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DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027: MSc Development Economics at University of Göttingen

The DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027 supports selected professionals from the Global South to pursue development-related postgraduate study. The scholarship enables candidates to apply for the MSc Development Economics at the University of Göttingen, with six to seven awards available annually.

October 13, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Nov 15, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryGermany
University/OrgUniversity of Göttingen
Degree LevelMasters
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyDevelopment Economics, Development Studies, Economics
DeadlineNovember 15, 2026

Scholarship Overview

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You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

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What Is the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?

The DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded award offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) under its Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) scheme. It supports rigorously selected professionals from the Global South—including Zimbabwe and other SADC countries—to complete development-related master’s programmes at selected German universities.

The MSc Development Economics at the University of Göttingen is one of the eligible programmes under this scheme. The scholarship covers six to seven students each year, providing comprehensive financial support for the duration of study.

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Scholarship Benefits

The DAAD EPOS scholarship provides individual funding that typically includes:

  • Full tuition coverage for the MSc Development Economics programme
  • Monthly living allowance
  • Health insurance
  • Travel allowance
  • Study and research allowance
  • German language course (intensive course in August–September before programme start)

Exact benefit amounts are determined by DAAD guidelines and are not published in advance by the University of Göttingen.

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Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship for MSc Development Economics, you must meet three sets of requirements:

1. Programme Requirements

Fulfill all general admission requirements for the MSc Development Economics at the University of Göttingen. These include academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and any programme-specific prerequisites.

2. DAAD Requirements

Satisfy all eligibility criteria specified by DAAD for EPOS scholarships. These criteria are published on the official DAAD website and typically include:

  • Professional experience in a development-related field
  • Bachelor’s degree completed within the last six years
  • Residence in a country of the Global South
  • Commitment to return to your home region after completing the degree

3. Application Documentation

Submit all required documents for both the programme and the EPOS scholarship. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Timeline

The DAAD EPOS Scholarship operates on a strict annual cycle:

Phase Period
Application window October 1 – November 15 each year
Selection and interviews January – March
Decision notification Mid-March
German language course August – September
Programme start October (winter term)

Critical note: EPOS scholarship holders can only start in the winter term (October). Applications received after November 15 will be rejected regardless of reason.

How to Apply

The application process is entirely online through the University of Göttingen’s Application Portal. Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Create Your Account

During the application period (October 1 – November 15), visit the Application Portal via the Information on the Application and Admission Procedures webpage. Create an account with your email address and preferred password. Enter the verification code sent to your email. Keep your login credentials secure.

Step 2: Complete Your Profile

Fill in your application profile with required information. This profile is completed once and applies to all applications you submit.

Step 3: Select Your Programme

On the homepage, choose ‘Regular Procedure’. This directs you to a list of available programmes. Find ‘Development Economics with DAAD EPOS SCHOLARSHIP’ and click ‘Start Application’.

Step 4: Complete the Three-Step Application

The application consists of three sections:

  • Acquired skills: Detail your academic and professional background
  • Further declarations: Provide required statements and confirmations
  • Documents: Upload all required programme and DAAD documents

Fill in all requested information accurately and completely before proceeding to each next step.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Upload all required documents in the final step. Once complete, click ‘Submit Application’. Successful submission is confirmed when the ‘Start Application’ button changes to ‘Application Submitted’ on the course list page.

Required Documents

You must prepare two categories of documents:

  • Programme documents: Academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, motivation letter, proof of English proficiency, and other MSc Development Economics requirements
  • DAAD documents: Additional forms and certifications specified by DAAD for EPOS applicants

Exact document lists are available on the university’s ‘Required application documents (EPOS)’ page and in the application guide PDF. Review these carefully—missing documents result in automatic rejection.

Selection Process

Applications undergo rigorous evaluation by both the University of Göttingen and DAAD. The process includes:

  1. Document review and academic assessment
  2. Shortlisting of qualified candidates
  3. Virtual interviews (approximately 15 minutes) for shortlisted applicants
  4. Final selection and notification

With only six to seven scholarships available annually, competition is intense. Strong professional experience in development-related work and clear motivation for returning to contribute to your home region strengthen your application.

Contact Information

For questions not covered in official documentation, contact:

Ann-Charline Weber
EPOS Study Coordinator
Chair of Development Economics / Centre for Modern Indian Studies (CeMIS)
Email: epos-devecon@uni-goettingen.de

Tips for Zimbabwe and SADC Applicants

  • Begin preparing documents early—transcript verification and English test scheduling take time
  • Emphasize development-related professional experience in your application
  • Clearly articulate how the degree will benefit your home community upon return
  • Ensure your bachelor’s degree completion date falls within DAAD’s six-year window
  • Check the DAAD website for any country-specific requirements or information sessions

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

Full tuition, monthly living allowance, health insurance, travel allowance, study and research allowance, and intensive German language course

Eligibility Criteria

Professionals from Global South countries with bachelor's degree completed within last six years, development-related professional experience, meeting all MSc Development Economics and DAAD EPOS requirements

Required Documents

Academic transcripts and certificates, CV, motivation letter, proof of English proficiency, DAAD-specific application forms and documents as detailed on university's required documents page

Application Process

Create account on Application Portal during Oct 1-Nov 15 window, complete profile, select 'Development Economics with DAAD EPOS SCHOLARSHIP' under Regular Procedure, complete three-step application (skills, declarations, documents), upload all required documents, submit before deadline
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The University of Göttingen offers only six to seven EPOS scholarships annually for the MSc Development Economics, making competition intense. Success depends on strong academic records, relevant professional experience in development-related fields, compelling motivation letters, and alignment with DAAD's return-to-home-region requirement. Shortlisted candidates undergo 15-minute virtual interviews between January and March.
The DAAD EPOS scholarship is fully funded. It covers full tuition, monthly living allowance, health insurance, travel costs, and study/research allowances. Additionally, scholarship holders receive an intensive German language course in August–September before the October programme start. You should not need additional funding, though personal funds for initial arrival expenses may be prudent.
Yes, professional experience is required and employer support can strengthen your application. However, DAAD requires scholarship holders to return to their home region for at least two years after completing the degree. Ensure your employer understands this commitment, as DAAD enforces return obligations. A letter from your employer supporting your study leave and return plans is valuable.
Late applications are automatically rejected regardless of reason. The application portal only opens October 1–November 15 annually. There are no exceptions, extensions, or alternative deadlines. Mark your calendar with multiple reminders and submit at least several days before the deadline to account for technical issues or document upload problems.
No German language skills are required to apply. The MSc Development Economics is taught in English. However, EPOS scholarship holders must participate in an intensive German language course in August–September before the October programme start. This course is fully funded and designed to prepare you for daily life in Germany.
No. EPOS scholarship holders can only begin the MSc Development Economics in the winter term (October). The scholarship structure includes the mandatory German language course in August–September, making October the only possible start date. If you cannot commit to this timeline, you must wait for the next application cycle.