Kenyan graduates seeking to further their education abroad can now apply for fully funded postgraduate scholarships under the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) program.
The scholarship is open to professionals from developing and newly industrialized countries seeking to pursue Master’s degrees and, in exceptional cases, PhD programs at state or state-recognized universities in Germany.
According to DAAD, the program aims to equip highly qualified professionals with advanced knowledge and skills to support sustainable development in their home countries after completing their studies.
The scholarships are open to graduates from all academic disciplines who have completed a bachelor’s degree and have at least two years of relevant professional experience after graduation.
The scholarship package also includes health, accident and personal liability insurance, a travel allowance where applicable, and, under certain circumstances, a monthly rent subsidy and financial support for accompanying family members.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance, possess a bachelor’s degree typically earned through a four-year programme and meet the language requirements of their chosen course.
Applicants must also demonstrate that their motivation for pursuing the programme is linked to development goals and that they have the potential to contribute to positive social and economic change in their home country after completing their studies.
Courses available
The EPOS programme covers a wide range of development-oriented postgraduate courses offered by German universities.
Among the programmes available are Development Economics at the University of Göttingen, Small Enterprise Promotion and Training (SEPT) at the University of Leipzig, Development Management at Ruhr University Bochum, and Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security at the University of Bonn and the United Nations University.
Engineering applicants can pursue programmes such as Hydro Science and Engineering, Sustainable Energy and Development, Sustainable Renewable Energy Technologies, Photogrammetry and Geoinformatics, and Natural Hazards and Risks in Structural Engineering.
Other options include Urban Management, Integrated Urbanism and Sustainable Design, Tropical Forestry, Agricultural Economics, Marine Biology, Environmental Governance, Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation, Natural Resources Management, Integrated Water Resources Management, and Renewable Energy Management.
Most programmes are taught in English and last between 18 and 24 months, while a few are offered in German.
DAAD noted that some programmes admit students once every two years, meaning the next intake for those specific courses will be in 2028. Applicants are advised to check the admission cycle and deadline for their preferred programme before applying.
Also Read: Germany Embassy Invites Kenyans to Apply for Fully Funded STEM Scholarships
How Kenyans can apply
Unlike many scholarship programmes, applications are not submitted directly to DAAD.
Instead, candidates must apply directly to the German university offering their preferred postgraduate course.
Applicants can apply for up to three eligible programmes but must rank them in order of preference and submit the same motivation letter explaining their choice of courses and prioritization.
The application must include:
- A completed DAAD application form and signed checklist.
- A Europass curriculum vitae (CV).
- A motivation letter explaining the applicant’s academic, professional and personal reasons for applying.
- A recommendation letter from the current employer.
- Employment certificates proving at least two years of relevant work experience after earning a bachelor’s degree.
- Proof of English or German language proficiency, depending on the course.
- Copies of university degree certificates and academic transcripts.
DAAD noted that some universities may require additional documents, and applicants should carefully review the admission requirements for their chosen programmes.
Selection process
The selection process begins with candidates submitting their applications directly to the universities.
Each university then evaluates applications and recommends suitable candidates for a DAAD scholarship.
Those shortlisted are invited by DAAD to upload their application documents to the DAAD online portal before the final selection is made.
Application deadlines vary depending on the postgraduate programme, and applicants are advised to check the deadlines published by their preferred universities before submitting their applications.
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