The Reichstag building in Berlin with the German flag flying above the glass dome at dusk.

Germany 2026 intake: each EPOS course sets its own deadline (commonly July–October 2025 for a 2026 start) — check the DAAD scholarship database per course

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.

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

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.