DAAD • EPOS M.Sc. Agricultural Economics Scholarship at the University of Hohenheim 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 15 hours ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
If you are a professional from a developing country with strong academic credentials and a passion for development economics, rural policy, agriculture, or international development, then the DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) scholarship could be your pathway to pursuing a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics (AgEcon) at the University of Hohenheim, Germany. Applications are now open for candidates seeking full financial support, career growth, and impactful education.
Here’s a full breakdown of the scholarship:
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Stuttgart, Germany (University of Hohenheim)
Host Institution: University of Hohenheim, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
Study Level: Master (M.Sc.) in Agricultural Economics (AgEcon)
Target Group: Professionals (postgraduate) from developing countries
Fields of Study: Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Policy Analysis in Agriculture, Rural Development
Value and Coverage:
Tuition fee waiver (for non-EU students)
Monthly stipend (~ €850) for 2 years
Health insurance
Travel costs to Germany & return, plus research/travel funds for master thesis fieldwork
Rent subsidy
Two-month intensive German language course prior to the program
Duration: 2 years (24 months)
Application Deadline: December 15 each year for the EPOS scholarship
Selection of Awardees: February
German Language Course Start: August (prior to program)
Master’s Program Start: October (Winter semester)
Eligible To: Citizens of developing countries, with work experience, who meet both DAAD EPOS criteria and AgEcon admission requirements.
📚 Scholarship Overview
The DAAD EPOS scholarship is a special initiative by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) that supports development-related postgraduate courses. At Hohenheim, the EPOS scholarship is offered specifically for the M.Sc. Agricultural Economics (AgEcon) program.
The AgEcon master’s program is taught in English.
The curriculum is structured around thematic modules: each semester includes a mix of mandatory and elective modules, computer exercises, seminars, case studies, and discussion sessions.
After three semesters, the final six months are dedicated to the master’s thesis, which often involves fieldwork abroad and empirical or theoretical research.
The two-month intensive German language course (August–September) helps scholarship recipients improve their German before the academic year begins.
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
Some key benefits for DAAD EPOS scholars in AgEcon at Hohenheim:
Full financial support: Tuition is waived (especially for non-EU students), which significantly reduces the cost barrier.
Monthly stipend: Around €850/month to cover living expenses.
Health insurance: Covered for the scholarship duration.
Travel allowances: Support for initial travel to Germany, return trip, and research-related travel (e.g., fieldwork) during the thesis.
Rent subsidy: Helps with accommodation costs in Germany.
Language preparation: Two-month German course before classes start.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the scholarship, you must meet both the DAAD EPOS requirements and the AgEcon admission criteria:
DAAD EPOS Requirements
Be a citizen of a developing country.
Have at least 2 years of professional work experience since earning your bachelor’s degree (but not just in academia; teaching/research roles are generally not accepted).
Your most recent academic degree (e.g., Bachelor) should be no more than 6 years old at application time.
Demonstrate development-related motivation in your career goals.
You must not have lived in Germany more than 15 months by the application deadline.
AgEcon (Master’s Program) Requirements
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., economics, agricultural sciences) with above-average results.
English language proficiency: Official test results are required — for example, IELTS Academic ≥ 6.5 or TOEFL iBT ≥ 90.
Coursework background: You need proof of undergraduate courses in statistics and economics.
AgEcon PreTest: Applicants must submit the results of a self-evaluation pre-test.
📖 Need resources to prepare for your TOEFL OR IELTS Exam? CHECK our top Picks:
ℹ️ Earns Commission
📝 Application Procedure
The application process has two parts:
DAAD EPOS Scholarship Application
You must email your scholarship application to agecon@uni-hohenheim.de.
Do not combine all documents into a single PDF. Use clear naming conventions, e.g.:
Number – Surname Name – Document Type (e.g., 1 – Smith John – Motivation Letter).
Include your HohCampus application number in the subject line of your submission email.
University Admission Application
Use the HohCampus portal to apply for the AgEcon master’s program.
The scholarship application is only valid if you have also applied via HohCampus.
🗂️ Required Documents
You’ll need to prepare and submit the following (signed, scanned, clearly labeled):
Signed checklist of DAAD application documents
DAAD Application Form, filled out, signed, dated
CV (Europass format), no unexplained gaps, in reverse chronological order
Motivation Letter (max 2 pages), explaining your current job, career goals, why AgEcon, and why you chose this program (if applying to more than one EPOS program, clarify your priorities)
Employer recommendation: On official letterhead, signed, with contact details + ideally guarantee of re-employment after you return home.
Certificates of employment proving at least 2 years of relevant work experience (non-academic)
English test scores: IELTS, TOEFL, etc. You can send these after Dec 15, but no later than mid-January.
Bachelor’s diploma & transcript, with certified translation to English or German if needed
Secondary school certificate (university entrance qualification), with translation if necessary
Ranking Letter: If your GPA does not look “above average” on a German scale, you may need a letter from your university confirming your relative performance.
APS Certificate: Required for applicants from India, China, Vietnam.
🔍 Eligibility Tips & Additional Notes
The selection process is very competitive because scholarships are limited.
Make sure your motivation letter strongly links your professional experience to development-related goals. DAAD EPOS specifically favors applicants who can show how their career relates to development policy, agriculture, economics, or social impact.
If you apply to multiple EPOS programs (you can apply to up to 3), you must use the same motivation letter, but clearly explain why you prioritized the programs in that order.
Past applicants on forums recommend being precise and structured in naming your files and following DAAD’s required naming convention to avoid confusion.
For candidates whose last degree is more than 6 years old, EPOS may disqualify their application, so double check your eligibility.
Regarding previous residence in Germany: having lived in Germany longer than 15 months by the application deadline can disqualify you, so make sure to document your travel history clearly.
🗓️ Application Timeline
Mid-November: HohCampus portal opens for applications.
Nov 15 – Dec 15: DAAD EPOS scholarship application window.
Email Documents: Send your DAAD application documents to agecon@uni-hohenheim.de, following naming rules.
Admission via HohCampus: Apply for the AgEcon master via HohCampus by Dec 15.
Mid-Jan: Deadline for submitting English test results if you couldn’t include them before.
February: Selection of scholarship recipients.
August: German language course begins for successful candidates.
October: AgEcon master’s program starts.
👌🏻Tips for Applicants
Start early: Given the volume and detail of required documents (motivation letter, employment certificates, ranking letter, etc.), begin preparing months in advance.
Get your employer support: Ask for a re-employment guarantee if possible; having your current employer commit to employing you after graduation strengthens your application.
Practice for the Pre-Test: The AgEcon PreTest is required — try to find sample tests or past questions to self-evaluate.
Be clear and focused: In your motivation letter, clearly articulate how your work experience ties into development goals and how the AgEcon master will help you contribute back to your country.
Use translations and certified documents: Make sure to translate and certify your academic credentials and employment letters if they are not in English or German.
Network with past scholars: Try to connect with former EPOS fellows or current students via LinkedIn or alumni networks — they can give you concrete advice on application and life in Hohenheim.