DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027 at University of Freiburg

Applications are open for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027/2028 for the Master of Science in Environmental Governance at the University of Freiburg in Germany. The scholarship is offered through the German Academic Exchange Service under its Development Related Postgraduate Courses programme, which supports qualified professionals from eligible developing countries to pursue postgraduate studies in Germany.

The University of Freiburg’s MSc Environmental Governance is a two year, English taught master’s programme that examines environmental challenges from interdisciplinary perspectives. The programme combines environmental policy, governance, sustainability, social science and practical approaches to understanding and addressing complex environmental problems.

The scholarship is intended for young professionals from eligible developing countries who have strong academic records, relevant professional experience and a clear motivation to contribute to sustainable development. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their studies and professional experience relate to development challenges and how they intend to apply their knowledge after completing the programme.

About the Scholarship

The DAAD EPOS programme supports postgraduate education for professionals from developing and emerging countries. Its objective is to strengthen the knowledge and skills of specialists who can contribute to economic, social and environmental development in their home countries.

For the Freiburg programme, candidates are initially assessed by the MSc Environmental Governance programme committee. Shortlisted candidates then undergo further assessment by DAAD before scholarship recipients are selected.

The MSc Environmental Governance programme is conducted in English and lasts four semesters, with a total of 120 ECTS credits. DAAD EPOS scholarship recipients are exempt from the study fees charged to non European Union students.

Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly scholarship payment of €992 for graduate students

• Health, accident and personal liability insurance coverage

• Travel allowance, unless travel costs are covered by another source

• Possible monthly rent subsidy

• Possible allowance for accompanying family members

• Full exemption from the €1,500 per semester study fee charged to non European Union students in the MSc Environmental Governance programme

• Opportunity to study at the University of Freiburg in Germany

• Two year interdisciplinary master’s education in environmental governance

• International academic and professional learning environment

• Advanced preparation for careers in sustainability, environmental policy, governance, research and development

Programme Areas

The MSc Environmental Governance programme provides interdisciplinary preparation in areas connected to environmental and sustainability challenges. The programme is particularly relevant to applicants interested in:

• Environmental governance

• Sustainable development

• Environmental policy

• Natural resource management

• Climate and environmental challenges

• Sustainability transitions

• Governance and institutional systems

• Environmental management

• Development related environmental issues

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of an eligible developing country included in the DAAD DAC country list

• Hold an academic degree that is not more than six years old at the time of application

• Have at least two years of relevant professional experience after completing the first degree

• Have an above average academic record, normally within the upper third of the graduating class

• Demonstrate professional experience that is relevant to the MSc Environmental Governance programme

• Have resided in Germany for no more than 15 months before the application deadline

• Demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency

• Meet the admission requirements of the MSc Environmental Governance programme

• Demonstrate a clear development related motivation and commitment to contributing to positive change

Required Application Materials

Applicants are required to prepare the following documents:

• DAAD application form

• MSc Environmental Governance application form

• Motivation letter of no more than two pages

• Europass CV with no unexplained gaps

• Bachelor’s transcript of records

• Relevant master’s transcript if applicable

• University degree certificate

• Evidence of at least two years of relevant professional experience

• Two recommendation letters, including one from the current employer and one from an academic teacher or supervisor

• English language certificate

• Signed DAAD checklist

• APS certificate for applicants from China, India and Vietnam where applicable.

Selection Criteria

Selection is highly competitive. Applications are assessed based on academic performance, professional experience, relevance to environmental governance, motivation and the potential contribution of the applicant to development related change.

The programme also considers the quality and relevance of the applicant’s professional background and their ability to successfully complete the master’s programme.

Candidates shortlisted after the initial assessment may be invited for an interview. Final scholarship selection is completed after the interview stage.

How to Apply

1. Review the DAAD EPOS requirements and the admission requirements for the MSc Environmental Governance programme.
2. Confirm that your country is included among the eligible DAAD developing countries.
3. Complete the online eligibility assessment required by the University of Freiburg.
4. Prepare the DAAD application form and MSc Environmental Governance application form.
5. Prepare your motivation letter, Europass CV, academic records and degree certificates.
6. Obtain official evidence showing at least two years of relevant professional experience.
7. Arrange for your two referees to prepare and send their recommendation letters directly to the University of Freiburg.
8. Obtain the required English language certificate or confirm whether you qualify for an exemption.
9. Complete and sign the DAAD checklist.
10. Merge the required documents into one PDF file according to the University of Freiburg instructions.
11. Submit the complete application through the University of Freiburg application process.
12. Ensure that all required materials and referee letters are received by October 15, 2026.