Are you an aspiring economist or development professional from a developing nation looking to take the next big leap in your career? The Berlin University DAAD MIDE Scholarship 2026/27 offers a prestigious, fully funded pathway to study in the heart of Germany. Hosted at HTW Berlin (University of Applied Sciences), the Master in International and Development Economics (MIDE) is specifically designed to equip leaders with the analytical tools needed to tackle global economic challenges.
This scholarship doesn’t just cover your academic costs; it provides a comprehensive support package including a monthly stipend, travel allowances, and health insurance. If you have at least two years of professional experience and a passion for socio-economic growth, this 18-month program could be your gateway to international organizations, NGOs, and government agencies worldwide.
Scholarship Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Host Institution | HTW Berlin (University of Applied Sciences) |
| Program | Master in International and Development Economics (MIDE) |
| Funding Status | Fully Funded (DAAD EPOS Scheme) |
| Language | 100% English-taught |
| Duration | 18 Months (3 Semesters) |
| DAAD Deadline | August 31, 2026 (for April 2027 intake) |
Eligibility Criteria For The Berlin University DAAD MIDE Scholarship
To be considered for this fully funded opportunity, applicants must satisfy the following four pillars of eligibility:
1. Academic Qualifications
- Degree Type: You must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Economics, Business Administration, or a related Social Science with a strong focus on Economics.
- Credits: Your degree should ideally be equivalent to 180 ECTS. You must have completed at least 15 ECTS credits in Economics specifically.
- Academic Standing: Selection is competitive; your academic results should be in the upper third of your graduating class.
2. Professional Experience (DAAD Specific)
- Duration: You must have at least two years of relevant professional experience acquired after your Bachelor’s degree and before the time of application.
- Sector: Preference is given to those working in public authorities, state or private companies in developing countries, specifically in roles related to development policy.
3. Language Proficiency
Since the program is taught 100% in English, you must provide proof of proficiency:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 96.
- IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 7.0.
- Exemption: If your entire Bachelor’s degree was taught in English, you may submit an official “Medium of Instruction” certificate from your university instead of a test score.
4. Recency and Nationality
- Graduation Date: Your last academic degree should generally not be older than six years at the time of application.
- Target Countries: You must be a national of a developing or newly industrialized country (refer to the official DAAD DAC List).
Application Process For The Berlin University DAAD MIDE Scholarship
Step 1: Prepare Your Document Bundle
All documents must be in English or German. Ensure you have:
- DAAD Application Form: “Application for a Research/Study Scholarship.”
- Europass CV: Must be hand-signed and dated.
- Motivation Letter: Max 2 pages, hand-signed, specifically detailing your academic and development-related goals.
- Proof of Employment: Official letters on letterhead with a stamp and signature (contracts or pay slips are notaccepted).
- Letter of Recommendation: From your current employer.
- Academic Transcripts: Including a clear explanation of your university’s grading system.
Step 2: Online Submission
- Portal: Access the HTW Berlin MIDE Application Portal.
- Timeline: The portal typically opens on July 1, 2026.
- Deadline: For DAAD scholarship consideration, the hard deadline is August 31, 2026.
Step 3: Selection and Notification
- Initial Review: The university checks for formal validity.
- Ranking: Applications are ranked based on CGPA (40%), Economics background (25%), and the Motivation Letter (35%).
- Results: Selection results for both the program and the scholarship are usually announced by early November.
Benefits Of The Berlin University DAAD MIDE Scholarship
It is designed to remove all financial barriers, allowing you to focus entirely on your Master in International and Development Economics.
- Full Tuition Waiver: Recipients are exempt from the program’s service fee (approximately €2,500).
- Monthly Living Stipend: You will receive a monthly allowance (currently €992) to cover your accommodation and personal expenses in Berlin.
- Comprehensive Health Insurance: The scholarship includes health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage.
- Travel Grant: A flat-rate travel allowance is provided to cover your round-trip flights between your home country and Germany.
- Research & Study Subsidy: An annual allowance to assist with the costs of books, research materials, and stationery.
- Preparatory Language Course: Before the main program begins in April, the DAAD funds a two-month intensive German language course (usually in February and March) to help you integrate into German society.
Deadline For The Berlin University DAAD MIDE Scholarship
1. DAAD Scholarship Application Deadline
- Deadline: August 31, 2026
- If you are seeking full funding, you must submit your application by this date. The portal typically opens on July 1, 2026.
2. Self-Financing Application Deadline
- Deadline: September 30, 2026
- For applicants who have their own funding or are sponsored by other organizations.
3. Selection Timeline
- November 2026: Shortlisted candidates are typically notified of their scholarship status.
- February 2027: Scholarship holders arrive in Germany for the mandatory German language course.
- April 2027: Official start of the MIDE academic lectures.
Conclusion
Securing a spot in the Master in International and Development Economics (MIDE) at HTW Berlin is more than just an academic achievement; it is a strategic investment in your future as a global development leader. By providing full financial backing, the DAAD 2026/27 scholarship removes the barriers to entry, allowing the brightest minds from developing nations to focus on creating sustainable economic solutions.
As you prepare your application, remember that the selection committee is looking for more than just high grades. They are searching for professionals with a clear vision of how this degree will benefit their home country’s socio-economic landscape. Use your motivation letter to tell that story with clarity and conviction.