DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) Scholarship
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
Application deadline
Check the official page
Overview
EPOS is a scholarship from DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service. It helps graduates from developing and newly industrialised countries do a Master's degree at a state or state-recognised German university. In rare cases a doctoral degree is also funded. India is on DAAD's official list of eligible countries.
This is not an open study-abroad scholarship. You may only apply to the postgraduate courses named in DAAD's official EPOS course list. Most of these courses are taught in English, in subjects such as development economics, engineering, urban planning, agriculture, environmental science and public health.
Who it is for: you need a Bachelor's degree (usually a four-year course) in a related subject, far above-average marks (upper third), and at least two years of relevant work experience after your Bachelor's, counted at the time you apply. Your latest degree should normally not be more than six years old. DAAD says there is no age limit. If you have lived in Germany for more than 15 months on the application deadline, you cannot apply.
What you get: 992 euros a month for graduates, or 1,300 euros for doctoral candidates (1,400 euros from February 2026), plus health, accident and personal liability insurance cover and a travel allowance. Funding runs 12 to 42 months.
How to apply: send your complete application directly to the course or university, not to DAAD. Applications sent to DAAD are not forwarded. You may apply to a maximum of three courses.
At a glance
| Who can apply | PG, PhD |
|---|---|
| Streams | Economic Sciences/Business Administration/Political Economics, Development Cooperation, Engineering and Related Sciences, Regional and Urban Planning, Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Natural and Environmental Sciences, Medicine and Public Health, Social Sciences, Education and Law |
| Category | All |
| Age | — |
| Income limit | — |
| Gender | — |
| States | All India |
| Benefit / amount | Monthly payment of 992 euros for graduates, or 1,300 euros for doctoral candidates (1,400 euros from February 2026). Also includes health, accident and personal liability insurance cover and a travel allowance. Some scholars may additionally get a monthly rent subsidy and a monthly allowance for accompanying family members. |
| Duration | 12 to 42 months (dependent on study programme) |
| Renewable | — |
| Last date | See official page |
| Opened | — |
Documents you'll need
- Completed and signed EPOS checklist
- Completed and signed EPOS application form
- Curriculum vitae in reverse chronological order, with no unexplained gaps (europass template)
- One letter of motivation (academic, professional and personal reasons for applying)
- Letter of recommendation from your current employer, on official letterhead, with signature, official stamp and a current date
- Certificate(s) of employment showing at least two years of relevant work experience after the Bachelor's degree
- Recent proof of language skills (IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught courses; institutional TOEFL is not accepted. German certificate for German-taught courses)
- Copies of your higher education degree certificates, with certified translation if not in German or English
- Copy of your full set of transcript of records, with an explanation of the grading system
How you're selected
Four steps, as stated by DAAD: (1) You send your complete application directly to the postgraduate course you have chosen. (2) A selection committee at the course suggests candidates for a DAAD scholarship. (3) DAAD contacts the suggested candidates and asks them to upload their complete application to the DAAD Portal. (4) The selection is finalised and candidates are informed. Shortlisted applicants have a telephone interview with the university staff, which only the applicant may attend. DAAD states that most of the selection process is finished in March.
FAQs
Who can apply? Graduates from the developing and newly industrialised countries on DAAD's official list, which includes India. You need a Bachelor's degree (normally a four-year course) in a related subject, far above-average marks (upper third), and at least two years of relevant work experience after your Bachelor's at the time of application. Applicants who have lived in Germany for more than 15 months on the application deadline cannot be considered.
Is there an age limit? DAAD's official FAQ says: no age limit, but your latest academic degree should normally not be more than six years old.
How much money do I get? DAAD states monthly payments of 992 euros for graduates, or 1,300 euros for doctoral candidates (1,400 euros beginning February 2026). You also get payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance, and a travel allowance unless your travel is already paid by another source. Some scholars may also receive a monthly rent subsidy and a monthly allowance for family members who come with them.
What is the last date to apply? There is no single deadline. DAAD says the deadline depends on the study programme you choose, so you must check the official EPOS course list and the website of that course. Check the official notification before you plan your application.
How do I apply? Send your complete application directly to the postgraduate course you have chosen. DAAD does not forward applications sent to it. You can apply to up to three courses, listed in order of priority, with one identical motivation letter for all of them. The whole application must be in English or German.
Do I need admission first, and will I still pay fees? No admission letter is needed first. DAAD's FAQ says you do not have to be accepted into the Master's programme before you apply for the scholarship. On fees, DAAD says you do not pay tuition fees, but there may be registration or enrolment fees. Ask the university directly.