Fully Funded DAAD-EPOS Scholarship for Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks & Human Security (Germany, 2026)

Overview

The DAAD-EPOS scholarship supports outstanding students from developing countries to pursue the Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security, offered by the University of Bonn and UNU-EHS in Germany. This fully funded award covers tuition, living costs, and other study-related expenses, enabling scholars to gain advanced expertise in climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, resilience, and sustainable development.

Eligibility

To be considered, applicants must:

• Come from a DAAD-eligible developing country.

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree (not older than 6 years at the time of application).

• Have at least 2 years of relevant professional work experience (NGOs, governments, private sector, humanitarian/development fields).

• Show a strong development-related motivation.

• Not hold another Master’s degree in a related field.

• Commit to a practitioner career in development (not academia/PhD track).

Benefits

The DAAD-EPOS scholarship typically covers:

• Full tuition fees.

• Monthly living stipend.

• Health insurance.

• Travel allowance (round trip).

• Research & study subsidies (where applicable).
  This funding ensures scholars can focus entirely on their studies and professional development in Germany.

Fellowship/Programme Components

Scholarship holders join the full MSc programme, which includes:

• 12 taught modules across risk, vulnerability, climate adaptation, and GIS.

• Compulsory internship (8+ weeks) with international organizations or research institutes.

• Master’s thesis focusing on applied or theoretical environmental risk research.

• Access to UN system networks, DAAD alumni opportunities, and research collaborations.

Application Requirements

In addition to the standard MSc application package, DAAD-EPOS candidates must submit:

1. DAAD EPOS Checklist (signed & dated).

2. DAAD Application Form (typed, listing all EPOS programmes applied for).

3. Scholarship Motivation Letter (1–2 pages, development-focused).

4. Professional Reference from Current Employer (dated, signed, stamped, letterhead).

5. Work Certificates (showing at least 2 years’ relevant experience).

Selection Criteria

• Academic excellence and alignment with programme focus.

• Demonstrated professional experience in development practice.

• Clear motivation for working in development-related risk management and human security.

• Strong potential to contribute to sustainable solutions in the Global South.

Application Process

• Application window: 15 September – 15 December 2025.

• Submit one PDF package (≤8MB) + sample of academic work via email: master-georisk@ehs.unu.edu.

• Shortlisted candidates are reviewed for EPOS eligibility between Feb – Apr 2026.

• Final results will be released before the start of the programme in October 2026.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Fully Funded DAAD-EPOS Scholarship for Joint MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks & Human Security (Germany, 2026)