DAAD EPOS SEPT MBA Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded MBA in Germany
If you’re a professional from a developing country who wants a world-class MBA without paying a cent, the DAAD EPOS scholarship for the SEPT MBA at Leipzig University is one of the most generous routes in Europe.
The SEPT program (Small Enterprise Promotion and Training) is a specialized 22-month MBA at Leipzig University — Germany’s second-oldest university, founded in 1409. The DAAD-funded scholarship covers tuition, a monthly stipend, rent subsidy, family allowances, travel, and insurance. Applications run August 1 – October 1, 2026, for study starting October 2027.
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Leipzig University SEPT MBA — DAAD EPOS Scholarship |
| Host university | Leipzig University, Germany (founded 1409) |
| Degree | MBA — Small Enterprise Promotion and Training (SEPT) |
| Duration | 22 months (1 year 10 months) |
| Funding | Fully funded (DAAD EPOS) |
| Eligible applicants | Citizens of developing nations |
| Work experience | Minimum 2 years required |
| Applications open | August 1, 2026 |
| Deadline | October 1, 2026 |
| Study starts | October 2027 |
| Official site | uni-leipzig.de |
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What Does It Cover?
The DAAD EPOS scholarship for SEPT is fully funded:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Full MBA tuition for the 22-month program |
| Monthly stipend | DAAD rate (approx. €934/month for graduates, adjusted annually) |
| Rent subsidy | Monthly housing allowance |
| Family allowance | Monthly allowance for accompanying family members |
| Health & accident insurance | Comprehensive coverage |
| Travel allowance | Airfare between home country and Germany |
| German language course | Optional language training support (typical of DAAD programs) |
Note: The exact DAAD stipend and allowances are reviewed annually — always confirm current rates on the DAAD and Leipzig University websites.
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Eligibility
✅ You Must:
- Be a citizen of a developing nation (the program is designed for professionals from developing/emerging countries — verify your country against DAAD’s eligibility list)
- Hold a four-year bachelor’s degree (or 180+ ECTS) from an accredited university
- Have at least two years of professional work experience
- Meet the English requirement: IELTS Academic 6.0+ or TOEFL iBT 80+
- Show a clear career plan to apply your MBA in small enterprise promotion in your home country
❌ Not Eligible If:
- You’re a citizen of a developed country (DAAD defines eligible countries — check the list)
- You hold a bachelor’s degree below the 180 ECTS threshold
- You lack the 2+ years of work experience
- Your previous degree was completed more than six years ago (a second Master’s requires a compelling argument and recent completion)
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How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Gather Documents
Check your country on DAAD’s eligible-country list. Prepare: bachelor’s degree certificate + transcript (with ECTS), English test scores, CV, motivation letter, and proof of work experience.
Step 2: Complete the SEPT MBA Application
Apply directly to the SEPT MBA program at Leipzig University. The application window is August 1 – October 1, 2026.
Step 3: Apply for the DAAD Scholarship
Indicate your DAAD EPOS scholarship interest within the SEPT application. DAAD processes scholarship selection in parallel with the university’s admission decision.
Step 4: Selection and Notification
Selection considers academic record, professional experience, motivation, and the development relevance of your goals. Successful candidates are notified for the October 2027 intake.
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Insider Tips
1. This is a niche program — that’s your edge
Unlike general MBA scholarships, SEPT targets small enterprise promotion and training specifically. If your career involves SME development, entrepreneurship support, or business training in your home country, you are exactly who they want — make that explicit in your motivation letter.
2. The 2-year work experience rule is non-negotiable
You must have at least two years of professional experience at application. Internships and voluntary work typically don’t count — paid professional roles do.
3. Recent graduates have an advantage for a second Master’s
If you already hold a Master’s, DAAD generally expects a compelling reason and completion within the last six years. Frame your second degree around development impact, not personal ambition.
4. English test first — don’t leave it for October
IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL iBT 80+ takes time to book and score. Schedule your test in August so your scores arrive before the October 1 deadline.
5. Compare with other DAAD routes
The EPOS program is one of several DAAD funding lines — the broader DAAD scholarship program in Germany covers Master’s across many universities with €992/month stipends. Apply to EPOS SEPT and a general DAAD program to maximize your odds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SEPT MBA really free?
With the DAAD EPOS scholarship — yes. Tuition, monthly stipend, rent subsidy, family allowance, insurance, and travel are all covered.
Do I need GMAT?
The SEPT program focuses on work experience and motivation; GMAT is not a published requirement (verify current policy on the university site).
Is the program taught in English?
Yes — the SEPT MBA is taught in English, so IELTS 6.0+/TOEFL iBT 80+ is required.
Can my family join me?
Yes — DAAD EPOS includes a monthly family allowance for accompanying dependents.
Which countries are eligible?
DAAD defines the eligible developing/emerging country list — check it before applying. Citizens of developed countries are not eligible.
When does the program start?
October 2027, with applications open August 1 – October 1, 2026.
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Timeline Table
| Phase | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | August 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | October 1, 2026 |
| Selection / notification | Late 2026 – early 2027 |
| Program starts | October 2027 |
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Your Action Plan
1. This week: Check your country on the DAAD eligible list; book your IELTS/TOEFL.
2. By Sept 1: Draft your motivation letter around SME development impact; request transcripts and reference letters.
3. By Sept 30: Submit the complete SEPT MBA + DAAD scholarship application.
4. Parallel: Apply to a general DAAD Master’s program for a second fully funded German option.
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A fully funded MBA at one of Europe’s oldest universities — targeted at exactly the professionals who will build enterprises back home. If you work in SME development, this scholarship was designed for you. Apply before October 1. Share this with a development-focused professional in your network.