The DAAD EPOS Scholarship offers an opportunity for qualified professionals from low- and middle-income countries to pursue a Master of Science in International Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, one of Germany’s leading medical universities. The programme supports professionals seeking advanced knowledge and skills to address poverty-related health challenges and strengthen health systems in developing countries.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) awards up to three scholarships annually for this programme. Successful applicants undertake an intensive 12-month study programme across Germany and Mexico before returning to their home countries.
DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026/2027: Key Details
- Scholarship: DAAD EPOS Scholarship
- Degree: Master of Science in International Health (MScIH)
- Host institution: Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
- Study locations: Berlin and, depending on module selection, Heidelberg or Bergen, followed by Cuernavaca, Mexico
- Eligible applicants: Qualified candidates from low- and middle-income countries
- Scholarship duration: 12 months
- Application period: 1 August to 15 October 2026
- Deadline: 15 October 2026
- Programme start: September 2027 for applications submitted in 2026
- Number of scholarships: Up to three per year
What the Scholarship Offers
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship supports postgraduate training for professionals who can contribute to development in their home countries. Scholarship recipients enrol in the MSc International Health programme at Charité and complete an intensive academic and research programme.
The scholarship includes a German language course beginning in July, followed by the core academic course in Berlin from September to December. Advanced modules worth 20 ECTS credits take place from January to April. Depending on the modules selected, students may complete up to 10 ECTS credits at partner institutions in Heidelberg, Germany, or Bergen, Norway.
From May to August, scholars move to Cuernavaca, Mexico, to complete their Master’s thesis at the National Institute of Public Health. The scholarship concludes at the end of August, when recipients are expected to return to their home countries.
Applicants should consult the official DAAD scholarship listing for the complete financial package, including the applicable stipend, travel allowance, insurance and other benefits.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the academic, professional and nationality-related requirements established by DAAD and Charité.
1. Nationality and country of origin
Candidates must come from eligible low- and middle-income countries under the DAAD EPOS programme requirements.
2. Academic qualifications
Applicants must hold a completed university degree equivalent to four years of study or 240 ECTS credits. Their academic results must be far above average, generally placing them in the upper third of their graduating class.
3. Professional experience
Candidates must have at least two years of relevant professional experience acquired after completing their first university degree, such as a Bachelor’s degree, by the time of application.
4. Age of qualification
The applicant’s most recent academic degree must be less than six years old at the time of application.
5. English-language proficiency
Applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency, such as an IELTS certificate with a minimum Band 6 score or a TOEFL score of at least 550 on the paper-based test or 80 on the internet-based test.
Applicants from Botswana, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe may submit a certificate from their previous university’s Dean of Studies confirming that their entire degree programme was taught in English, instead of IELTS or TOEFL results. This exception does not apply to applicants from other countries.
Additional requirements may apply under the official DAAD EPOS guidelines.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents and follow the prescribed file-naming instructions:
- DAAD application checklist: Completed, personally signed, dated and scanned.
- DAAD application form: Printed, signed by hand, dated and scanned.
- Curriculum vitae: A signed and dated CV using the Europass format.
- Motivation letter: No more than two pages, explaining the applicant’s reasons for applying and professional objectives. Applicants applying to multiple EPOS locations must explain their preferences and ranking in one letter.
- Employer recommendation: A current or previous employer’s recommendation on official letterhead, personally signed, stamped and dated.
- Employment certificates: Official certificates proving at least two years of relevant post-Bachelor’s work experience. A statement confirming the employer’s willingness to re-employ the applicant after the scholarship may also be included, if available.
- English-language evidence: IELTS, TOEFL or an accepted university certificate for applicants covered by the exemption.
- Academic diplomas and transcripts: Copies of relevant degree certificates and official transcripts, including the grading scale. Certified English or German translations are required for documents issued in other languages.
- APS certificate, where applicable: Required for applicants from China, India, Mongolia and Vietnam.
- Passport: A scan of the page containing the applicant’s photograph and personal details.
The university specifies file names for each document. Incomplete applications or submissions that do not follow the prescribed labelling requirements may be rejected.
How to Apply for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship
Applications for the 2026/2027 intake are accepted from 1 August to 15 October 2026.
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
- Review the official Charité MSc International Health scholarship page and the relevant DAAD EPOS scholarship listing.
- Confirm that they meet the academic, professional experience and English-language requirements.
- Complete the online DAAD EPOS application form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ORnprz6SLEO8ZsvD7BjQLGE-MWHyOgtCkTzLHockcodUMDdVWEpHQUpONDBDTko2VjRFVU5OUTFHOCQlQCN0PWcu
- Prepare, sign, date and scan the required supporting documents.
- Name each PDF exactly as instructed by Charité and the DAAD checklist.
- Submit documents 1–9 to the programme using the designated email address, email , and follow the official instructions for submission.
- Ensure that the complete application reaches the university before the deadline.
Applicants should carefully check the official page for any updates to the application form, document requirements and submission procedure before sending their materials.
How to Strengthen the Application
Competition is substantial: Charité reports receiving more than 800 applications annually for the programme, while DAAD awards up to three EPOS scholarships each year.
Candidates can strengthen their applications by demonstrating how their academic background and professional experience relate to international health and development. The motivation letter should identify specific public health challenges in their home countries, explain how the MSc International Health programme will address relevant knowledge gaps, and outline realistic plans for applying the acquired skills after graduation.
Applicants should also ensure that employment certificates clearly establish the required two years of relevant post-degree experience. Strong recommendations, consistent information across documents, complete academic transcripts and accurate PDF file names are important.
Why Consider This Scholarship?
The DAAD EPOS Scholarship offers eligible professionals an opportunity to gain advanced international health training, develop research skills and study across established academic and public health institutions. Its emphasis on returning home after completion makes it particularly relevant for professionals committed to improving health outcomes and strengthening health systems in their countries.
Application Deadline and Official Links
Deadline: 15 October 2026.
The deadline is approaching, so eligible candidates should prepare their documents and submit their applications promptly.
