Ruhr University DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026, Germany (Fully Funded) | Study in Germany for Free!
Dreaming of studying in Germany for free?
Here’s your chance: Applications are now open for the Ruhr University DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026! This fully funded opportunity invites passionate students from around the world to pursue a Master’s degree in Development Management at one of Germany’s top public universities — Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB).
Germany, famous for its tuition-free universities, innovation, and global research standards, now brings you closer to your academic and career dreams through the EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) Scholarship funded by the prestigious DAAD. Whether you’re aiming to level up your expertise in planning, management, or development evaluation, this scholarship is designed exactly for future global leaders like you.
✨ Quick Snapshot:
- Host Country: Germany 🇩🇪
- University: Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB)
- Degree Level: MA in Development Management
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Program Duration: 1.5 Years (3 semesters)
- Application Deadline: 30th September 2025
Why Should You Apply for the Ruhr University DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship is more than just a degree — it’s a career-launching platform. Here’s why thousands of students apply every year:
- 100% Tuition Fee Coverage: No tuition fees at Ruhr University.
- Monthly Stipend: Receive €934 every month to cover living expenses.
- Free Health Insurance: Stay protected with health, accident, and liability insurance included.
- Travel Costs: Airfare support for your journey to Germany.
- Housing Support: Get a monthly rent subsidy for your accommodation.
- Family Benefits: Monthly allowance available for family members joining you.
The EPOS program equips you with skills to become a change-maker in development management, working on real-world projects and policy initiatives in your home country and internationally.
Financial Benefits of the Scholarship
The Ruhr University DAAD EPOS Scholarship offers a generous package to ensure you focus entirely on your studies and career growth without financial worries:
Benefit | Details |
Monthly Allowance | €934 |
Insurance | Health, accident, and liability coverage |
Travel Support | Airfare covered |
Housing | Monthly rent subsidy |
Family Support | Monthly allowance for dependents |
Additionally, scholars are exposed to Germany’s world-class academic environment, professional internships, and networking opportunities with international experts.
Program Highlights: International Master’s Program in Development Management
The Master’s in Development Management (MADM) program at RUB is tailored for young professionals aiming to contribute towards sustainable development goals. This 1.5-year (3-semester) English-taught program offers:
- Advanced Training: High-level academic and practical skills.
- Career Opportunities: Prepare for roles in planning, implementation, management, and evaluation of development programs and projects.
- Global Recognition: DAAD alumni are highly valued by global organizations like the World Bank, GIZ, UNDP, and many international NGOs.
The next cohort begins in September 2026 — and classes only start every two years, so don’t miss this cycle!
Would you like me to continue and write the second half too? It would include:
- Eligibility Criteria
- Required Documents
- Step-by-Step Application Process
- Pro Tips to Secure the Scholarship
Who Can Apply?
Alright, let’s talk about who’s eligible for this amazing opportunity:
- Degree: You’ll need a Bachelor’s degree (or something equivalent) in a relevant field — and not just any degree. Good grades help a lot.
- Work Experience: You must have at least two years of relevant, post-graduation work experience. (Nope, internships alone don’t count!)
- Nationality: Only applicants from DAAD-eligible countries are allowed to apply.
- Language Skills: You’ll need solid English — think at least a TOEFL iBT score of 79 or an IELTS score of 6.0.
Heads-up: If you’ve been chilling in Germany for more than 15 months before applying, this scholarship isn’t for you.
What You’ll Need (Document Checklist)
Before you hit ‘submit,’ here’s your shopping list:
- ✅ DAAD application form (yes, hand-signed, no digital scribbles)
- ✅ Motivation letter (keep it under 2 pages, and yes — hand-signed too)
- ✅ Europass CV (if you don’t know what that is, Google it — it’s super easy)
- ✅ Copies of your degree certificates and transcripts
- ✅ Proof of work experience (official letters only, sorry no “Mom worked with me” notes)
- ✅ Two recommendation letters (academic + professional)
- ✅ Proof of English skills (TOEFL/IELTS)
- ✅ School leaving certificate
- ✅ Copy of your passport
- ✅ A recent passport-sized photo
- ✅ Employer’s recommendation (if you’re going for the DAAD EPOS)
- ✅ DAAD checklist (don’t skip this one!)
Pro Tip: Missing even one document could sink your chances. Triple-check everything.
How to Apply (Without Losing Your Mind)
Applying might sound scary, but it’s really just a few organized steps:
- Check if you’re eligible (Refer to the list above — if you’re still nodding along, you’re good.)
- Gather your documents (All. Of. Them.)
- Apply online via the official MADM portal.
- Mention the DAAD EPOS scholarship clearly when you apply (if that’s your goal).
- Wait for a potential interview call (fingers crossed 🤞).
Important Dates You Don’t Want to Miss
- Application Deadline for DAAD EPOS applicants:
📅 September 30, 2025
And no, they won’t accept late applications — even if your dog ate your homework.
Tips to Make Your Application Shine ✨
- Write a Killer Motivation Letter: Be genuine. Talk about your journey, your passion for development, and why MADM at Ruhr University is your dream.
- Show Some Leadership Mojo: DAAD loves future changemakers. If you’ve led projects, volunteered, or solved real-world problems, show it off.
- Stay Organized: Sloppy applications = bad vibes. Neat, complete, and polished wins the race.
- Highlight Your Development Work: If you’ve done anything related to policy, nonprofits, education, public health, or social change — flaunt it.
- Proofread Like a Pro: Typos and grammar mistakes are the silent killers of great applications.
Final Thoughts
The Ruhr University DAAD EPOS Scholarship isn’t just about getting your tuition covered — it’s about unlocking a global career, building lifelong friendships, and learning how to change the world (while living in one of Europe’s coolest countries).
If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your dreams, this is your sign to go for it. 🚀
Good luck — and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!
🔗 Click here to visit the Official DAAD Scholarship Page
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