The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is offering the EPOS scholarships for the 2025 academic year. These are fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships for graduates and young professionals from developing countries, including Nigeria, to study in Germany.
This program supports postgraduate studies in development-related fields with the aim of contributing to sustainable development in applicants’ home countries.
Scholarship Overview
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Provider: DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
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Country: Germany
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Level: Master’s & PhD
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Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
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Eligible Countries: Nigeria and other developing nations
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Application Deadline: Varies by program (from August to October 2025)
Scholarship Benefits
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Monthly stipend of €934 (Master’s) or €1,200 (PhD)
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Full tuition fee waiver
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Travel allowance (round-trip flights to Germany)
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Health insurance
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Rent subsidies and family support (where applicable)
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German language course (up to 6 months, before the study program starts)
Eligibility Criteria
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Bachelor’s degree with at least second class upper or equivalent
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At least two years of professional work experience after graduation (required)
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Strong motivation to contribute to development back home
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Must not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of application
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Academic degrees must not be older than 6 years
Available Fields of Study
More than 40 eligible programs across top German universities in areas such as:
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Public Policy & Governance
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Sustainable Development & Economics
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Engineering (Renewable Energy, Infrastructure Planning, etc.)
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Environmental Sciences
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Agricultural Economics & Food Security
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Public Health & Social Protection
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Education & Development
Full list of eligible programs:
https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/epos/
Required Documents
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DAAD application form (filled and signed)
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Motivation letter (specific to your chosen course)
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CV (using Europass format)
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Academic certificates and transcripts
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Proof of work experience (signed by employer)
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Recommendation letter from employer
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Passport copy
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English or German language proficiency certificate (depending on course)
How to Apply
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Choose a course from the EPOS list
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Apply directly to the university offering the course, not to DAAD
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Submit both university and DAAD forms + supporting documents
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Deadlines vary between August to October 2025, so check each course deadline
Tip: Your motivation letter should explain how your chosen program will help you solve a development issue in your country. Make it personal, professional, and practical.