Are you a young professional from a developing country with a passion for environmental governance? The University of Freiburg, in collaboration with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), offers the EPOS Scholarship 2026, a fully funded opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in Environmental Governance (MEG) in Germany.
About the DAAD EPOS Scholarship Program
The Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) program by DAAD aims to support professionals from developing countries in acquiring postgraduate education in Germany. The goal is to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
The MSc Environmental Governance (MEG) program at the University of Freiburg is recognized under the EPOS scheme. This interdisciplinary program focuses on the complex interactions between society and the environment, preparing graduates to address global environmental challenges through governance and policy-making.
Scholarship Benefits
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including:
- Monthly Stipend: €934 for Master’s students.
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Exemption from all tuition fees.
- Health, Accident, and Personal Liability Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for the duration of the program.
- Travel Allowance: Coverage of travel expenses to and from Germany.
- Additional Benefits: Depending on individual circumstances, additional support such as rent subsidies and family allowances may be provided.
This financial package ensures that scholars can focus entirely on their studies without financial burdens.
Program Details
- Program Name: MSc in Environmental Governance (MEG)
- Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
- Language of Instruction: English
- Start Date: October 2026
- Location: University of Freiburg, Germany
The MEG program integrates various disciplines, including environmental policy, economics, sociology, and law, to provide a holistic understanding of environmental governance. Students engage in both theoretical and practical learning, including case studies, field trips, and internships.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: Be a citizen of a developing country as per the DAC list.
- Academic Qualifications: Hold a Bachelor’s degree (usually a four-year course) in a relevant field, completed with above-average grades (upper third).
- Professional Experience: Have at least two years of full-time professional experience in a relevant field after obtaining the Bachelor’s degree.
- Time Since Graduation: The last academic degree should not be older than six years at the time of application (October 2025).
- Residency in Germany: Applicants should not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months prior to the application deadline.
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English through recognized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.
Candidates who already hold a Master’s degree must provide a compelling justification for pursuing another postgraduate degree.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- DAAD Application Form: Completed and signed.
- MEG Application Form: Specific to the University of Freiburg’s MEG program.
- Letter of Motivation: A detailed statement explaining the applicant’s motivation for applying to the MEG program and the DAAD EPOS Scholarship.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): In Europass format, detailing academic and professional history.
- Academic Transcripts and Certificates: Including certified translations if necessary.
- Proof of Professional Experience: Certificates or letters from employers verifying relevant work experience.
- Two Recommendation Letters: From academic or professional referees.
- English Language Proficiency Certificate: TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent.
- DAAD Checklist: Signed and dated.
- APS Certificate: For applicants from certain countries (e.g., China, Vietnam, India).
All documents must be submitted in a single PDF file. Reference letters should be sent directly by the referees to the specified email address.
Related:
- CATS Fellowships in Berlin, Germany 2025-26 (Fully Funded)
- Google PhD Fellowship Program 2025 (Fully Funded )
- Bucharest Summer University Scholarships 2025
Application Process
- Online Eligibility Assessment (OEA): Prospective applicants are encouraged to complete the OEA to verify eligibility. The OEA must be submitted by October 8, 2025.
- Document Submission: All application documents should be compiled into a single PDF file and emailed to info-meg@unr.uni-freiburg.de by October 15, 2025.
- Selection Process:
- First Stage: The MEG program committee reviews applications and selects candidates based on academic and professional qualifications.
- Second Stage: DAAD conducts a final review and selection of scholarship recipients.
Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Important Dates
- OEA Submission Deadline: October 8, 2025
- Application Deadline: October 15, 2025
- Program Start: October 2026
Contact Information
For further inquiries, applicants can contact:
- Email: info-meg@unr.uni-freiburg.de
Conclusion
The University of Freiburg DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026 offers a unique opportunity for professionals from developing countries to advance their expertise in environmental governance. With comprehensive financial support and a robust academic program, scholars are well-equipped to make significant contributions to sustainable development in their home countries.
If you are passionate about environmental issues and aspire to be a leader in governance and policy-making, this scholarship could be the stepping stone to achieving your goals.