The United Nations University (UNU) is offering scholarships through the DAAD EPOS funding programme for qualified students from developing countries to pursue a joint Master’s degree in Germany.
The programme provides students with advanced knowledge, practical strategies, and analytical tools for understanding and addressing environmental risks and human security through an interdisciplinary approach.
Selected scholars will receive comprehensive financial support covering tuition-related costs, living expenses, insurance, travel, and other eligible expenses while studying in Germany.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Germany
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Developing Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Monthly Stipend | Travel Allowance | Insurance | Accommodation Support | Family Allowance
- IELTS: Required/Accepted English Proficiency Evidence
- Study Duration: 2 Years
- Funding Programme: DAAD EPOS
- Deadline: October 31, 2026
Scholarship Details
The United Nations University (UNU) Scholarship Joint Master’s Programme is part of a selected group of international postgraduate programmes supported through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) EPOS programme.
The programme is a collaboration between the University of Bonn Department of Geography and the United Nations University, providing students with an interdisciplinary education focused on environmental risks, human security, development, and related global challenges.
The scholarship is designed particularly for professionals from developing countries who have relevant work experience and intend to pursue careers as practitioners in fields related to the Master’s programme.
The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) contributes to the broader UNU system through economic research and policy advice aimed at promoting sustainable and equitable development.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the United Nations University DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a developing country according to the DAAD classification.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree relevant to the Master’s programme.
- Have graduated with their Bachelor’s degree no more than five years ago.
- Have at least two years of relevant professional work experience, such as experience with an NGO, government organisation, or private-sector organisation.
- Have professional experience related to the proposed field of study.
- Not have previously completed another Master’s degree in a similar field.
- Demonstrate a clear intention to pursue a career as a practitioner in a field related to the programme.
- Meet the general admission requirements of the Master’s programme.
- Provide evidence of English language proficiency as required by the programme.
Scholarship BenefitsÂ
Successful candidates will receive financial support covering expenses directly associated with their studies and living costs in Bonn.
Benefits may include:
- A monthly scholarship payment of €992 for graduates.
- Payments towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
- Travel allowance, unless travel costs are already covered by the applicant’s home country or another funding source.
- Possible monthly rent subsidy, depending on the Scholar’s circumstances.
- Possible monthly family allowance for eligible accompanying family members.
- Financial support for living expenses during the study period.
- Support under the DAAD EPOS programme while studying in Germany.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit their application documents as one PDF package not exceeding 8 MB and in the required order.
The application package should include:
- Completed online application form
- Motivation letter
- Recent CV in Europass format
- Academic degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Recommendation letters
- Copy of passport
- DAAD EPOS checklist
- DAAD scholarship application form
- Scholarship motivation letter
- Professional reference from employer
- Work certificates
Applicants must also provide an academic writing sample as a separate file where required.
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Paper applications submitted by post are also not accepted.
How to Apply
To apply for the United Nations University DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027:
- Carefully review the programme information and eligibility requirements before beginning your application.
- Read the available FAQs and application instructions thoroughly.
- Complete the online application form for the Master’s programme.
- Gather all required academic, professional, and scholarship documents.
- Prepare your academic writing sample according to the programme’s requirements.
- Complete the relevant DAAD EPOS scholarship application forms.
- Merge the required documents into one PDF file, ensuring that the file does not exceed 8 MB.
- Rename the merged application file using the required format: [Your Last Name.Your First Name].pdf.
- Send the completed application package by email to the designated programme email address.
- Applicants seeking EPOS funding must apply for the Master’s programme and DAAD funding separately, as admission to the programme does not automatically guarantee a scholarship.
- Ensure your complete application reaches the programme before the October 31, 2026 deadline.
To complete the online application, click HERE
Applicants should send their completed application documents to the designated programme email address: [email protected]
The selection process for DAAD EPOS funding among shortlisted candidates takes place between February and April each year.
Candidates who do not meet the EPOS requirements but wish to seek financial support are encouraged to explore other funding opportunities in Germany and apply early.
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