DAAD AgEcon Scholarship 2026 in Germany for Developing Countries

When I first met a former DAAD scholar at a development conference in Nairobi, I was struck by how significantly their career trajectory had been altered by the program. They went from working in a small agricultural policy unit in Kenya to advising on food security strategies at an international level. That is the kind of impact the DAAD AgEcon Scholarship creates—real opportunities for professionals from developing countries to study in Germany and return home with the skills to influence meaningful change.

If you are passionate about agricultural economics, rural development, and policy innovation, this could be your chance.

What is the DAAD AgEcon Scholarship?

The DAAD AgEcon Scholarship 2026 is funded under the DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) initiative. It supports talented candidates from developing countries who want to pursue a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Hohenheim in Germany.

This fully funded program equips professionals with knowledge in economics, agribusiness, and development policy, preparing them to design and implement solutions for food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.

Scholarship Highlights

• Type: Master’s Scholarship
• Host Country: Germany
• University: University of Hohenheim
• Funding: Fully funded by DAAD (EPOS)
• Eligible Applicants: Citizens of developing countries
• Benefits: Tuition waiver, stipend, airfare, health insurance, family allowance, and more
• Application deadline: December 15, 2025

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must meet strict requirements to ensure only committed professionals are selected:
• Be a citizen of a developing country (list available on DAAD’s official website).
• Have at least 2 years of professional experience after completing a Bachelor’s degree.
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, obtained within the last 6 years, with strong academic results.
• Show clear motivation for development-related goals.
• Not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months prior to the deadline.
• Provide English proficiency results:
• IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5), or
• TOEFL iBT (minimum 90).

Note: Employment in academia (university teaching/research) is usually not accepted unless directly relevant to development practice.

Scholarship Benefits

• The package covers nearly every expense:
• Full tuition for the 2-year program.
• Monthly stipend:
• €992 for Master’s students.
• €1,300 for doctoral students (€1,400 starting Feb 2026).
• Health, accident, and liability insurance.
• Airfare (round-trip and research-related travel).
• Additional support (if applicable):
• Monthly rent subsidy.
• Family allowance for dependents.

Required Application Documents

• DAAD application form (signed and dated).
• Updated CV (Europass format).
• Motivation letter (max 2 pages).
• Employer recommendation letter.
• Employment certificates proving relevant experience.
• Proof of English proficiency.
• Certified copies of Bachelor’s diploma & transcripts.
• Secondary school certificate (UEQ) if required.

How to Apply

1. Apply for admission to the AgEcon Master’s program through the HohCampus portal at the University of Hohenheim.
2. Prepare and email all DAAD EPOS documents to: agecon@uni-hohenheim.de.
3. Ensure your application is submitted by December 15, 2025.

Real-World Examples of DAAD Impact

1. Ethiopia – Coffee Sector Reform

A former DAAD AgEcon graduate returned to Ethiopia and played a key role in reforming coffee value chains, increasing farmer incomes by 20%.

2. Ghana – Food Security Policy

Another alumnus supported Ghana’s Ministry of Agriculture in drafting a national food security policy, directly influencing programs that reduced post-harvest losses.

3. Vietnam – Agribusiness Development

A DAAD scholar from Vietnam established a successful agribusiness start-up linking smallholder farmers with international markets, creating jobs for rural youth.

These cases highlight how the scholarship is not just an academic opportunity but a tool for national development.

Comparison with Other Scholarships

Feature	DAAD AgEcon Scholarship	Chevening Scholarship (UK)	Erasmus Mundus (EU)
Focus	Agricultural Economics	Broad fields (leadership focus)	Joint Master’s in multiple disciplines
Funding	Fully funded (tuition + stipend + airfare + insurance)	Fully funded (tuition + stipend + travel)	Fully funded, multiple universities
Eligible Applicants	Developing countries only	Global	Global
Duration	2 years	1 year	1–2 years
Career Impact	Development, policy, agriculture	Leadership, diplomacy, governance	International mobility, academic careers

Why Choose the DAAD AgEcon Program?

• Strong academic foundation in agricultural economics.
• Practical development-oriented focus.
• The University of Hohenheim has a global reputation in agricultural research.
• Networking opportunities with DAAD alumni worldwide.
• This scholarship is particularly valuable for those who want to return home and make an impact in government policy, NGOs, or agribusiness.

Conclusion

The DAAD AgEcon Scholarship 2026 is more than a chance to study abroad—it is a pathway to becoming a leader in shaping agricultural and development policies in your country. If you are ready to contribute to solving global food security and rural development challenges, this is an opportunity worth pursuing.

Have questions about the process or want tips on preparing a strong application? Drop your thoughts in the comments below or join us on WhatsApp | FAcebook | Instagram for updates to stay informed about scholarship deadlines.

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