DAAD EPOS Marine Biology Scholarship 2027 at University of Bremen | Fully Funded

Applications are currently open for the DAAD EPOS Marine Biology Scholarship 2027 at the University of Bremen in Germany. The opportunity is available to qualified applicants from developing countries who want to pursue the M.Sc. Marine Biology with the International Studies in Aquatic Tropical Ecology (ISATEC) study profile.

The scholarship is offered through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) under its Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) programme. It targets professionals with relevant work experience, strong academic backgrounds and clear development-related goals.

For the 2027 intake, the University of Bremen has confirmed that the deadline for the combined ISATEC and DAAD scholarship application is October 15, 2026. Applicants seeking DAAD funding must select “Marine Biology DAAD” in the university’s online application portal.

DAAD EPOS Marine Biology Scholarship 2027 Overview

What Is the DAAD EPOS Marine Biology Scholarship?

The DAAD EPOS Scholarship supports qualified graduates and professionals from developing and newly industrialised countries who wish to pursue selected development-related postgraduate programmes in Germany.

At the University of Bremen, the M.Sc. Marine Biology programme now includes the International Studies in Aquatic Tropical Ecology (ISATEC) profile.

Applicants should be aware of an important change in the programme structure. ISATEC and Marine Biology were previously separate programmes. However, they were merged starting from the winter semester 2020/21.

Therefore, ISATEC is now a study profile within the M.Sc. Marine Biology programme.

Candidates seeking the DAAD EPOS scholarship must consequently choose “Marine Biology DAAD” when completing their online application.

About the ISATEC Study Profile

ISATEC stands for International Studies in Aquatic Tropical Ecology.

The programme focuses on tropical aquatic ecosystems and prepares students for research and professional work in the sustainable management and conservation of aquatic resources.

Students can develop knowledge and practical skills in areas such as:

• Tropical aquatic ecosystems
• Aquatic ecology
• Marine and coastal environments
• Resource assessment
• Conservation of aquatic resources
• Coastal planning and management
• Sustainable use of marine resources
• Tropical coastal zones
• Freshwater systems

The programme combines academic training with practical and research-orientated learning. It can be particularly relevant to students and professionals interested in marine conservation, aquatic ecology, environmental management and sustainable development.

DAAD EPOS Marine Biology Scholarship 2027 Benefits

Successful DAAD EPOS scholars receive substantial financial support to undertake their postgraduate studies in Germany.

The scholarship package can include:

Some additional benefits depend on the individual circumstances of the scholarship holder. Applicants should therefore consult the current DAAD scholarship conditions when applying.

Who can apply for the DAAD EPOS Marine Biology Scholarship in 2027?

The scholarship is specifically designed for qualified candidates from developing countries.

Applicants must satisfy both the University of Bremen admission requirements and the DAAD EPOS scholarship requirements.

Academic Requirements

Applicants should have completed their undergraduate studies and hold a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in biological or environmental sciences.

Candidates from closely related academic backgrounds should carefully review the programme’s admission requirements before applying.

Applicants must have an overall grade of at least 2.5 according to the German grading system, where:

International applicants should not worry if their university uses a different grading system. The University of Bremen states that the university administration will convert international grades to the German grading system.

Professional Experience

Applicants for the DAAD scholarship must have at least two years of professional work experience.

Typical scholarship candidates may work for:

• Public authorities
• Government institutions
• State-owned organisations
• Private companies
• Development organisations
• Research or environmental organisations

The applicant’s professional activities should ideally demonstrate involvement in development-related issues or projects.

Development-Related Motivation

DAAD EPOS is not based solely on academic grades.

Applicants should demonstrate strong development-related motivation and explain how their postgraduate education can contribute to their professional development and their home country’s development.

Strong candidates should be able to demonstrate how they intend to use the knowledge and skills gained in Germany to assume greater professional and social responsibility.

DAAD EPOS Marine Biology Scholarship 2027 Requirements

The main eligibility requirements are summarised below.

Applicants should carefully verify their eligibility before beginning the application.

English Language Requirements

Applicants should pay close attention to the English-language requirements.

The Marine Biology programme is delivered in English. Therefore, candidates who are required to demonstrate English proficiency must provide acceptable evidence at the level specified by the university.

Applicants should not automatically assume that no English-language test is required.

Depending on an applicant’s educational background and previous language of instruction, proof of English proficiency may be necessary.

Applicants should check the current University of Bremen requirements before submitting their applications.

Required Documents for the DAAD EPOS Marine Biology Scholarship 2027

Candidates should begin preparing their application documents as early as possible.

Documents may include:

1. DAAD application form
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Letter of motivation
4. Bachelor’s degree certificate
5. Academic transcripts
6. Proof of English-language proficiency where required
7. Academic recommendation
8. Employer recommendation where required
9. Employment certificates
10. Evidence demonstrating the required professional experience
11. Other supporting documents requested through the application portal

Applicants should carefully follow the current document checklist because incomplete applications may not be considered.

How to Write a Strong Motivation Letter

The motivation letter deserves particular attention, as development-related motivation is central to the DAAD EPOS programme.

Rather than writing a generic scholarship essay, applicants should establish a logical connection between their past experience, the Marine Biology programme and their future goals.

A strong motivation letter should explain:

• Your academic background
• Your professional experience
• Why you selected Marine Biology and ISATEC
• The development problem that interests you
• How your previous work relates to that problem
• What knowledge you expect to gain in Bremen
• How you intend to use that knowledge after graduation
• How your education could benefit your organisation, community or country

Avoid focusing primarily on the financial value of the scholarship.

Instead, show that you have a clear professional purpose for undertaking the programme.

How to Apply for the DAAD EPOS Marine Biology Scholarship 2027

The application process combines admission to the programme with consideration for the DAAD scholarship.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

First, confirm that you satisfy the academic, nationality, professional experience and language requirements.

Pay particular attention to the two-year professional experience requirement.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Prepare your academic certificates, transcripts, CV, motivation letter, recommendations, employment certificates and required DAAD documents.

Candidates who need recommendations or employment letters should request them early.

Step 3: Access the University of Bremen Application Portal

Applications are submitted through the University of Bremen’s online application system.

Applicants should create their account and carefully enter the requested information.

Step 4: Select “Marine Biology DAAD”.

This is one of the most important parts of the application.

Candidates seeking the ISATEC programme together with DAAD EPOS funding must select “Marine Biology DAAD”.

Do not confuse this option with the regular Marine Biology application route.

Step 5: Upload the Required Documents

Upload all required university and DAAD documents in the appropriate sections of the portal.

Ensure that uploaded documents are clear, complete and correctly labelled.

Step 6: Review the Application

Before submitting, check:

• Personal information
• Academic history
• Employment information
• Motivation letter
• Supporting documents
• Recommendations
• DAAD documentation

Errors or missing documents can affect the application.

Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline

Complete the application before October 15, 2026.

Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day because technical problems or missing documents could prevent timely submission.

DAAD EPOS Marine Biology Scholarship 2027 Deadline

The official deadline for the combined application for the 2027 ISATEC programme and DAAD scholarship is October 15, 2026.

The online application portal opened on August 1, 2026.

Applicants seeking DAAD funding should follow this scholarship-specific deadline rather than assuming that the regular Marine Biology admission deadline applies.

Is the DAAD EPOS Marine Biology Scholarship 2027 Still Open?

Yes.

As of October 7, 2026, applications are still open.

However, the deadline is October 15, 2026, meaning applicants now have limited time to complete their applications.

Candidates who already satisfy the requirements should prioritise collecting any outstanding recommendations, employment certificates and supporting documents.

Is the DAAD EPOS Marine Biology Scholarship Fully Funded?

DAAD EPOS provides comprehensive financial support to successful scholarship holders.

Graduate scholarship holders can receive a monthly stipend of €992, alongside insurance support and a travel allowance. Depending on individual circumstances, additional support such as rent subsidies and family allowances may also be available.

Therefore, the scholarship can significantly reduce the financial burden of completing postgraduate study in Germany.

Applicants should nevertheless check their final scholarship conditions carefully because some benefits depend on individual circumstances.

Can International Students Apply?

Yes, but there is an important restriction.

This particular DAAD scholarship route is intended for citizens of eligible developing countries.

Therefore, being an international student alone does not automatically make someone eligible.

Candidates should confirm that their country is on the relevant DAAD list of eligible developing and newly industrialised countries.

Is Two Years of Work Experience Compulsory?

Yes.

Applicants for the DAAD EPOS scholarship must have at least two years of professional work experience.

This requirement distinguishes EPOS from many conventional master’s scholarships.

The programme is particularly designed for professionals who can demonstrate how further postgraduate education will strengthen their ability to contribute to development.

How Difficult Is It to Get a DAAD EPOS Scholarship?

DAAD EPOS scholarships are competitive because only a limited number of scholarships are available to highly qualified candidates.

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.

Competitive candidates should present a strong combination of:

• Good academic performance
• Relevant professional experience
• Appropriate educational background
• Strong recommendations
• Clear career objectives
• Development-related motivation
• A convincing motivation letter

Applicants should ensure that the different parts of their application are consistent with each other.

For example, the motivation letter should explain how previous studies and professional experience led to an interest in marine biology or aquatic tropical ecology and how the programme fits into future development goals.

Why Study Marine Biology and ISATEC at the University of Bremen?

The programme may be especially suitable for applicants interested in the relationship between aquatic ecosystems, human activity and sustainable development.

The ISATEC profile offers specialised training in tropical aquatic ecology and the sustainable management of aquatic resources.

Potential career areas include:

• Marine conservation
• Environmental management
• Fisheries
• Aquaculture
• Coastal resource management
• Research
• Government environmental agencies
• International development organisations
• Environmental NGOs
• Doctoral research

For professionals already working in environmental or development-related fields, the programme can provide advanced scientific and management skills that are relevant to complex aquatic and coastal challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply for the DAAD EPOS Marine Biology Scholarship 2027?

Applications opened on August 1, 2026. The final deadline is October 15, 2026.

Is the DAAD EPOS Scholarship still open?

Yes. As of October 7, 2026, applications for the 2027 University of Bremen opportunity remain open. The deadline is October 15, 2026.

How do I apply for DAAD EPOS at the University of Bremen?

Apply through the University of Bremen online application portal and select “Marine Biology DAAD” if you want to apply for ISATEC together with the DAAD EPOS scholarship.

Which programme should I select?

Select Marine Biology DAAD.

This is important because ISATEC is now a study profile within the M.Sc. Marine Biology programme.

Is ISATEC a separate master’s programme?

No. ISATEC is currently a study profile within the M.Sc. Marine Biology programme at the University of Bremen.

What is the DAAD EPOS Marine Biology Scholarship 2027 deadline?

The deadline is October 15, 2026.

Can I apply without two years of work experience?

The DAAD EPOS route requires applicants to have at least two years of professional work experience.

Is IELTS compulsory?

Applicants should not assume that IELTS is automatically required or automatically waived. The relevant issue is whether the applicant satisfies the University of Bremen’s current English-language proficiency requirements.

Can applicants from developing countries apply?

Yes. In fact, this DAAD scholarship route specifically targets citizens of eligible developing countries.

Can I apply directly to DAAD?

For this particular opportunity, applicants should follow the University of Bremen’s instructions for the combined programme and the DAAD scholarship application.

Final Thoughts

The DAAD EPOS Marine Biology Scholarship 2027 at the University of Bremen provides a valuable opportunity for professionals from developing countries interested in marine biology, tropical aquatic ecology, environmental management and sustainable development.

However, applicants should pay close attention to the eligibility requirements. A relevant bachelor’s degree, sufficient academic performance, and at least two years of professional experience are particularly important for applicants.

Development-related motivation also matters. Therefore, applicants should use their motivation letters to clearly connect their previous education and professional experience with the knowledge they hope to gain in Germany and the impact they intend to make afterwards.

Most importantly, the application deadline is October 15, 2026. Eligible candidates should complete their applications as soon as possible.

Official Links

University of Bremen – DAAD Scholarship:
https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/isatec/application-and-admission/daad-scholarship

DAAD – Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS):
https://www.daad.de/en/information-services-for-higher-education-institutions/further-information-on-daad-programmes/epos/