DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)

In short

DAAD offers EPOS scholarships for study at selected universities in Germany. They support Master's and PhD study in development-related fields. Somali applicants are eligible if they meet the course and scholarship requirements.

What it covers

Funding includes a monthly allowance, travel support and health, accident and personal liability insurance. Rent and family allowances may be available in some cases; accommodation is only partly covered.

• Tuition feesNot stated
• Living allowanceIncluded
• TravelIncluded
• Health insuranceIncluded
• Visa costsNot stated
• AccommodationPartly
• FamilyPartly

Monthly payments of €992 for graduates or €1,400 for doctoral candidates (from February 2026), a travel allowance, health, accident and personal liability insurance and, in certain cases, a rent subsidy and family allowances, for 12 to 42 months depending on the course.

Only what the official source states. "Not stated" means we could not confirm it, not that it is excluded.

Who can apply

Graduates from developing and emerging countries on the DAAD list, including Somalia, can apply for selected courses. You need a relevant bachelor's degree and at least two years of related work experience after it.

• Somalia is on the DAAD list of eligible countries.
• Apply to one of the selected development-related courses.
• Have a relevant bachelor's degree, usually a four-year course.
• Your academic results must be in the upper third.
• Your academic degree should normally be no more than six years old.
• Have at least two years of relevant work experience after your bachelor's degree.
• Provide IELTS or TOEFL for courses taught in English.
• For German-taught courses, have B1 German at application and DSH 2 or TestDaF 4 before study.

Academic requirement

A bachelor's degree (usually a four-year course) in a relevant subject with far above-average results (upper third), normally not more than six years old.

Work experience

At least two years of relevant professional experience after the bachelor's degree.

Selection

The university pre-selects; a DAAD committee awards the scholarships.

English requirement

IELTS or TOEFL required

For courses taught in English, IELTS or TOEFL is required; institutional TOEFL is not accepted. Courses taught in German require German-language proof, starting at B1, with DSH 2 or TestDaF 4 before the course begins.

For courses taught in English, DAAD asks for an IELTS or TOEFL result (institutional TOEFL is not accepted). Courses taught in German require German (B1 to start, DSH 2 or TestDaF 4 before the course begins).

Never assume IELTS is needed. Only the official page and the university you apply to decide.

Documents you will need

• Application form
• CV
• Motivation letter / personal statement
• Recommendation (reference) letters
• Proof of work experience
• Degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• English test result (IELTS or TOEFL)

DAAD application form, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letter(s), your employer's confirmation of work experience, certificates and transcripts and a language certificate. You apply directly to the chosen course, not to DAAD.

How to apply

1. 1Read the official page and check the selected courses and their deadlines.
2. 2Choose a course and follow its application instructions.
3. 3Prepare the application form, CV, motivation letter and recommendation letter.
4. 4Gather proof of work experience, degree certificates, transcripts and your language certificate.
5. 5Submit your complete application directly to the chosen course before its deadline.
6. 6If shortlisted, upload your documents to the DAAD Portal when contacted.

Important notes

• Deadlines vary by course. Apply directly to the chosen course, not to DAAD.
• If shortlisted, DAAD will ask you to upload your complete application to its portal.
• The selection is competitive, and places are limited for each course.

Official source

ZitTalent explains; the official website decides. Always check the official page before you apply, and apply only there.

The explanation was written by AI from the verified facts and the official page, then checked by fixed rules: any amount, date, score or document the source does not state is removed.