University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027 in Germany 2026

Applications are now open for the University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027, a fully funded opportunity for young professionals from developing countries to pursue a Master’s degree in Germany. Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) through its prestigious EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) program, this scholarship covers all academic and living expenses, allowing you to focus entirely on your studies at one of Germany’s top universities. If you are looking for a transformative opportunity to advance your career in environmental governance and sustainable development, this is your chance. For more opportunities across Europe, explore fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students.

About the University of Freiburg and the DAAD EPOS Scholarship

The University of Freiburg, founded in 1457, is one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious research universities, consistently ranked among the top institutions in Europe. The DAAD has selected the University of Freiburg’s MSc Environmental Governance (MEG) program as a development-related postgraduate course, making it eligible for EPOS scholarships. This fully funded scholarship is designed to support rigorously selected graduates from developing countries who wish to gain an internationally competitive degree in Germany. The DAAD provides annual scholarship funding for eight students from the Global South, with funding extended until 2032. For similar prestigious opportunities in Germany, check the latest scholarships in Germany for all nationalities.

Available Degree Program

The scholarship is exclusively offered for the Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Governance (MEG) at the University of Freiburg. This is a two-year, full-time program (120 ECTS) taught entirely in English. The MEG program aims to enable students to recognise and understand problematic human-environment relationships and to design and coordinate negotiation processes between the market, the state, and civil society with the goal of sustainable development. Approximately 35 students are selected each year based on criteria of excellence and geographical representation. By 2023, the program had generated approximately 500 graduates from nearly 100 countries.

Eligibility Criteria

The DAAD EPOS Scholarship is highly competitive with strict requirements. Applicants must fulfill both the DAAD EPOS requirements and the admission criteria for the MEG programme. To be eligible, you must:

• Be a citizen of a developing country (as per the DAC list)

• Hold an academic degree that is not older than six years at the time of application (October 2026)

• Have a degree with above-average performance, placing you in the upper third of your class

• Have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience (post-Bachelor) at the time of application

• Note: Internships and voluntary work are not accepted. Employment in academia (teaching or research at a university or research institute) is generally not considered relevant work experience

• Have resided in Germany for no more than 15 months before applying

• If you already hold a Master’s degree, you must make a well-argued case as to why you should be funded for another postgraduate degree

Scholarship Benefits

The DAAD EPOS Scholarship is fully funded and covers all essential expenses:

• Monthly Stipend to cover living costs

• Full tuition fee coverage – DAAD-EPOS Scholarship recipients are exempted from study fees

• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance for full medical coverage

• Travel allowance for flights to and from Germany

• Housing stipend to support accommodation expenses

• Family support for those bringing dependents, if eligible

• Language course (if required) before the start of studies

• No application fee

For a broader view of funding options in Europe, refer to financial aids for students in Europe.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents and merge them into one single PDF file:

1. DAAD Application Form

2. MEG Application Form

3. Letter of Motivation (following the MEG_DAAD Guideline)

4. Curriculum Vitae (CV) in EUROPASS format

5. Transcript of Records (original and certified translation if necessary)

6. University Degree Certificate (original and certified translation if necessary)

7. Certificate for Relevant Professional Experience (minimum 2 years)

8. Two Recommendation Letters (one from current employer, one from an academic supervisor)

9. English Language Certificate – TOEFL iBT 95, IELTS Band 7, Cambridge C1, or PTE Academic 76

10. Signed DAAD Checklist

11. APS Certificate (compulsory for applicants from China, India, and Vietnam)

Important Dates

• Application Opens: 15 June 2026

• Application Deadline: 15 October 2026

• Study Begin: October 2027

Note: The DAAD-EPOS scholarship application must be submitted one year ahead of admission (15 October 2026 for study begin October 2027). The applications for the MEG programme and for the scholarship are linked, meaning that the required documents compose an application for both.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for the University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027:

1. Complete the Online Eligibility Assessment (OEA) to check if you qualify

2. Gather all required documents as listed above

3. Merge all documents into one single PDF file

4. Send the PDF file to info-meg@unr.uni-freiburg.de

5. Ask your referees to send their recommendation letters directly to the same email address

6. Incomplete applications cannot be considered

Selection Process

The selection process has two steps:

1. First, the programme committee of the MEG programme selects candidates

2. Second, the DAAD checks the selection carefully and makes the final decision

Why Choose the University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship?

The University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship stands out for several reasons:

• Academic Excellence: Study at one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious research universities

• Fully Funded: All costs including tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance are covered

• Global Impact: The MEG program prepares future leaders in environmental policy and sustainable development

• Diverse Community: Join a highly diverse cohort of students from nearly 100 countries

• Career Opportunities: German degrees are recognized worldwide, opening doors to international careers

• No Application Fee: Apply without paying anything

For a comprehensive list of study opportunities in Europe, see the list of all open scholarships in Europe.

Final Thoughts

The University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027 is a life-changing opportunity for young professionals from developing countries who are passionate about environmental governance and sustainable development. With full financial support, access to world-class education at a top German university, and a strong network of alumni, this scholarship opens doors to a bright future. The application process is highly competitive, so start preparing your documents today and submit your application before the 15 October 2026 deadline.

Apply Now for University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027