DAAD MIDE Scholarship 2026 in Germany | Fully Funded

Germany continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for international students pursuing development-related master’s degrees — offering tuition-free or low-cost education, world-class research, strong industry links, and generous scholarship support. The DAAD MIDE Scholarship (Master’s in International and Development Economics) at HTW Berlin (University of Applied Sciences for Technology and Economics) is one of the most prestigious and fully funded opportunities available in 2026.

This program, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) under its EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) scheme, targets talented professionals from developing countries who want to contribute to sustainable economic development back home. The scholarship covers all major expenses, including a generous monthly stipend, making it possible to focus entirely on studies and research.

From my experience guiding students to DAAD scholarships, MIDE stands out for its practical focus on development economics, excellent career outcomes, and high success rate for applicants with relevant work experience. One student from Pakistan was awarded the scholarship after 3 years in economic policy research and now works at a think tank in Islamabad. Another from Nigeria received funding after strong academic performance and clear development impact goals. Tools like Numbeo show monthly living costs in Berlin average €1,000–1,500. The DAAD stipend (€934/month) covers this comfortably.

What Is the DAAD MIDE Scholarship?

The MIDE program (Master of Arts in International and Development Economics) is a 2-year full-time master’s degree at HTW Berlin, designed for students who want to work in development policy, international organizations, NGOs, government, or research.

The DAAD EPOS scholarship funds outstanding candidates from developing countries to complete this program.

Key facts:

• Fully funded Master’s (24 months)
• Approximately 15–20 scholarships awarded annually
• Open to citizens of developing countries (DAC list)
• No application fee
• Deadline: 31 August 2026 (for September 2027 intake)
• Results: Usually December 2026 – February 2027

Graduates often secure roles at UN agencies, World Bank, GIZ, ministries, NGOs, or continue to PhD programs.

Also apply for:

• Budapest Metropolitan University Scholarships
• ETH Zurich Scholarship 2026 in Switzerland

Eligibility Criteria

You qualify if you meet all of these:

• Be a national of a developing country (check DAC list on daad.de)
• Have at least 2 years of professional experience in a development-related field after your bachelor’s degree
• Have graduated within the last 6 years
• Hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 180 ECTS (or equivalent)
• Have at least 15 ECTS in Economics (3 modules)
• Demonstrate excellent academic performance
• Have English proficiency:
  • IELTS 6.0 overall
  • TOEFL iBT 80
  • PTE Academic 59
  • MOI certificate accepted in some cases (confirm with HTW Berlin)

Strong opinion: The 2-year work experience requirement is strict — it must be relevant to development economics, policy, or related fields. Quality matters more than quantity.

Scholarship Benefits – Fully Funded Package

The DAAD EPOS scholarship for MIDE includes:

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Monthly stipend: €934 per month for 24 months = €22,416 total
• Possible family allowance (for accompanying spouse/children)
• Health, accident, and liability insurance
• Travel allowance (if not covered by home country)
• Rent subsidy (in some cases)
• Study and research allowance

Table: Annual Support (2026 estimates)

No additional relocation or thesis allowance.

Program Details

• Degree: Master of Arts in International and Development Economics (MIDE)
• Duration: 24 months (full-time)
• Language: English
• Focus: Development economics, international economics, econometrics, policy analysis, project evaluation, sustainable development
• Location: HTW Berlin (University of Applied Sciences)
• Career paths: Development banks, UN agencies, NGOs, government ministries, research institutes

Required Documents

• Online application form (via DAAD portal + HTW Berlin portal)
• Bachelor’s degree certificate & transcripts
• Proof of at least 2 years professional experience (employer letters)
• CV (Europass format recommended)
• Motivation letter (explaining development impact goals)
• Two recommendation letters (academic or professional)
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or MOI certificate)
• Passport copy

How to Apply – Step by Step (2026 cycle)

1. Check the Official Link
2. Check the updated MIDE program page on htw-berlin.de
3. Apply directly to HTW Berlin via their online portal (deadline: 31 August 2026)
4. Simultaneously prepare DAAD EPOS scholarship application (separate portal: daad.de)
5. Upload all required documents (transcripts, CV, motivation letter, references, English proof/MOI)
6. Submit both applications before deadline
7. HTW Berlin nominates top candidates to DAAD
8. DAAD final selection panel reviews
9. Results: December 2026 – February 2027

Tip: The motivation letter is critical — clearly explain your professional experience, development goals, and how MIDE will help you contribute to your country.

Living Costs in Berlin (Beyond Stipend)

Single €1,000–1,500/month (Numbeo Jan 2026) Rent €500–800 shared Food €300 Transport €80 (semester ticket often included)

Stipend €934/month covers most costs with careful budgeting.

Application Checklist

• Confirm eligibility (developing country + 2 years work experience)
• Prepare strong motivation letter (development impact focus)
• Secure 2 strong recommendation letters
• Collect transcripts & degree certificates
• English proof (IELTS/TOEFL or MOI)
• Apply to HTW Berlin by 31 August 2026
• Submit DAAD EPOS application
• Track both portals

Common Mistakes to Avoid

No proof of 2 years relevant work experience. Generic motivation letter. Late submission. Weak references. Not confirming MOI acceptance if no IELTS.