Looking for full funding scholarships for your masters? The DAAD scholarship Germany is your ticket to a free Master’s.

Honestly, with the way the Naira is dancing against the Dollar and the Euro, paying tuition abroad out of pocket is almost a mission impossible for the average Nigerian student.

We all want to “Japa” for quality education, but “Sapa” (being broke) is a major stumbling block.

Add the endless ASUU strikes and the hustle of getting transcripts from federal universities, and you realize you need a miracle. That miracle has a name: The DAAD scholarship Germany.

If you are looking for a study in germany masters opportunity that covers your flight, health insurance, and pays you a sweet monthly stipend in Euros, this is it.

However, the DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) program is highly competitive. Many Nigerians apply, but few get in.

Why?

Because they choose the wrong courses.

In this detailed guide, we will break down exactly how to select the perfect EPOS course that aligns with your profile, increasing your chances of landing that life-changing German funding.

What is the DAAD Scholarship (EPOS)?

DAAD Scholarship Germany: Choosing the Right EPOS Course 7

The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is the German Academic Exchange Service. While they have many programs, the one most Nigerians target is the EPOS program.

This is specifically designed for professionals from developing countries who want to study development related courses.

Germany isn’t just looking for brilliant students; they are looking for future leaders who will return to Nigeria (or work in international organizations) to solve real-world problems.

Whether that’s fixing our power sector, improving public health, or tackling economic policy. That’s the quality of students they are looking for.

Why is this the “Holy Grail” of Scholarships?

Unlike loans or partial tuition waivers, this German funding is comprehensive.

Tuition: 100% Free.
Monthly Stipend: Currently €934 for Masters students (that’s over ₦1.5 Million per month at current black market rates!).
Accommodation: You pay rent from your stipend, but student housing is subsidized.
Family: Under certain conditions, you can even bring your spouse and kids later.

Note: Always verify the current stipend amounts on the official DAAD website, as policies can change.

Are You Applying for the Wrong Course?

Here is where most people get it wrong.

You cannot just go to a German university website, pick a random “International Business” course, and ask DAAD to fund it.

The DAAD EPOS scholarship is tied to a specific list of courses.

If the course isn’t on the EPOS list, you will not get the scholarship. Period. The list is updated annually (usually a PDF brochure) and includes fields like:

Economic Sciences / Business Administration
Development Cooperation
Engineering and Related Sciences
Mathematics
Regional and Urban Planning
Agricultural and Forest Sciences
Natural and Environmental Sciences
Medicine and Public Health
Social Sciences, Education and Law
Media Studies

How to Choose the Right EPOS Course

To boost your chances of getting the DAAD scholarship Germany, you need to be strategic in your application. You aren’t just applying for a degree; you are pitching yourself as a development expert.

1. Match Your Work Experience, Not Just Your Degree

DAAD requires 2 years of work experience. This is crucial.

Scenario A: You studied Biochemistry but have been working as a Bank Teller for 3 years.
Scenario B: You studied Economics and have been working in an NGO focused on poverty alleviation.

If you apply for a Public Policy Master or Development Economics, Candidate B has a much higher chance. Your course choice must align with what you have been doing from 9-to-5 for the last two years.

2. Look for “Development Relevance”

Ask yourself: How will this course help Nigeria? If you apply for a generic “MBA in Marketing,” it’s hard to justify how that helps development in Nigeria.

However, if you apply for a “Master in Development Management” or “Renewable Energy,” the link is clear. You can write a killer motivation letter about fixing Nigeria’s energy grid or managing aid funds.

3. Check the University Deadlines

Here is the tricky part: DAAD does not have one single deadline. Each university on the EPOS list has its own deadline.

University of Bonn might close in September.
HTW Berlin might close in October.
Action: Download the EPOS brochure, scroll to your desired course, and check the specific deadline for that school.

4. Special Focus: Public Policy and Engineering

Courses like the Public Policy Master (at the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy, for example) or Engineering courses focused on Water Resources are “hot cakes.”

They are competitive but highly funded because they address critical infrastructure needs in the Global South.

Application Process for the DAAD Scholarship

Applying for a DAAD scholarship Nigeria style requires patience. Here is what you need to gather before the portal opens.

1. Get Your Transcript

Go to your university (UNILAG, UNN, ABU, etc.) now. Do not wait until the deadline is two weeks away. We all know how slow the registry can be.

You need a full transcript showing your CGPA.

2. The Letter of Motivation (Your “Japa” Manifesto)

This is not the place to beg for money because “things are hard in Nigeria.”

Do: Talk about a specific problem in Nigeria (e.g., post-harvest losses in agriculture).
Do: Explain how your work experience exposed you to this problem.
Do: Explain how the specific modules in the German course will teach you to solve it.

3. Employer Reference

You need a letter from your current employer on official letterhead. It must state that you have worked there for at least two years.

Pro Tip: If you work for the government or a reputable company, ensure the letter has a stamp/seal. Germans love official stamps.

4. Language Certificate

Most EPOS courses are in English. You usually need an IELTS or TOEFL.

Hack: Some schools accept a “Letter of Proficiency” from your Nigerian university stating your degree was taught in English. Check with the specific program coordinator first.

NOTE: Campus Hustle NG will never ask you for money to process a scholarship. The DAAD scholarship Germany application is generally free (though some universities may have a small application fee).

Always verify information on the official DAAD Websiteor the specific university’s portal. Don’t pay “agents” who promise you a slot.

FAQs About DAAD Scholarship Germany

Can I apply for the DAAD Scholarship with HND?

It depends. Generally, German universities require a Bachelor’s degree.

However, some Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule) might accept HND + PGD if your work experience is stellar. You must email the course coordinator to confirm.

Do I need to speak German?

For most development related courses under EPOS, the language of instruction is English. However, DAAD often includes a mandatory free German language course (2-6 months) before your studies start to help you survive in Germany.

Is there an age limit for the DAAD Scholarship?

Technically, no strictly defined age limit. However, your last academic degree (B.Sc.) must not be older than 6 years at the time of application.

If you graduated in 2015, you might be ineligible unless you have done another degree since then.

Can I stay in Germany after my studies?

Yes! Germany allows graduates to stay for up to 18 months to search for a job.

With a German Master’s degree, your chances of landing a well-paying job in Europe are very high.

In Summary

The DAAD scholarship Germany is more than just free money; it is a prestigious platform that validates your expertise.

For a Nigerian student, it offers an escape from the limitations of the local system and provides global exposure.

Don’t just apply blindly. Download the EPOS brochure, pick a course that matches your work history, and draft a motivation letter that shows you are a changemaker. The competition is tough, but your resilience as a Nigerian is tougher.

Ready to start your application? Drop a comment below if you want us to review the current list of open EPOS courses for this year.

Can I Get a Masters Scholarship with a 2.2 (Second Class Lower)?

Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Table of Contents