The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst. German Academic Exchange Service) is the world's largest academic scholarship organisation. It funds thousands of African students each year through a range of programmes, with the DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) programme being the most relevant for African postgraduate students seeking full funding.
The DAAD EPOS programme is specifically designed for students from developing countries, including all 54 African nations. It funds postgraduate studies at German universities in fields with direct development relevance: public health, agriculture, environmental science, engineering, economics, governance, and more. The minimum GPA of 2.8 makes it one of the most accessible fully funded scholarships available to African students.
This guide covers the DAAD from an African student's perspective, what it covers, who qualifies, how to apply, and what life in Germany looks like.
The DAAD EPOS scholarship covers: full tuition fees at a German public university, a monthly stipend of €861 for master's students or €934 for doctoral researchers, health insurance, a travel allowance (return flight to Germany), a study and research allowance, and a rent subsidy. The total package is sufficient to live comfortably in most German university cities. Cities like Leipzig, Jena, Dresden, and Kaiserslautern have significantly lower costs than Munich or Hamburg.
To apply for DAAD EPOS, you must: hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.8/4.0 (or equivalent), have at least two years of professional experience in a development-relevant field, be a citizen of a developing country (all African nations qualify), and plan to study in a DAAD-listed development-relevant programme. You must also commit to returning to your home country after completing your studies. DAAD takes this very seriously and alumni are expected to actively use their German education to contribute to their home country's development.
DAAD applications are submitted through the DAAD portal (funding-guide.daad.de). You select your target programme first, then complete the scholarship application. Required documents include: academic transcripts (with certified English translations), a motivation letter, a project outline describing how your proposed study relates to development challenges in your country, two academic or professional reference letters, a curriculum vitae, and proof of English or German language proficiency. Applications typically open in September–October for the following academic year.
It depends on the programme. Many DAAD-funded programmes at German universities are offered in English, particularly at the postgraduate level. Some research-intensive programmes prefer German proficiency. DAAD specifies language requirements per programme: always check the specific programme before applying. DAAD also funds German language preparatory courses for students who need them.
DAAD scholarships are awarded for a fixed period: usually one to two years for master's programmes and three years for doctoral research. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply for an extension through your DAAD in-country office and demonstrate good academic progress and a legitimate reason for the extension.
DAAD EPOS prioritises development-relevant fields: agriculture and food security, public health and medicine, environmental science, engineering and infrastructure, economics, governance, education, and social sciences with a development focus. Arts, humanities, and basic sciences are less commonly funded unless they have a clear development dimension.
DAAD is generally considered more accessible than Chevening. The GPA threshold is lower (2.8 vs 3.0), the acceptance rate is higher (18% vs 5%), and DAAD has a higher volume of awards. Chevening is more prestigious globally and is valued more in Anglophone countries. The right choice depends on your language preference, career goals, and which application you can make stronger.
DAAD provides guidance and a rent subsidy, but does not directly arrange accommodation. Most German universities have student housing (Studentenwohnheime) with waiting lists, apply early. DAAD country offices and student networks often have informal accommodation support for incoming scholars. University International Offices are the best starting point.
Last updated: April 2026. Find scholarships on StudiePoint AI →