For ambitious professionals from developing regions aiming to advance their careers through postgraduate studies in sustainability and governance, the DAAD/EPOS 2025 Scholarship offers a powerful opportunity.
This funding is specifically aligned with the MSc in Environmental Governance (MEG) at the University of Freiburg, Germany—a highly respected program focused on equipping future leaders to manage ecological and policy challenges.
Selected candidates not only receive financial support but also gain access to one of Germany’s top academic environments.
What makes this award particularly competitive is its two-step selection process involving both the MEG committee and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), which ensures only the most committed and qualified applicants are awarded.
Scholarship Overview – Quick Facts
| Aspect | Details |
| Program Name | DAAD/EPOS Scholarship for MSc in Environmental Governance |
| Target Group | Early-career professionals from DAC-listed countries |
| Institution | University of Freiburg, Germany |
| Funding Body | German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) |
| Study Level | Master’s Degree (MSc) |
| Application Window | 1 July 2025 – 15 October 2025 |
| Course Start | October 2026 |
| Scholarship Type | Development-Oriented Postgraduate Studies (EPOS) |
| Financial Coverage | Fully funded (tuition, travel, monthly stipend, health insurance) |
Who Should Apply?
The scholarship targets individuals who meet the following conditions:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (not older than six years as of October 2025)
- Have completed at least two years of full-time professional work in a relevant field (voluntary and internship experience does not count)
- Have an academic record placing them in the top one-third of their class
- Have not resided in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of application
- If already holding a master’s degree, one must justify the need for another
Important: Work in research or teaching is typically not recognised unless strongly justified.
How to Apply for the DAAD/EPOS Scholarship 2025
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Applicants are encouraged to complete the Online Eligibility Assessment (OEA) before applying. This tool provides clarity on whether you meet the program and scholarship requirements. OEA closes on October 1, 2025.
Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
All documents must be combined into a single PDF file and submitted via the official MEG online application form (available from 1 July 2025).
For more details, visit the official website here.
Required Documents Checklist:
- DAAD Application Form (ensure consistent details across all documents)
- MEG Online Application Form
- Motivation Letter (2 pages max, dated, tailored to MEG & scholarship)
- CV in EUROPASS format (no gaps, reverse chronological order)
- Academic Transcript with numeric GPA and official grading scale
- Degree Certificate (translated if not in German or English)
- Proof of Professional Experience (minimum 2 years; official letter required)
- Two Recommendation Letters:
- One from current employer
- One from academic supervisor
- Sent directly by referees to info-meg@unr.uni-freiburg.de
- Proof of English Proficiency (TOEFL iBT 95 / IELTS Band 7 / Cambridge C1 / PTE 76)
- Signed DAAD Checklist
- APS Certificate (only for applicants from India, China, and Vietnam)
Upload all documents in the correct order. Incomplete or incorrectly compiled applications will not be considered.
Application Timeline
| Phase | Deadline |
| Online Application Opens | 1 July 2025 |
| DAAD/MEG Application Deadline | 15 October 2025 |
| Online Eligibility Assessment Ends | 1 October 2025 |
| Language Test Result Submission | Latest by 31 October 2025 |
| First Selection Result Notification | End of January 2026 |
| Final Interviews | Early February 2026 |
| Final Selection Outcome | Mid-February 2026 |
Interview and Final Selection
Applicants shortlisted after the initial review will be contacted for an interview. Only those who pass the interview stage will be considered for the final scholarship decision.
Selection is competitive and considers academic excellence, professional relevance, motivation, and clarity of goals.
FAQs
Can I apply to more than one DAAD-EPOS program?
Yes, up to three. However, you must include a second motivation letter explaining your priority order, and list all programs on the DAAD form. Missing this step will disqualify your application.
Are digital signatures accepted?
Only for certain documents. The DAAD checklist must have a handwritten signature. Recommendation letters must also be signed and stamped, or digitally verified with an explanation if a stamp isn’t available.
What is considered acceptable proof of work experience?
Only official letters that clearly state your job title, tasks, and the exact dates of employment. Contracts or payslips alone are not sufficient.
Can I apply if my Master’s degree is complete?
Yes, but you must justify the need for a second postgraduate degree and how it aligns with your career goals.
Do I need to submit a separate DAAD application?
No. The MEG application serves both purposes—DAAD and program admission—when submitted correctly with all the listed documents.
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