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DAAD EPOS – Development-Related Postgraduate Scholarship

DAAD's EPOS programme (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) is one of the most relevant fully-funded scholarships for Sri Lankan professionals. It funds Master's (and some PhD) study at a defined list of development-focused German programmes — in areas such as public policy, economics, agriculture and food security, water and environmental management, engineering, public health, urban planning, and development studies. The award is comprehensive: a monthly stipend (currently €934+ for Master's students, more for doctoral candidates), travel allowance, health/accident insurance, a study/research allowance, and tuition coverage where fees apply, often with a preparatory German-language course. Crucially, EPOS is aimed at working professionals from developing countries: applicants normally need a strong Bachelor's plus, typically, at least two years of relevant professional experience, and a clear plan to apply the qualification to development in their home country. For mid-career Sri Lankans in the public sector, NGOs, or development-linked private roles, EPOS is a genuine, non-self-funded route to a German degree — but it is competitive and each EPOS course sets its own additional criteria, so choose the course first and follow its specific call.

2027 intake: each EPOS course sets its own deadline (commonly July–October 2026 for a 2027 start) — check the DAAD scholarship database per course. Dates follow the same annual pattern — confirm the current round before applying.

DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)

Government-funded

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Stipend

€934+/month (Master's); more for PhD

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Extras

Travel, Insurance, Study Allowance, Tuition

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Audience

Professionals from developing countries

info How this award actually works

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This is a separate, highly competitive application

Government awards like this one run their own selection round against applicants from across the world, and success rates are usually in the low single digits. Lanka Scholar does not administer it and cannot submit it for you. Treat it as a bonus on top of a funded study plan — never as the plan itself.

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Who awards it

DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.

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How you are considered

Through a separate application round run by the funder, with its own forms, deadlines and shortlisting. You submit it yourself — it is not part of a university admission application.

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What it covers

Full Funding: €934+/mo Stipend, Travel, Insurance, Tuition. Read the terms carefully: even fully-funded awards rarely cover every cost, and any shortfall is yours to fund.

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Where we come in

We help you judge whether this award is worth your time, and build a realistic admission plan that works whether or not you win it.

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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From a Developing Country

EPOS targets applicants from DAAD's list of developing countries, which includes Sri Lanka. The programme is explicitly designed to build capacity for development in the home country.

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Bachelor's + Work Experience

You normally need a strong Bachelor's degree (usually completed within the last ~6 years) and, for most courses, at least two years of relevant professional experience after graduating. This is a mid-career, not fresh-graduate, scheme.

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Listed EPOS Course + Development Focus

You must apply to a programme on the EPOS list and show how it links to development work back home. A clear motivation and career plan connecting your job, the course, and Sri Lanka's needs is central to selection.

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Language

Most EPOS Master's are taught in English (IELTS/TOEFL, or an English-medium degree evidenced by a Sri Lankan MOI letter). German-taught courses require German proficiency. DAAD may fund a preparatory language course.

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Choose an EPOS course

Search the DAAD scholarship database for EPOS 'Development-Related Postgraduate Courses' and pick a programme matching your field and career. Each course has its own page, deadline, and requirements.

Apply to the course and to DAAD

Follow the course's instructions — typically you submit the university application and the DAAD scholarship application together, with CV, motivation letter, two references (often including your employer), transcripts, and proof of work experience.

Selection and interview

The course and DAAD jointly shortlist and select scholars on academic merit, professional relevance, and development impact. Some courses interview shortlisted candidates.

Award, visa and (optional) language course

Awardees receive the funding package and apply for the German national (type D) study visa. DAAD may fund a preparatory German-language course before the degree begins.

Why DAAD EPOS?

EPOS is DAAD's flagship route for turning experienced professionals from developing countries into fully-funded German postgraduates, with a strong alumni network across ministries, NGOs, and development agencies worldwide. For Sri Lankans already working in a development-relevant field, it is one of the few genuinely comprehensive, non-self-funded options.

Full

Funding incl. stipend & travel

2+ yrs

Typical work experience required

Many

Listed development-focused courses

Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?

Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.

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