Are you an Indian graduate with work experience who wants to study in Germany? The DAAD EPOS scholarship could be an opportunity worth exploring.

One programme available through this route is the MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security. It is jointly offered by the University of Bonn and the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS).

The programme focuses on environmental challenges, climate change, disaster management and the safety of communities affected by environmental risks.

What Is This Master’s Programme About?

The programme teaches students how environmental changes and natural hazards affect people and communities. It also explores ways to reduce risks and improve people’s ability to recover from disasters.

You will study subjects related to:

• Climate change and environmental risks.
• Disaster management and disaster prevention.
• Sustainable development.
• Human security and community resilience.
• Geographical research methods.
• GIS and remote sensing.
• Environmental policy and risk management.

The two-year programme includes academic modules, a compulsory internship of at least eight weeks and a master’s thesis.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in Geography or a related academic field.

Your previous studies must include relevant coursework in areas such as:

• Human Geography and Social Sciences.
• Research methods and scientific methodology.
• Physical Geography, Geosciences or Environmental Sciences.

The university will assess your degree and academic transcripts to determine whether your background is suitable.

PhD students and PhD holders cannot apply for this master’s programme.

Additional Requirements for the DAAD EPOS Scholarship

The scholarship is intended for qualified professionals from eligible developing countries who want to use their education to contribute to development in their home country or professional field.

To be considered for DAAD EPOS funding for this programme, you generally need to meet these additional conditions:

• At least two years of relevant work experience after completing your bachelor’s degree, by the application deadline.
• A bachelor’s degree or other qualifying academic background that meets the programme requirements.
• Your most recent academic degree must normally have been completed within the previous six years.
• You must be from a country eligible under the DAAD EPOS scheme.
• You should have a clear plan to work as a development-related professional after graduation.
• You must meet the scholarship’s other academic and application conditions.

Relevant experience may include work with a government organisation, non-governmental organisation or private-sector employer, provided it meets the official requirements.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

Selected DAAD EPOS scholarship holders may receive financial assistance to help cover the cost of studying and living in Germany.

The general DAAD EPOS benefits include:

• A monthly scholarship payment. The DAAD currently lists €992 per month for graduate-level scholarship holders.
• Contributions towards health, accident and personal liability insurance.
• A travel allowance, subject to the scheme’s conditions.
• Possible additional assistance, such as a rent subsidy or support for accompanying family members, where applicable.

Are There Tuition Fees?

The programme is listed as tuition-free. However, students should still budget for semester contributions and their living expenses in Germany.

You may need money for:

• University and semester contributions.
• Accommodation and food.
• Local transport and personal expenses.
• Visa-related costs and travel, where not covered.

The amount you need will depend on your accommodation, lifestyle and individual circumstances. Check the latest university guidance before preparing your budget.

English Language Requirements

The programme is taught in English. Applicants must provide proof of English proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption under the programme’s rules.

The current programme information lists these minimum scores for accepted tests:

• IELTS: 6.5.
• TOEFL iBT: 79.
• Pearson PTE Academic: 67.
• Duolingo English Test: 120.
• Cambridge English: accepted qualifications at the required level, as specified by the programme.

Check the official page for the full list of accepted tests, score requirements and exemptions before booking an examination.

Documents You Should Prepare

Start collecting your documents as early as possible. Your application must follow the programme’s instructions and be submitted in the required format.

For the master’s programme

• Completed online application form.
• Motivation letter of one to two pages.
• Recent CV in Europass format, within the stated page limit.
• Bachelor’s degree certificate and other applicable degree certificates.
• Academic transcripts and grading information.
• Proof of English proficiency, where required.
• Copy of your passport information page.
• Academic references, if available.
• Relevant employment, internship or training references, if applicable.
• APS Certificate for applicants from India.
• A separate academic writing sample.

Additional documents for DAAD EPOS funding

• DAAD application form.
• DAAD EPOS checklist.
• A separate scholarship motivation letter.
• Professional reference from your current employer.
• Work certificates proving the required professional experience.

The official instructions specify how these documents must be signed, arranged and submitted. Some documents must be stamped or signed by the issuing institution or employer.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to prepare your application.

1. Check your eligibility. Make sure your bachelor’s degree and academic subjects match the programme requirements.
2. Check the scholarship conditions. Confirm that your country, work experience and career plans meet the DAAD EPOS rules.
3. Prepare your English-language proof. Check the accepted tests and minimum scores.
4. Complete the online application. Use the official programme website.
5. Collect your documents. Prepare your CV, transcripts, degree certificates, passport copy and motivation letters.
6. Prepare the additional scholarship documents. Include your work certificates, employer reference and DAAD forms if you are applying for EPOS funding.
7. Prepare the academic writing sample. Follow the official question, word limit and authenticity instructions.
8. Submit the complete application. Follow the programme’s instructions for the online form and the PDF package sent by email.
9. Keep a copy. Save your documents and application confirmation for your records.

Important Dates

• Application period: 31 July to 31 October 2026, subject to confirmation by the programme.
• Application deadline: 31 October 2026.
• Expected course start: October 2027.
• EPOS scholarship selection: The programme says selection among shortlisted candidates takes place between February and April each year.

Do not wait until the last day. Give yourself time to collect official certificates, prepare your writing sample and resolve any application issues.

Official Application Links

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DAAD EPOS scholarship fully funded?

Selected scholarship holders receive financial support under the DAAD EPOS scheme. The exact benefits depend on the official award conditions. You must be selected to receive funding.

Can fresh graduates apply?

For the EPOS scholarship route described here, applicants need at least two years of relevant work experience after their bachelor’s degree by the application deadline. Fresh graduates without this experience will not meet that condition.

Can engineering graduates apply?

The programme states that it is not designed for engineering-related graduates. Review the academic eligibility criteria carefully before applying.

Do I need to know German?

The programme is taught in English. Applicants must meet the English-language requirements unless they qualify for an approved exemption. Check the official programme page for current details.

Does getting admission guarantee a scholarship?

No. You may be admitted to the master’s programme without being selected for DAAD EPOS funding. Scholarship selection is competitive.

What is the application deadline?

The official programme page currently lists 31 October 2026 for the intake expected to begin in October 2027. Always confirm the date and submission procedure on the official page before applying.

Final Checklist

Before submitting, make sure you have:

• Checked the academic eligibility requirements.
• Confirmed that you meet the EPOS work-experience conditions.
• Prepared your English-language proof.
• Collected your degree certificates and transcripts.
• Prepared your CV and motivation letters.
• Arranged the required employer references and work certificates.
• Checked the APS requirement for Indian applicants.
• Completed the original academic writing sample according to the official instructions.
• Reviewed the latest deadline and application process.

Conclusion

The MSc in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security is an option for graduates interested in climate change, environmental risks, disaster management and development-related work.

For eligible Indian professionals, the DAAD EPOS scholarship may provide financial support to study in Germany. The most important step is to check both the master’s admission requirements and the additional scholarship conditions before investing time in the application.

With the listed deadline of 31 October 2026 approaching, eligible applicants should review the official instructions and start preparing their documents now.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Eligibility, deadlines, benefits, fees and document requirements may change. Always use the official programme and DAAD websites for the latest requirements. Admission, scholarship funding and visa approval are not guaranteed.