to development (hand-signed).
- Academic Proof: Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts.
- Proof of Employment: Official letter from your employer confirming your 2 years of work experience and, ideally, a guarantee of re-employment.