Last verified on: September 23, 2025

Overview: What the Program Is, Who Runs It, Purpose

• What it is: The DAAD offers several scholarship programmes for international postgraduate students, including Study Scholarships – Master’s Studies for All Academic Disciplines and Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) among others. These enable graduates to study in Germany on a fully funded basis. (DAAD)

• Who runs it: The German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, DAAD), under funding from German federal ministries, is the organizer. (DAAD)

• Purpose: To promote international exchange, support capacity building, and enable graduates from abroad (especially from developing or newly industrialised countries) to gain advanced skills and contribute to their fields and home countries. EPOS in particular emphasises development-related postgraduate education. (DAAD)

Benefits / Funding: Amounts, Duration, What Is / Isn’t Covered

Eligibility

• Citizenship / Residency: Open to international applicants from countries outside Germany; many programmes particularly target graduates from developing or newly industrialised countries. (DAAD)

• Academic level: Usually a completed first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) required before funding begins. For doctoral programmes, a master’s degree is required unless exceptional cases. (DAAD)

• Fields of study: Most disciplines are eligible under “Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines,” while some programmes (EPOS, Helmut-Schmidt, etc.) have thematic or development-oriented focus. (DAAD)

• Professional or work experience: For some DAAD programmes—especially EPOS / development-related postgraduate courses—applicants must have at least two years of professional experience. (DAAD)

• Time since last degree: The last university degree usually must not be older than six years at the time of application. (daad.org)

• Language proficiency: Proof of sufficient language skills in either English or German, depending on programme. Some German-taught or bilingual programmes may require German knowledge (e.g. DSH / TestDaF). (DAAD)

• Ineligibilities / limitations: As of last verification, official sources do not clearly specify upper age limits in most programmes. Some programmes may exclude applicants whose last degree is very old (over 6 years) unless exceptional justification is provided. Also note not all programmes offer doctoral funding and not all fields have EPOS opportunities. (nesplatform.com)

Timeline & Deadlines

• Application periods & deadlines: Vary by programme and by field. For many master’s-level, DAAD’s “Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines” deadline is October 31, 2025 for many countries. (daad.org)

• EPOS / development-related postgraduate course deadlines also vary, often around September-November 2025 for programmes starting in late 2025 or 2026. (DAAD)

• Results / selection timing: After application deadlines, selection takes place and notification can come several months later (often in spring before the study start date in autumn). (daad.org)

• Programme start date: Many funded programmes begin about 1 October 2026, or earlier if a language course (German) is included. (DAAD)

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Search for the specific scholarship programme suited to you

   • Use the official DAAD Scholarship Database (“stipendien.daad.de” or the English version) to find relevant programmes (Master, EPOS, disciplinary/special programme). (DAAD)

2. Check your eligibility in detail

   • Field, citizenship of eligible country, whether you have the required professional experience, language requirements.

3. Prepare required documents (see next section) early, including transcripts, CV, etc.

4. Register or login to the DAAD application portal

   • Follow instructions in the selected scholarship’s call; some calls have their own forms/checklists. (DAAD)

5. Submit the online application before the deadline

   • Fill in all required fields; upload or link all required documents. Some programmes may require letters of recommendation, proof of work experience, motivation letter, research proposal (for PhD).

6. If required, attend interview or selection test

   • Some programmes shortlist and may conduct interviews, especially for more competitive or thematic scholarships.

7. Upon selection, fulfil any post-selection requirements

   • Accept the scholarship, present official certificates if pending, enroll in the university, arrange visa, possibly language course, etc.

Required Documents Checklist

Here are documents commonly required for DAAD postgraduate scholarship applications (master’s or EPOS):

• Completed DAAD application form / scholarship-specific form/checklist.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV), often in Europass or similar format.

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates (Bachelor’s or Master’s as relevant), including grading system explanations. If the degree is not yet completed, a certificate of completion or proof of enrollment.

• Proof of language proficiency: English (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL) or German (DSH, TestDaF, or other accepted certificate).

• Motivation letter / statement of purpose: why the programme, what goals, how study in Germany fits in.

• Research proposal (for PhD / research-oriented scholarships) or study plan (for Master’s).

• Letters of recommendation (academic or employer) — usually 2.

• Proof of professional / work experience (if required).

• Passport copy.

• Additional certificates (if applicable): for German courses, previous scholarship, publications, awards, etc.

Selection Criteria & What Reviewers Look For

• Academic merit: Grades, quality of degree, relevance of previous academic work.

• Clarity and feasibility of study or research plan: How well you articulate your objectives, how your project / chosen programme is aligned.

• Motivation: Personal, professional, and/or development-oriented motivations; commitment to using knowledge afterward.

• Professional experience (if required): For EPOS and comparable programmes that target working professionals.

• Language skills: Both English and/or German, as needed by the programme.

• Relevance to development or impact (if programme is development-oriented): For EPOS etc., a candidate’s potential to contribute to their home country or region in meaningful ways.

• Completeness and professionalism of application: Properly prepared documents, no missing pieces, following instructions, formatting, signatures.

Practical Tips to Strengthen an Application

• Start early: obtaining transcripts, recommendation letters, translations, language test results may take weeks.

• Tailor motivation letter / research proposal to the specific programme: mention professors, modules, or research labs in Germany.

• If applying for EPOS or development-related programmes, highlight any relevant work, volunteer service, projects.

• Be clear about language proficiency: even if programme is English-taught, showing German (if you have) can help.

• If you do not yet have final degree certificate, secure a proof of completion well in advance.

• Get strong referees who know your academic or professional work well and can write detailed letters.

• Pay attention to formatting, deadlines, checklists: missed documents or misformatted ones often lead to disqualification.

• Be realistic in your choice of universities or programmes but also show ambition.

Official Links & Apply Now

• DAAD Scholarship Database – find scholarship programmes and official calls (English) – “Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines” etc. (DAAD stipendien / scholarship database)
  (raw URL: https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/ … then search the specific programme) (DAAD)

• DAAD overview page “DAAD Scholarships – An Overview” gives general information on eligibility, benefits, and types. (DAAD)

• DAAD EPOS programme page (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) for specific detailed rules. (DAAD)

• For Helmut-Schmidt Programme: its specific page at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, etc. (Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg (H-BRS))

Apply now: Use the DAAD Scholarship Database online application portal relevant to your chosen scholarship. (raw URL: https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/) (DAAD)

FAQ (3-5 Q&A)

1. Can I apply if I’m awaiting my final Bachelor’s degree result?
   Many DAAD programmes allow applicants who have completed their coursework but have not yet received the official degree certificate, provided you can submit proof that the degree has been completed by the start of funding. Check the specific call. (DAAD)

2. Does having work experience always help or is it required?
   For general master’s scholarships (“All Academic Disciplines”) work experience is usually not mandatory. For EPOS or development-oriented programmes, it is typically required (often 2 years). (DAAD)

3. Can I hold another scholarship or combine funding sources?
   Policies vary, but often DAAD requires that other funding is declared; combining may be possible if there is no overlap in funding for the same expenses. You must check the terms of the specific scholarship programme you apply for. As of last verification, official pages do not universally say “no dual funding,” but conditions may restrict it. (DAAD)

4. Is knowing German necessary?
   Not always. Many programmes are offered in English. However, knowing German can strengthen your application, especially if parts of the programme or study environment require it. Some programmes also include mandatory German language courses before or during studies. (DAAD)

5. What happens after selection? Are there additional formalities?
   Yes. After you get the scholarship offer, you may need to provide certified degree certificates, enroll in the German university, secure visa, possibly attend preparatory German language courses. Also, DAAD may require progress reports (for multi-year grants) to continue funding. (DAAD)

Call to Action

Interested applicants should now visit the official DAAD Scholarship Database, identify the programme best matching your background (e.g. Master’s, EPOS), and complete the online application before the applicable deadline. Use the official portal here:

DAAD Scholarship Database – find your postgraduate programme (raw URL: https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/) (DAAD)

Disclaimer: While this article reflects information verified as of September 23, 2025, DAAD may update deadlines, amounts, or eligibility. Always check the relevant official programme page and call documents for the most current details.