If you would like to apply without the EPOS scholarship, this is the wrong page, please click here ←
Start your application process
step 1 assemble your documents
please use and tick all the boxes on the checklist below in order to achieve a fully complete application. If you have questions, please refer to the official DAAD-Website. The examples and FAQs provided each point might help
remember: Germany is extremly strict with formal criteria: missing or incomplete documents will lead to the exclusion of your application
Checklist
The following checklist has been compiled solely to support your application and reflects the best of our knowledge as of August 7, 2025. For official and legally binding information regarding formal requirements, please refer exclusively to the official website of the DAAD.
Checklist
- FAQ, example & more information
- download checklist document
click for criteria list
- all boxes ticked
- signed
- contains both pages
EPOS application form
- FAQ, example & more information
- download EPOS application form
click for criteria list
- place & date
- fully completed
- dates correspond precisely with other documents (CV, certificates of employment, etc.)
Curriculum vitae
click for criteria list
- europass template
- reverse chronological order
- maximum of 3 pages
- corresponds with information form (step 1) & EPOS application form
- month-accurate dates & precise information
- no unexplained gaps longer than 3 months
- with date of issue
Letter of motivation
click for criteria list
- maximum of 2 pages
- dated
- If application for more than 1 university:
- detailed reasons for your choice of courses
- with a master's degree in progress or completed:
- detailed reasons for your choice of a second master degree
- Bachelor's degree was obtained more than 6 years ago:
- Specify reason for gap
Letter of recommendation
click for criteria list
- from current employer
- official letterhead
- dated, stamped, signed
- current date
Certificate(s) of employment
click for criteria list
- min. 2 years relevant working experience
- all experiences made after bachelor degree
- dated, stamped, signed
- contain a letterhead
- exact duration in the format: „from dd.mm.yyyy to dd.mm.yyyy“
- Employment contracts or appointment letters are not accepted as certificates of employment.
- If possible
- guarantee of re-employment
Proof of English Proficiency
click for criteria list
- IELTS: min. B2 (Band 6)
- or
- TOEFL iBT (prior 21.01.2026): min. 86
- TOEFL iBT (after 21.01.2026): min. 4.5
- we do not accept TOEFL Essentials or TOEFL ITP
- or
- DET Duolingo English Test: min. 120
- or
- suitable for exemption (see FAQ ↑)
Academic degree certificate(s)
click for criteria list
- in English or German
- far above average results (upper third)
- academic degrees should normally not be more than six years old
- If your are from India, China or Vietnam
- APS Certificate
Full transcript(s) of records
click for criteria list
- certified by the university
- in English or German
- contains grading system
- contains the time period of studies
- contains all courses attended
- contains all grades
- contains degree name
Further relevant documents (optional)
- FAQ, example & more information
click for criteria list
- up to three further certificates
- professional expertise
- proof of volunteering
- etc.
step 2 upload your PDF
- please remember – your application is not considered if:
- it is incomplete (e.g., the application form or a proof of English language proficiency is missing)
- the formal requirements are not met (e.g., the CV or motivation letter is too long).
- it is submitted before or after the application period.
- it is sent by post or any other means.
- it is not uploaded through the application portal BASIS
click here
(The link will be published at the start of the application period on 01 September 2026)
