Ruhr University DAAD•EPOS Scholarship 2025 (MA in Development Management)

If you are a development professional aiming to drive positive change, the DAAD EPOS Scholarship at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) for the 2026 intake is now open! This fully funded opportunity supports international Master’s studies in Development Management. Don’t miss your chance—applications close 30 September 2025.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Country: Germany

• Host Institution: Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), Institute of Development Research and Development Policy (IEE)

• Study Level: Master of Arts (MA) in Development Management, full-time (3 semesters, ~18 months)

• Target Group: Professionals from developing countries with a relevant Bachelor’s degree and ≥2 years of development-related work experience

• Fields of Study: MA in Development Management (MADM)

• Application Deadline: 30 September 2025 (for scholarship applicants); self-funded deadline is 31 December 2025

• Program Start Date: September/October 2026 (Winter semester)

📚 Scholarship Overview – Benefits & Coverage

Recipients of the DAAD EPOS Scholarship receive comprehensive support, including:

• Monthly Stipend: Ranges between approx. €934 and €992 to cover living expenses

• Insurance: Health, accident, and personal liability coverage

• Travel Allowance: Roundtrip airfare to/from Germany

• Accommodation Support: Rent subsidy / assistance with housing costs

• Family Allowance: Additional monthly stipend for accompanying family members (where applicable)

• Preparatory German Course: Mandatory language classes before academic start for scholarship holders

• Tuition Fees: In principle, there are no tuition fees at RUB; only a semester social fee (~€325) covering public transport, etc.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Upper-second-class or equivalent in relevant field (political science, economics, social sciences, law, geography, etc.)

• Professional Experience: At least two years in development-related work. For scholarship applicants, preference is given to those with employer reintegration guarantees

• Language Proficiency (English):

  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 79–80

  • IELTS: Minimum Band 6.0

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of an eligible developing country (check the DAAD list)

📝 How to Apply

Application process:

1. Apply directly via the university’s MADM online portal from January 2025 onward .

2. Fill in the application form and upload all required documents.

3. Submit by 30 September 2025 for DAAD EPOS applicants; deadline for others is 31 December 2025 .

📂 Required documents 

• Motivation/letter of application (signed; for DAAD EPOS applicants, mention prioritization if applying to multiple courses)

• CV in Europass format

• Degree certificate(s) and transcript(s); certified translations if not in English or German

• School-leaving certificate

• Language certificate(s) – English (TOEFL/IELTS) and German if applicable

• Work experience documentation for at least two years after Bachelor’s (including employer’s certificate, ideally with reintegration guarantee)

• Two recommendation letters (one academic, one professional) on official letterhead, signed and stamped

• Passport/ID copy and passport-size photo

• DAAD application form and checklist (for DAAD applicants)

🧭 Application Tips:

• Ensure that all documents are clearly legible, correctly labeled, and in the required order .

• Start preparing well in advance—especially collecting work experience proofs and recommendations—which may take time .

🧩 Programme Structure

• Program Duration: 3 semesters (~18 months) full-time, taught in English .

• Curriculum & Activities:

  • First Semester: Interdisciplinary foundations in development theories and empirical research methods; define your research topic; optional 3-month internship in a German development agency or related organization .

  • Second Semester: Focus on project planning, management, evaluation; seminar paper writing; preparation for field research—followed by field research in your region/country for thesis data collection .

  • Third Semester: Thesis writing with thematic/ methodological integration plus additional trainings preparing for academic and professional engagement .

• Complementary Training: Intercultural seminars, German language courses (mandatory for DAAD scholars), and optional additional offers .

💡 Quick Summary Table

• Eligibility: Bachelor’s (2nd class upper), 2+ years work experience, English proficiency

• Scholarship Coverage: Stipend (€934–€992), insurance, airfare, housing/family support

• Deadline: 30 Sept 2025 (scholarship); 31 Dec 2025 (self-funded)

• Program Start: Winter semester 2026 (Sept/Oct)

• Structure: 3 semesters, coursework + internship + field research + thesis

• How to Apply: RUB MADM portal from Jan 2025; full docs submission by deadline

🔗 Application Link

🔗 Official Website

---