DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027–2028 — Master’s in International and Development Economics (MIDE) Overview
If you are a young professional from a developing or newly industrialized country with a passion for economics, development policy, or international trade, the DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027–2028 could be your gateway to a world-class graduate education in Germany — completely free of charge. Offered by the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) in partnership with HTW Berlin University of Applied Sciences, this prestigious scholarship funds a 17-month, fully English-taught Master’s programme in International and Development Economics (MIDE), starting April 2027.
The DAAD EPOS (Education for Sustainable Development) initiative is specifically designed to invest in future leaders from the Global South — professionals who will return home and drive meaningful change in their communities and national economies. With full financial coverage and a rigorous academic curriculum, the DAAD EPOS MIDE Scholarship is one of the most competitive and rewarding opportunities available for students from Africa, Asia, the Arab world, and Latin America.
If you are also exploring other fully funded opportunities in Europe, you may want to check out the TUM Scholarship for International Students 2026–2027, which is another excellent German university scholarship worth considering alongside this programme.
Programme Details at a Glance
- Scholarship Name: DAAD EPOS Scholarship — Master’s in International and Development Economics (MIDE)
- Host Institution: HTW Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Germany
- Provider: Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)
- Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.) in International and Development Economics
- Programme Duration: 17 months (April 2027 – August 2028)
- Language of Instruction: English (fully English-taught)
- Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria for the DAAD EPOS MIDE Scholarship
Before you invest time in your application, it is critical to confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements set by DAAD for the 2027–2028 cohort. The scholarship is competitive, and only candidates who fully qualify will be considered.
Who Can Apply?
- Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of eligible developing countries or newly industrialized countries. This includes nations across Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Latin America.
- Academic Qualification: You must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, including economics, development studies, engineering, business administration, political science, or other development-related fields.
- Professional Experience: A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in a development-related field after completing your undergraduate degree is required.
- English Proficiency: Since the MIDE programme is fully taught in English, you must demonstrate strong English language skills through recognized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent proof.
- Age: Applicants should ideally be under 36 years of age at the time of application (DAAD’s general guideline for development-related scholarships).
- Home Return Commitment: Candidates must demonstrate a clear commitment to returning to their home country after graduation to contribute to development-related work.
Scholarship Benefits and Funding Package
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027–2028 is genuinely fully funded — covering virtually every financial aspect of your studies and stay in Germany. Here is a complete breakdown of what you will receive:
- Monthly Stipend: €992 per month to cover living expenses in Berlin
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of all tuition and programme fees at HTW Berlin
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance for the duration of the scholarship
- Travel Allowance: A lump-sum travel grant to cover your flight to and from Germany
- Family Allowance: Additional financial support may be provided if you have dependants accompanying you
- Study and Research Subsidy: Additional allowances for study materials and research-related expenses
Together, these benefits make the DAAD EPOS MIDE Scholarship one of the most comprehensive funding packages available for international postgraduate students heading to Germany.
About the MIDE Programme at HTW Berlin
The Master’s in International and Development Economics (MIDE) at HTW Berlin is a practice-oriented, application-focused programme designed for young professionals who want to deepen their understanding of global economic systems, trade, development finance, and policy design. The curriculum blends economic theory with real-world development challenges, making it especially relevant for those who plan to work with international organizations, governments, NGOs, or development banks after graduation.
HTW Berlin is one of Germany’s largest universities of applied sciences, offering a dynamic and internationally diverse academic environment in the heart of the German capital. Berlin itself is a thriving hub of culture, innovation, and global institutions — an ideal city to grow both professionally and personally.
How to Apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027–2028
The application process for the DAAD EPOS MIDE Scholarship involves two parallel steps: applying to HTW Berlin for programme admission and applying to DAAD for the scholarship funding. Follow these steps carefully:
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Check Eligibility: Carefully review all nationality, academic, and professional experience requirements before starting your application.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather all required documents well in advance of the deadline (see document list below).
- Apply to HTW Berlin: Submit your programme application directly to HTW Berlin University of Applied Sciences for the MIDE Master’s programme.
- Apply to DAAD: Complete your DAAD scholarship application through the DAAD portal, referencing the EPOS programme for MIDE at HTW Berlin.
- Submit Before the Deadline: Ensure all materials are submitted no later than August 31, 2026.
Required Documents
- Completed DAAD application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) in DAAD or Europass format
- Motivation letter / Statement of purpose
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Two academic or professional letters of recommendation
- Proof of at least two years of relevant professional experience
- Copy of your passport (bio data page)
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
- Programme Start: April 2027
- Expected Programme End: August 2028
With the deadline set for August 31, 2026, applicants have a reasonable preparation window — but do not underestimate how long it takes to gather certified documents, secure recommendation letters, and craft a compelling motivation letter. Start early.
Tips for a Successful DAAD EPOS Application
Competition for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship is intense. Use these strategic tips to make your application stand out:
- Tailor your motivation letter: DAAD wants to fund professionals who will return home and make a tangible development impact. Be specific about your career goals, your home country’s development challenges, and how the MIDE programme will equip you to address them.
- Quantify your professional experience: Use numbers and outcomes to demonstrate the impact of your work experience. Vague descriptions will not impress evaluators.
- Choose recommenders strategically: Select referees who know your professional and academic work well, and who can speak specifically to your potential as a development economics leader.
- Meet the language requirements early: If you haven’t yet taken an English proficiency test, schedule it immediately — scores can take weeks to process and send.
- Review DAAD’s development goals: Familiarize yourself with DAAD’s EPOS framework and align your personal statement with its principles of sustainable development and Global South advancement.
For those who are also interested in fellowships that support professionals from developing countries, the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders 2027 is another outstanding fully funded opportunity worth exploring alongside the DAAD EPOS scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I apply if I am already residing in Germany or another developed country?
Generally, DAAD EPOS scholarships are intended for nationals of developing and newly industrialized countries who are resident in their home countries or in other eligible countries. Applicants already living permanently in a high-income OECD country may not qualify. Check the specific eligibility guidelines on the DAAD website for your nationality.
2. Is work experience strictly required, or can recent graduates apply?
The DAAD EPOS MIDE Scholarship specifically requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience after your Bachelor’s degree. This is a firm requirement — recent graduates without sufficient work experience will not be eligible for this particular scholarship.
3. Which countries are considered “eligible developing countries” for this scholarship?
DAAD maintains an official list of eligible countries, which typically includes nations across Sub-Saharan Africa (e.g., Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania), North Africa (e.g., Egypt, Morocco), the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia (e.g., Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam), Central Asia, and Latin America (e.g., Colombia, Bolivia, Peru). Always verify your country’s eligibility on the DAAD database before applying.
4. Is the MIDE programme at HTW Berlin fully taught in English?
Yes. The Master’s in International and Development Economics (MIDE) at HTW Berlin is a 100% English-taught programme. You do not need to speak German to participate, though basic German language skills can be beneficial for daily life in Berlin.
5. Can I apply for other DAAD scholarships simultaneously?
DAAD generally does not allow applicants to hold multiple DAAD scholarships at the same time. If you are considering other fully funded opportunities, it is worth exploring programmes with different funding bodies. For example, the African Union Mwalimu Nyerere Scholarship 2026 is an excellent alternative for African students seeking fully funded postgraduate study.
Apply Now for the DAAD EPOS MIDE Scholarship 2027–2028
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027–2028 for the Master’s in International and Development Economics at HTW Berlin is a rare, fully funded opportunity for ambitious professionals from the developing world to gain world-class expertise in international economics — and bring it home. With a generous stipend, complete tuition coverage, health insurance, and travel support, there is no financial barrier standing between you and this transformative experience.
The deadline is August 31, 2026. Do not wait. Start preparing your documents, refining your motivation letter, and reaching out to your recommenders today.