DAAD EPOS SEPT Scholarship 2026 at Leipzig University in Germany (Fully Funded)

The DAAD EPOS SEPT Scholarship 2026 at Leipzig University in Germany offers a fully funded MBA opportunity for international students, particularly from developing countries. This prestigious scholarship focuses on small enterprise promotion and training, covering tuition fees, monthly stipends, health insurance, travel costs, and more for qualified candidates seeking to advance their expertise in entrepreneurship and SME development.

DAAD EPOS SEPT Scholarship 2026 Overview

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers the EPOS SEPT Scholarship through its Development-Related Postgraduate Courses program. This initiative supports outstanding students from developing countries who wish to gain expertise in entrepreneurship and small business development through Leipzig University’s renowned MBA program.

The SEPT (Small Enterprise Promotion and Training) program at Leipzig University is specifically designed to convey theoretical knowledge, application-oriented findings, and practical experience in the management, promotion, and development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The program focuses on economic issues and successful approaches to support small businesses and foster innovative, dynamic enterprises equipped with intelligent decision-making tools and methodologies.

The scholarship is part of DAAD’s commitment to promoting sustainable development globally by empowering future leaders and professionals who can drive economic growth in their home countries through entrepreneurship and SME development.

Host Country	Germany
Host University	Leipzig University
Program	MBA in Small Enterprise Promotion and Training (SEPT)
Scholarship Provider	German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Eligible Countries	Developing countries (priority)
Coverage	Fully Funded
Monthly Stipend	€934 (approx.)
Application Deadline	October 1, 2025
Program Start	October 2026

Scholarship Benefits

The DAAD EPOS SEPT Scholarship 2026 is truly comprehensive, covering all essential expenses needed for your study period in Germany:

• Full tuition fee waiver for the entire program duration
• Monthly stipend of approximately €934 to cover living expenses
• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
• Travel allowance for flights to and from Germany
• Study and research allowance to support academic work
• German language course support (if required)
• Family allowance (if applicable)

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Eligibility Requirements for DAAD EPOS SEPT Scholarship

To be eligible for this prestigious scholarship opportunity, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Academic Qualifications: Hold a bachelor’s degree (4-year or 180+ ECTS) from a recognized university in a relevant field (business, economics, social sciences, etc.)
• Professional Experience: Have at least two years of professional work experience, preferably in entrepreneurship, SME development, or related fields
• Country of Origin: Be a citizen of a developing country as per DAAD’s list (priority is given to candidates from these countries)
• English Proficiency: Demonstrate adequate English language skills through TOEFL (minimum 79 iBT) or IELTS (minimum 6.0)
• Time Since Last Degree: No more than six years should have passed since your last academic degree
• Residence Requirement: Must not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of application
• Development Relevance: Show strong motivation to contribute to economic development in your home country after completing the program

German language skills are beneficial but not mandatory for this program, as the MBA is taught in English.

Step-by-Step Application Process for DAAD EPOS SEPT Scholarship

Follow these detailed steps to apply for the DAAD EPOS SEPT Scholarship 2026 at Leipzig University:

1. Check Eligibility: Carefully review the eligibility criteria to ensure you qualify for the scholarship
2. Prepare Required Documents:
   • Completed and signed DAAD application form
   • CV in Europass format
   • Motivation letter (1-2 pages) explaining your academic and professional goals and why you deserve the scholarship
   • Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates (with translations if not in English or German)
   • Proof of work experience (minimum 2 years, on official letterhead)
   • Employer recommendation letter (on official letterhead)
   • English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS)
   • Two recommendation letters from professors or employers
   • Copy of your passport
   • Signed DAAD checklist
3. Submit Online Application:
   • Apply through the DAAD Portal
   • Also submit your application to Leipzig University via their online portal
4. Application Verification: DAAD and Leipzig University will review all applications for completeness and eligibility
5. Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews (in-person or virtual)
6. Wait for Results: Scholarship recipients will be notified by early 2026
7. Pre-Departure Preparations: If selected, prepare for your studies in Germany (visa application, accommodation arrangements, etc.)

It’s crucial to submit your complete application before the deadline of October 1, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

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DAAD EPOS Scholarship

DAAD EPOS SEPT Scholarship Timeline

Application Opens	July 2025 (estimated)
Application Deadline	October 1, 2025
Interviews (if applicable)	November-December 2025
Results Announcement	Early 2026
Pre-Departure Preparations	April-August 2026
Program Start	October 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply for the DAAD EPOS SEPT Scholarship without work experience?

No, a minimum of two years of professional work experience is a mandatory requirement for this scholarship. The experience should preferably be in fields related to entrepreneurship, small business development, or economic development.

2. Is this scholarship open to all nationalities?

While technically open to international applicants, strong preference is given to citizens from developing countries as listed in the DAAD’s DAC list. Candidates from these countries are prioritized in the selection process.

3. Do I need to know German to apply for this scholarship?

No, German language skills are not mandatory as the MBA program is taught entirely in English. However, basic German knowledge can be beneficial for daily life in Germany. The scholarship includes options for German language courses if needed.

4. How competitive is the DAAD EPOS SEPT Scholarship?

The scholarship is highly competitive, with a large number of applications received from around the world each year. Selection is based on academic excellence, relevant professional experience, and the development impact potential of the candidate’s future work in their home country.

5. Can I work while studying under this scholarship?

Yes, international students in Germany are allowed to work part-time (120 full days or 240 half days per year) alongside their studies. However, the MBA program is intensive, and scholarship recipients are expected to focus primarily on their studies.

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Conclusion

The DAAD EPOS SEPT Scholarship 2026 at Leipzig University in Germany presents an exceptional opportunity for motivated professionals from developing countries to gain advanced knowledge and skills in SME development and entrepreneurship. This fully funded scholarship not only covers all financial aspects of your education but also provides a pathway to contribute meaningfully to economic development in your home country.

The comprehensive curriculum, combined with Germany’s world-class education system and Leipzig University’s excellent reputation, makes this program highly valuable for career advancement in business, entrepreneurship, and economic development sectors.