The University of Gottingen DAAD Scholarship is a highly competitive, fully funded opportunity offered through the German Academic Exchange Service’s (DAAD) Development-Related Postgraduate Programmes (EPOS). This program is exclusively targeted toward high-achieving foreign graduates from development and newly industrialized countries who possess a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience after their undergraduate degree. The scholarship covers a tuition-free Masters program in MSc Development Economics at the University of Göttingen. Financially, it provides a generous stipend of €934 per month (totaling €11,208 per year) for graduates, along with coverage for health insurance, travel allowances, accommodation support, and potential stipends for accompanying family members.
The entire application process, including both university admission and scholarship funding, is integrated and submitted directly to the University of Göttingen between October 1 and November 15 for the subsequent winter term. This initiative aims to train local experts who contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries.
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Scholarship Summary at a Glance
| Host Country | Germany |
|---|---|
| Program | DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Programmes (EPOS) |
| Category | Postgraduate Scholarships / Masters Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | Developing and Newly Industrialized Countries |
| Reward | Full Scholarship (Tuition-Free) + €11,208 Stipend/Yr + Travel Costs + Accommodation Support |
| Professional Experience | Minimum two years required after Bachelor’s degree |
| Application Deadline | November 15, 2025 (Annual deadline for the subsequent winter term) |
This prestigious award is part of the DAAD’s renowned Development-Related Postgraduate Programmes, known as EPOS. These scholarships are a vital instrument in promoting global sustainable development by cultivating well-trained, internationally networked local experts.
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This article is your comprehensive guide to understanding and successfully navigating the application process for this highly coveted opportunity. We will detail the unique financial rewards, explain the two-year professional experience mandate, and provide the exact steps you need to take to secure admission to the MSc Development Economics program at the University of Göttingen and earn this fully funded Masters Germany scholarship.
Mission of the DAAD EPOS Program
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the world’s largest funding organization for the international exchange of students and researchers. The EPOS program, which stands for Development-Related Postgraduate Programmes, is distinct from general DAAD scholarships. Its primary focus is not simply academic excellence but rather the potential for graduates to return to their home countries and make a tangible contribution to development efforts.
Why EPOS is Essential for Sustainable Development
Well-trained local experts, who are networked with international partners, play an indispensable part in the sustainable development of their countries. They are recognized as the best guarantee for building a better future characterized by less poverty and greater access to education and health for all.
The University of Gottingen DAAD Scholarship is specifically tailored to align with this mission. It offers foreign graduates from developing and newly industrialized countries the chance to pursue a high-quality postgraduate degree at a state or state-recognized German university, leading to a valuable university qualification (Master’s/PhD) that can be directly applied back home. The core program covered by this scholarship is the MSc Development Economics at the University of Göttingen, a degree directly relevant to global policy and development challenges.
Financial Benefits of the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
The financial package provided by the University of Gottingen DAAD Scholarship is extremely generous, designed to remove all financial obstacles to study. This is a genuinely fully funded Masters Germany program.
Core Financial Value and Stipend Details
The value of the scholarship is divided into two primary categories: direct payments to the university and monthly payments to the student.
- Tuition Fee Exemption: The Masters program is completely tuition-free. This is a massive financial benefit, as German universities often have significant fees for international students outside the EU.
- Monthly Stipend: Scholarship recipients receive monthly payments based on their academic level:
- €934 per month for graduate students (Master’s candidates). This equates to a substantial €11,208 stipend per year.
- €1,300 per month for doctoral candidates (in exceptional cases).
- Insurance Coverage: Comprehensive payments toward health, accident, and personal liability insurance cover are provided, ensuring the student is protected throughout their stay in Germany.
- Travel Allowance: A significant travel allowance is paid, unless these expenses are covered by the student’s home country or another source of funding. This helps cover the cost of flying to Germany.
Additional Support and Family Allowances
Under certain circumstances, the scholarship holders may receive important additional benefits, making the relocation process significantly easier for those with families:
- Monthly Rent Subsidy: A contribution toward accommodation costs is available, which helps offset the high cost of housing in certain German cities.
- Monthly Allowance for Accompanying Members of Family: This is a rare and valuable benefit. Scholarship holders who relocate with their spouses or children may receive an additional monthly stipend to support their family members.
The duration of the funding ranges from 12 to 42 months, dependent entirely upon the length of the specific study program chosen. For the MSc Development Economics at Göttingen, the funding duration covers the full length of the program.
Essential Requirements and Eligibility Criteria for the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
The DAAD EPOS scholarship is highly specialized, meaning not all international students are eligible. Applicants must meet two sets of criteria: the general DAAD EPOS requirements and the specific academic requirements of the MSc Development Economics program at the University of Göttingen.
The Two-Year Professional Experience
This is the most critical and often misunderstood requirement. To be considered for the University of Gottingen DAAD Scholarship, candidates must possess at least two years of relevant professional experience after obtaining their undergraduate degree. This experience must be verifiable and usually needs to be detailed in the CV and confirmed through letters of reference.
This rule emphasizes the “development-related” nature of the EPOS program. The scholarship is intended for mid-career professionals who will utilize their studies to influence policy and practice upon returning home. Experience gained during the undergraduate study period, such as internships or part-time work, does not typically count toward this two-year minimum.
Target Country Eligibility
The program is strictly limited to foreign graduates from development and newly industrialized countries. The official list of eligible countries is maintained by the DAAD and must be checked on their corresponding website. If your country is not on the official DAAD list for the EPOS program, you are not eligible for this scholarship track, even if you meet all other requirements.
Academic Prerequisites at Göttingen
Candidates must fulfill all the general program requirements for the MSc Development Economics as outlined by the University of Göttingen. While the program is interdisciplinary, a background in a related field is typically expected. Specific requirements often include:
- A strong academic record (high grades).
- Sufficient background knowledge in economics, mathematics, or statistics (as evidenced by university transcripts).
- A clear interest in issues related to development and poverty reduction.
Language Proficiency: No IELTS Required
One advantage for many international applicants is that the MSc Development Economics program at Göttingen may not require the IELTS or TOEFL test if your previous academic instruction was conducted entirely in English. However, high proficiency in both written and spoken English is essential for the interview process and for successful completion of the Masters program.
Required Application Documents for DAAD Success
Since the application for both the study program and the DAAD funding is simultaneous and integrated, every document must be meticulously prepared to satisfy both the University of Göttingen’s academic requirements and the DAAD’s developmental mission.
1. Your Motivation Letter
The Motivation Letter is your chance to directly address the DAAD’s mission. It should not be a general statement of intent but a targeted argument demonstrating your professional trajectory.
Key points to cover in your Motivation Letter:
- The Problem: Clearly identify a specific development challenge in your home country (e.g., sustainable agriculture, rural poverty, public health funding).
- The Gap: Explain how your two years professional experience has exposed you to this problem and highlight the current knowledge or skills gap preventing effective solutions.
- The Solution: Articulate precisely how the curriculum of the MSc Development Economics at the University of Göttingen will provide the tools, theoretical knowledge, and empirical skills necessary to address this challenge.
- The Impact: Describe, in concrete terms, your professional plans for the three to five years after returning home, emphasizing how your German Master’s degree will lead to a sustainable, impactful solution.
2. Your CV/Resume
Your CV or Resume must clearly highlight the required two years professional experience. This section should be placed prominently and must detail responsibilities that are relevant to the field of Development Economics. Do not merely list job titles; briefly describe the developmental impact of your work or your team’s goals. Ensure all dates and credit hours (e.g., ECTS equivalent) are clearly stated to meet the academic requirements.
3. Recommendation Letters
You will need Recommendation Letters. These must come from a mix of academic and professional sources. The most effective letters will come from supervisors who can explicitly attest to your:
- Professionalism: Your practical impact during your required two years of professional work.
- Potential: Your ability to succeed in a demanding German academic environment.
- Developmental Commitment: Your dedication to returning to your home country to apply the learned knowledge.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process
The application period runs from October 1 through November 15 of each year for the subsequent winter term (e.g., applying in October-November 2025 for a program start in October 2026). The good news is that you only have to apply once for both the study program and the funding, directly at the University of Göttingen.
Step 1: Complete the Online Application for the Master’s Program
During the application period, complete the online application form for the Master’s programme in Development Economics webpage through the official link provided below. Be thorough and ensure all personal and academic details are accurate. Submit the form by clicking on the designated send button at the end.
Step 2: Access and Utilize the Document Upload Portal
After submitting the form, you will receive an email. This email is critical; it contains a link to a document upload portal along with your unique login data (user name and password). You must go to this portal immediately.
Step 3: Upload and Submit Documents Within the Deadline
Go to the upload portal, enter your login details, and follow the steps carefully to upload all the required documents: Application Form, Bachelor’s Degree Certificate, Academic transcripts, Motivation Letter, Recommendation Letters, and your CV/Resume.
The final and crucial action is clicking on the ‘Binding submission’ button within the November 15 deadline. Documents that are uploaded but not formally submitted will not be considered.
Step 4: Selection and Notification Timeline
The application is reviewed jointly by the University of Göttingen’s admissions committee and the DAAD. The review process is extensive. Shortlisted candidates are invited to a virtual interview process. These interviews are typically brief, about 15 minutes long, and serve as a final check on motivation and professional clarity.
The final selection for the scholarship and the admission to the Master’s program in Development Economics will occur shortly after the interviews. Notifications on these decisions will arrive between January and March of the year following the application.
Application Deadline: November 15th, 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the DAAD EPOS Scholarship at the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
Here are ten questions and answers related to the University of Gottingen DAAD Scholarship that applicants frequently search for:
1. What is the minimum professional experience required for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship?
Candidates must have a minimum of two years’ professional experience completed after they received their first academic degree (Bachelor’s). This experience must be full-time and relevant to the study program and the developmental goals of the EPOS mission.
2. Is the €934 monthly stipend enough to cover living costs in Germany?
Yes, the monthly payment of €934 euros is considered a generous stipend and is generally sufficient to cover the living costs, including food, transportation, and personal expenses, for a single person in Göttingen, especially when coupled with the monthly rent subsidy and insurance coverage provided.
3. Which specific countries are considered “developing countries” for EPOS eligibility?
The eligibility is determined by an official list of developing and newly industrialized countries maintained by the DAAD. Applicants must check the official DAAD EPOS website to confirm their country’s status, as this list can be subject to periodic updates.
4. If I am accepted to the MSc Development Economics, does that automatically mean I receive the scholarship?
No. Acceptance into the Masters program means you meet the university’s academic requirements. The University of Gottingen DAAD Scholarship is a separate, competitive award. Your application is reviewed simultaneously by the university and the DAAD committee, but the final scholarship award is based on the quality of your application as a development-related professional.
5. Can I apply for the DAAD EPOS scholarship in my final year of study?
No. A strict requirement for the EPOS program is that candidates must already have obtained their degree and have accumulated the required two years’ professional experience by the time of application (November 15 deadline).
6. What if I do not have a strong background in Economics?
While the program is MSc Development Economics, the specific entry requirements at Göttingen often emphasize quantitative skills. Candidates need sufficient academic exposure to economics, mathematics, or statistics as shown in their transcripts. The program seeks to train specialists, so some foundational knowledge is essential.
7. Is the DAAD EPOS scholarship applicable to other Masters programs at Göttingen?
No. For the University of Göttingen, the DAAD EPOS funding is specifically tied to the MSc Development Economics program. Each university participating in the EPOS scheme has distinct programs that qualify for this scholarship track.
8. How long is the virtual interview, and what should I expect?
Shortlisted candidates are invited to a brief virtual interview, typically around 15 minutes long. You should expect questions focused on your Motivation Letter, your two years of professional experience, your long-term commitment to development, and your understanding of the Göttingen curriculum.
9. Does the tuition-free benefit cover any administrative fees or enrollment costs?
Yes, the scholarship covers the university’s full tuition fees. While German universities may require a small semester contribution for administrative costs and public transport tickets, the main academic fees are entirely covered, providing a fully funded Masters experience.
10. When should I expect to receive the final decision on the scholarship and admission?
Notifications regarding the final selection for both the scholarship and admission to the Master’s program will arrive between January and March following the November 15 application deadline.
