Conditions
- Bachelor's (usually four years) with very good grades, completed less than six years ago.
- At least two years of relevant professional experience after graduation.
- Citizen of a developing country (most of the Arab world qualifies).
- Language: roughly IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 for English programmes, or German for German ones.
- Apply only to a course on the EPOS list.
Usual timeline
- August–October (some courses until December): apply directly to the university with the DAAD form.
- January–March: university nominations.
- April–June: DAAD decisions.
- August–October: language course, then studies.
Dates are approximate and change yearly — check the official site and the opportunity page here.
Motivation letter
The EPOS motivation letter is developmental: the problem at home, how this exact course solves it, what you do after returning.
Map your experience to the course modules one by one.
One to two pages, simple and specific.
Common mistakes
- Applying to a course outside the EPOS list.
- Less than two years of experience, or experience without employer letters.
- Sending the file to DAAD instead of the university.
- A generic letter that never names the course.
- More than six years since graduation.
Tips from winners
- Pick one or two courses and study their modules; focused files win.
- Ask your manager for a reference that names your tasks and results.
- Prepare the DAAD form and work certificates early; some universities require certified translations.
