Golden Opportunity: Apply For The DAAD/EPOS Scholarships 2026/2027 For Young Professionals From Developing Countries -

About the DAAD/EPOS Scholarship for Young Professionals from Developing Countries

Are you a motivated professional from a developing country, eager to pursue a postgraduate degree in Germany? The prestigious DAAD/EPOS Scholarships 2026/2027 are now open for applications, offering you the chance to study in one of Europe’s leading academic environments while receiving full financial support. This highly competitive scholarship program is specifically tailored for young professionals committed to development-related careers in their home countries.

The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), or the German Academic Exchange Service, is offering a limited number of scholarships through its EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) program. For the 2026/2027 academic year, the MSc in Environmental Governance (MEG) at the University of Freiburg has once again been selected as one of the eligible postgraduate courses. These scholarships aim to support future leaders from developing countries by equipping them with the academic knowledge and global perspective necessary for sustainable development.

Selection for the EPOS scholarship involves a two-step process: first, candidates are shortlisted by the MEG program committee. Then, DAAD conducts a thorough review of the selected applications and makes the final decision.

Eligible Fields

The scholarship is strictly linked to the MSc Environmental Governance (MEG) program at the University of Freiburg. This multidisciplinary program combines natural and social sciences to equip students with the tools to address pressing global environmental issues and lead transformative policy and development initiatives.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the DAAD/EPOS Scholarship 2026/2027, applicants must meet both the DAAD’s EPOS requirements and the MEG program’s admission criteria. Key eligibility conditions include:

Citizenship: Be a national of a developing country as listed on the OECD DAC list.
Educational Qualification: Hold a relevant academic degree that is no more than six years old by October 2025.
Professional Experience: Have at least two years of relevant full-time professional work experience (post-Bachelor’s degree) by the time of application.
- Note: Internships and voluntary work do not count.
- Academic employment (teaching or research) is generally not accepted unless under exceptional circumstances.
Academic Merit: Graduated in the top one-third of your class.
Residence Requirement: You must not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months prior to the application deadline.

Only candidates who fully meet all of these criteria will be considered.

Selection Criteria

Admission to the MEG program and the DAAD/EPOS scholarship is highly competitive. Applicants will be assessed based on:

Relevance and strength of academic background
Quality and relevance of professional experience
Motivation and alignment of career goals with the scholarship’s development objectives
Strong letters of recommendation and academic references
Clear evidence of commitment to returning to and contributing to your home country

The process begins with a pre-screening by the MEG admissions committee, after which DAAD conducts a final review of shortlisted applicants.

Eligible Countries

Developing countries as classified by the OECD DAC list.

This includes nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and certain regions of Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Required Documents

All applicants must prepare and upload a single, compressed PDF file containing the following:

A letter of motivation tailored to both the MEG program and DAAD EPOS goals
Curriculum Vitae (CV) in reverse chronological format
Certified academic transcripts and degree certificates
Proof of relevant professional experience
Proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS)
Passport or national ID
Completed MEG application form

Important Note:

All referees must send their reference letters directly to: info-meg@unr.uni-freiburg.de
There is no need to submit additional documents from the standard DAAD EPOS checklist such as a separate project outline, provided you have submitted everything required by the MEG program.

Benefits of the DAAD/EPOS Scholarship for Young Professionals from Developing Countries

Successful applicants will receive a fully funded scholarship package that covers:

Full tuition fees for the MSc Environmental Governance program
Monthly living allowance to cover accommodation, food, and daily expenses
Health insurance coverage throughout the duration of your studies
Travel allowance for your journey to and from Germany
Access to a prestigious global alumni network and development-focused academic community

This scholarship provides not just funding but a launchpad for your professional and personal growth.

How to Apply

Follow the steps below to apply for the DAAD/EPOS Scholarship for the 2026/2027 academic session:

Online Eligibility Assessment (OEA)
- Optional but recommended. Complete the Online Eligibility Assessment if you’re unsure about your qualification.
- Submit the OEA by October 1, 2025. You’ll receive feedback within a week confirming whether you are eligible.
Prepare Your Application Documents
- Gather all required documents and compile them into one single PDF.
Apply Online
- The MEG application portal will open on July 1, 2025.
- Upload your PDF and submit your application through the online form.
- Ensure referees send their letters directly to the designated email.
Wait for Selection Results
- If selected by the MEG program, your application will be forwarded to DAAD for final approval.

Application Deadline

15 October 2025
(Note: This is one year ahead of the study start date, which is October 2026)

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so it is vital to submit early and follow the guidelines strictly.

Final Thoughts

The DAAD/EPOS Scholarship 2026/2027 is a remarkable opportunity for ambitious professionals from developing countries to gain world-class education in environmental governance while building networks and skills for lasting impact in their home countries. If you’re passionate about sustainable development, environmental policy, and global leadership, don’t miss this chance.

Apply now and take the next step toward becoming a changemaker in your region.