In 2024, I applied for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship for the 2025 intake, but my application was unsuccessful. Later in 2025, I reviewed 20+ failed applications and interviewed three successful applicants: two students from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and one student from the University of Benin (UNIBEN). Here are my findings.
DAAD Scholarship Summary
Host Country: Germany
Eligible Degree: Masters, PhD (Development-Related Courses – EPOS)
Eligible Countries: Nigeria and other developing countries
Reward: €992/month for Masters, €1,300/month for PhD + Health Insurance + Travel Allowance + No Tuition Fee
IELTS: Not compulsory. You can submit English Proficiency Letter from your university
Deadline: October 15, 2026 (Varies by course – some courses close August 2026)
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship is the main DAAD route that Nigerians use to study free in Germany. It is different from the general DAAD database that lists over 200 scholarships you may not qualify for.
If you are a graduate with 2 years work experience, this is the one to focus on for 2027 intake.
What is DAAD EPOS?
DAAD does not fund undergraduate students. For postgraduate, the most relevant for Nigerians is “Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)”
Under EPOS, German universities offer specific Masters courses funded by DAAD. You don’t apply to DAAD directly, you apply to the university that offers the course, and they nominate you to DAAD.
This is one of the reasons I got rejected when I first applied. I applied directly to DAAD instead of first to the university.
DAAD Scholarship Benefits 2027 – Real Value in Nigeria Naira
This is what you actually get:
– Monthly Stipend (Masters): €992 Approximately ₦1,514,883 as at today’s exchange rate of ₦1,514/€. That is enough for rent and living in small cities like Bonn, but tight in Munich
– Monthly Stipend (PhD): €1,300 Approximately ₦1,968,200
– Health, Accident, Liability Insurance: Fully covered. Compulsory in Germany, you don’t pay
– Travel Allowance: One-time payment. Covers flight from Lagos to Germany
– Study Allowance: €460 or #696,440/year for books and research
– Tuition Fee: 100% free. You only pay ~€150 that is #227,100 semester contribution
Three (3 ) DAAD EPOS Courses Nigerians Won Last Year (2026 Intake)
Don’t apply randomly. These three have high acceptance for Nigerians with HND/BSc background:
- MSc. WASH – University of Applied Sciences, Hof – For Civil Engineering / Public Health background. Requires 2 years in the water sector.
- MSc. Development Management – Ruhr University Bochum – For Economics / Social Science / Management. Very popular with Nigerians from NGOs.
- MSc. Renewable Energy – University of Oldenburg – For Engineering / Physics background.
Full list of 39 EPOS courses is here
Who Can Apply? (Check Before You Waste Time)
– You must have a Bachelor’s degree not older than 6 years (i.e. 2020 or later for 2027 intake)
– You must have at least 2 years of proven work experience AFTER your degree. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) counts if you have a letter.
– Your degree must be at least Second Class Upper (2:1) for most courses, but some accept 2:2 with strong work experience.
Documents You Need (In This Order)
Most universities want you to arrange it like this:
- DAAD Application Form (Download from DAAD website – signed and dated)
- Europass CV – Use Europass CV format, don’t use regular CV format. German universities reject regular CVs.
- Motivation Letter (max 2 pages) – Don’t write generic stories. Structure: 1st paragraph – your current job problem in Nigeria, 2nd paragraph – how this specific course will help you solve it, 3rd paragraph – your 5-year plan after returning to Nigeria.
- Recommendation letter from employer – Must be on company letterhead, with stamp.
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of work experience (Employment letters)
- English Proficiency Letter from your university if you studied in English.
How to Apply for DAAD 2027 – Step by Step
Step 1: Go to the official EPOS list and pick ONE course that matches your first degree.
Step 2: Open the university’s own website for that course. Read the “Application Procedure” page. They will tell you to send documents directly to the course coordinator via email or online portal.
Step 3: Send your application to the university between August 1 – October 15, 2026 (deadline depends on course).
Step 4: If the university selects you, they will forward your name to DAAD. DAAD makes the final funding decision by February 2027.
Do NOT apply through the DAAD portal first. Apply to the university.
Why Most Nigerians Fail
From reviewing over 20 failed applications last year, these are common mistakes:
– Applying for a course that has nothing to do with their work. If you studied Biochemistry and work in a bank, applying for Renewable Energy will be rejected.
– Using the same motivation letter for all courses.
– No proof of community impact. DAAD wants to see you solving a problem in Nigeria, not just japa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can HND holders apply?
Yes, but you need to check each course. WASH at Hof and some management courses accept HND with 3+ years experience.
Is the age limit real?
DAAD says there is no strict age limit, but EPOS courses prefer applicants under 36. If you are 38+, you need exceptionally strong experience.
Can I apply with 2:2?
Yes, if you have 3+ years relevant work experience and strong recommendation from your employer.
Final Note
I last checked all links and deadlines on September 21, 2026. DAAD updates deadlines without notice, so confirm from the university course page before applying.
If you need help choosing a course that matches your BSc/HND background, drop your course and year of graduation in the comments.
Official Links:
Official DAAD EPOS Courses List: Click here
Pharm Tochi Ugwu is the Founder and Lead Author at Scholarshipinfor.com. He is a licensed pharmacist and graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu.
With hands-on experience in community pharmacy, hospital internship, and locum practice across Nigeria, he writes practical, experience-based guides on pharmacy internship placement, locum jobs, licensure, Remote Jobs and scholarships for Nigerian pharmacy and medical students.
His goal is to help pharmacy students navigate internship placement challenges in Nigeria and secure opportunities faster. He is Igbo by tribe, from Enugu State, Nigeria