University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026: Full Funding for International Students

Applications are now open for the University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026—a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for postgraduate students from developing countries to study in Germany. This scholarship is offered through the DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) program, which supports future leaders with strong academic records and proven professional experience.

If you are looking to study for a Master's or PhD in Germany, especially in the field of Environmental Governance, this scholarship offers comprehensive financial support including full tuition, monthly living stipends, health insurance, and travel costs.

In this article, you will find everything you need to know about this opportunity: eligibility criteria, scholarship benefits, required documents, and a step-by-step application guide.

About the University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship

The DAAD EPOS Scholarship is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and administered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The University of Freiburg participates in this program through its Master of Environmental Governance (MEG) course.

The MEG program is a development-focused postgraduate degree aimed at equipping professionals with advanced knowledge and leadership skills for sustainable governance and environmental management in developing and transitioning countries.

Each year, a limited number of candidates are nominated by the university to DAAD, which makes the final selection and awards the scholarship.

Why Choose the University of Freiburg?

Located in one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious research institutions, the University of Freiburg offers a globally respected academic environment, innovative research facilities, and a vibrant international community.

Studying here gives you access to:

• A world-class faculty in environmental and sustainability sciences

• Cutting-edge research on climate and ecological governance

• A diverse and inclusive student body

• Strong links to policy institutions and NGOs in Europe and beyond

Scholarship Benefits

The DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026 at the University of Freiburg provides full financial support for the entire duration of the Master's or PhD program. The benefits include:

• Full tuition coverage

• Monthly stipend of:

  • €992 for Master’s students

  • €1,300 for doctoral candidates

• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance

• Travel allowance for round-trip international airfare

• Monthly rent subsidy (where applicable)

• Additional allowance for family members accompanying the scholar

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree not older than six years by October 2025

• Have at least two years of full-time, relevant professional experience after completing their undergraduate studies (voluntary work and internships are not accepted)

• Achieve an above-average academic result (typically within the top 30% of your class)

• Must not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months before applying

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to development-related fields

• Submit a compelling motivation letter and a detailed curriculum vitae

Note: Academic employment (e.g., teaching or research assistant) is generally not considered valid professional experience for this scholarship.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents in clear, legible formats. Where original documents are not in English or German, certified translations must be provided:

1. Completed and signed DAAD EPOS checklist

2. DAAD application form (typed or clearly legible)

3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) using the Europass format

4. Motivation letter (max 2 pages), detailing academic, professional, and personal reasons for applying

5. Letter of recommendation from current employer (on official letterhead, with signature and stamp, dated recently)

6. Certificate(s) of employment confirming at least two years of professional experience

7. Proof of language proficiency (English or German, depending on the program)

8. University degree certificate(s) and academic transcripts

9. Copy of passport or national ID

How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these steps carefully to apply for the University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026:

1. Visit the official MEG program website at the University of Freiburg.

2. Download and complete the MEG program application and the DAAD EPOS application form.

3. Prepare all required documents as listed above.

4. Submit your complete application directly to the University of Freiburg by the deadline (see below).

5. If shortlisted, you will be nominated to DAAD for the final selection process.

6. Successful candidates will be notified by DAAD.

Important: Applications must be sent by October 15, 2025. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Deadline for Application

• Application Deadline: October 15, 2025

We strongly encourage applicants to begin preparing their documents as early as possible and to adhere strictly to all submission guidelines.

Final Thoughts

The University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for passionate professionals from developing countries to gain advanced training in sustainable development, environmental governance, and international policy.

With its generous financial support, world-class education, and focus on development impact, this scholarship could be your pathway to a transformative academic and professional journey in Europe.