DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026/27

Fully Funded Master’s & PhD Opportunities in Germany

iQualify Abroad – Complete Guidance for International Students

The DAAD EPOS Scholarship is one of the most prestigious fully funded opportunities available to graduates from developing and newly industrialized countries, including Pakistan. Through this program, students can pursue high-quality Master’s and PhD studies in Germany in fields connected to development, innovation, sustainability, and social progress.

At iQualify Abroad, we support applicants throughout the entire process, ensuring a strong, competitive, and complete application for the 2026/27 intake.

What is the DAAD EPOS Program?

EPOS stands for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses. These are specialized Master’s and PhD programs offered at top German institutions with a focus on preparing professionals for leadership roles in development-oriented sectors.

Disciplines covered by EPOS include:

Engineering and Technology
Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
Public Health and Medicine
Economics, Development Studies, and Social Sciences
Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources
Urban and Regional Planning
Education, Law, and Governance
Media, Communications, and Public Policy

Only programs officially listed under the DAAD EPOS catalog are eligible for the scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026/27, applicants must generally meet the following requirements:

Academic Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the selected Master’s program.
Strong academic record, ideally within the top third of the graduating class.
Degree completion should typically not be older than six years at the time of application.

Work Experience Requirements.

A minimum of two years of full-time professional experience after completion of the Bachelor’s degree.
Experience must be relevant to the chosen program.
Volunteer activities, internships or part-time roles may not always meet the requirement unless clearly substantial.

Language Requirements

For English-taught programs: Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent).
For German-taught programs: German language proficiency (B1 or higher, depending on program).
Selected scholars may receive additional German-language training funded by DAAD.

Eligible Countries

Applicants must belong to a country designated as a developing or newly industrialized nation. Pakistan is included in this category.

What the Scholarship Covers

The DAAD EPOS Scholarship is fully funded and includes comprehensive financial support:

Financial Benefits

Full tuition fee waiver at the host German university
Monthly stipend to cover living expenses (amount varies by program, generally between €934 and €1,300 per month)
Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
Travel allowance (round-trip airfare)

Additional Support

Rent subsidy for students living in high-cost housing regions
Allowances for dependent children or spouse (in some cases)
Fully funded pre-sessional German Intensive Language Course (for relevant programs)

The EPOS Scholarship is one of the most comprehensive fully funded postgraduate opportunities in Europe.

Duration of Study

Master’s programs: 12 to 24 months
PhD programs: Up to 42 months
German language preparation: 2 to 6 months (if required)

Required Documents for Application

Applicants typically need to prepare the following documents:

DAAD Application Form (specific EPOS format)
Detailed CV (Europass format recommended)
Motivation Letter explaining academic goals, professional background, and commitment to development
Recommendation letters
Official degree certificates and transcripts
Proof of work experience (employment letters, contracts, experience certificates)
Language test results (English or German)
Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
Copy of passport or national identity document

All documents should be in PDF format and organized according to program-specific instructions.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Select an EPOS-Eligible Program

Review the official list of development-related postgraduate programs under DAAD EPOS and identify one or more programs aligned with your academic and professional background.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Documents

Gather and prepare all required documents as per the program’s guidelines.

Step 3: Submit Application to the University

Applications for EPOS are submitted directly to the university offering the program. Each program has its own deadline.

Step 4: University Shortlisting

The university reviews your documents and shortlists strong candidates based on academic merit, work experience, and development potential.

Step 5: DAAD Final Selection

Shortlisted applications are forwarded to DAAD, which makes the final scholarship decision.

Step 6: Pre-departure and Visa Process

Successful applicants receive guidance on enrolment, language courses, housing, and visa processing.

Why iQualify Abroad Recommends DAAD EPOS

iQualify Abroad consistently recommends the EPOS Scholarship to deserving applicants because:

It is fully funded with no financial burden on the student.
Germany offers outstanding academic and research facilities.
Programs focus on real-world challenges and sustainable development.
Graduates gain access to high-impact global career opportunities.
The scholarship enhances both professional and academic profiles.
The experience of studying in Germany delivers long-term career value.

Pakistan produces highly capable graduates who benefit immensely from Germany’s advanced education and research ecosystem.

Application Timeline for 2026/27

The exact deadlines vary by university and program, but the general cycle is:

Program deadlines: July 2025 – October 2025
University shortlisting: Late 2025
DAAD final selection: Early 2026
German language course (if applicable): Mid 2026
Program start: September or October 2026

Applying early is strongly recommended due to competition and document preparation time.

How iQualify Abroad Supports Your Application

iQualify Abroad provides complete guidance through:

Program selection and eligibility assessment
CV and Motivation Letter development
Document preparation and formatting
Application submission assistance
Interview and profile enhancement
Visa preparation and pre-departure support

Our team ensures clarity, accuracy, and competitiveness for every applicant.

Final Thoughts

The DAAD EPOS Scholarship remains one of the most respected and impactful postgraduate opportunities for students seeking to study abroad with full financial support. It offers not only academic excellence but also practical skills, global exposure, and a foundation for future leadership roles in development sectors.

For students in Pakistan aspiring to advance their careers through world-class education, EPOS is a life-changing opportunity — and iQualify Abroad is here to guide you toward success.