To be eligible for the scholarship program at the University of Freiburg, applicants must be from a DAC-listed developing country, hold a recent and above-average academic degree (completed within the last 6 years), and have at least two years of relevant post-bachelor professional experience.

Founded in 1457, the University of Freiburg is one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious public research universities. Located in the vibrant city of Freiburg in southwest Germany, the university is renowned for its academic excellence, interdisciplinary research, and commitment to sustainability. It offers a wide range of programs across humanities, natural and social sciences, medicine, and engineering.

Application Deadline: 15 October 2025

Brief Description

• University or Organization: University of Freiburg

• Department: Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources

• Course Level: Master’s degree (MSc in Environmental Governance)

• Award: Fully funded scholarship (tuition, living expenses, travel)

• Access Mode: Online application

• Number of Awards: Limited

• Nationality: Citizens of DAC-listed developing countries

• The award can be taken in: Germany

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: All countries on the current DAC list of developing countries

• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded for the MSc Environmental Governance program.

• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:
  • Hold an academic degree with above-average results (top third)
  • Have obtained their last academic degree within the past 6 years (as of October 2025)
  • Possess at least 2 years of relevant post-bachelor’s work experience (voluntary work or internships do not qualify)
  • Not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months prior to application
  • Applicants with a previous Master’s degree must provide strong justification for pursuing another postgraduate program
  • Academic experience (e.g., university research/teaching) is generally not recognized as relevant work experience unless in exceptional cases.

 How to Apply

1. Application Period: 1 July to 15 October 2025 (for Winter Semester 2026/27)

2. Online Eligibility Assessment (OEA): Optional but recommended; available until October 1

3. Application Submission: All documents must be compiled into a single PDF and uploaded via the online application portal (link available from July 1)

4. Reference Letters: Referees must send letters directly to: [email protected]

5. Note: No need to fill out separate DAAD forms if applying through MEG; required documents serve for both scholarship and program applications

   • one from your current employer (DAAD requirement)
   • one from an academic teacher or supervisor (MEG requirement)
     
   • ask both referees to write a reference letter based on the Guideline for Referees.
   • the letters must be written on headed paper, including an original (not scanned) or code certified digital signature, the date of signature and a stamp. If a stamp cannot be provided, the referee should shortly explain why.

 Benefits

• Full tuition fee waiver

• Monthly living allowance

• Health insurance

• Travel allowance

• Study and research subsidy

• Preparatory German language course (if applicable)

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