If you are a development professional from a developing country with a background in economics and at least two years of professional experience, one of the most targeted and well-funded scholarship opportunities available to you in 2026 is the DAAD MIDE Scholarship and the deadline is 31 August 2026. The scholarship supports admission to the Master's in International and Development Economics (MIDE) at HTW Berlin University of Applied Sciences the largest university of applied sciences in Berlin and Eastern Germany, established in 1874 and home to more than 15,000 national and international students.
Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) as part of its EPOS Development-Related Postgraduate Scholarships programme, the DAAD MIDE Scholarship is designed specifically for ambitious professionals who want to build high-impact careers in economic policy, international development, government, and global institutions and return to apply those skills in their home countries. So, efore you spend hours preparing your application, read this guide carefully. There are critical facts about this scholarship that most articles fail to mention including just how few scholarships are actually awarded.
About the MIDE Programme
The Master's in International and Development Economics (MIDE) is an 18-month full-time postgraduate programme offered by HTW Berlin, taught entirely in English and is designed for students who have a first degree in economics, business administration, or other social sciences with a strong economics focus. The programme combines rigorous academic training in international and development economics with a strong emphasis on practical application preparing graduates for careers in development agencies, international organisations (such as the World Bank, IMF, UN agencies), government ministries, NGOs, central banks, research institutions, and private sector firms operating in international markets.
The MIDE intake typically begins in April each year. The 2026 application cycle is for the April 2027 intake, with the DAAD scholarship application deadline on 31 August 2026. HTW Berlin is located in Germany's capital offering students direct access to Berlin's rich ecosystem of international policy institutions, embassies, development organisations, research centres, and multinational companies.
What the Scholarship Covers
The scholarship provides the following financial support:
- Monthly stipend of €934, paid throughout the scholarship period to cover living expenses in Berlin
- Annual stipend value of €11,208 — based on the monthly rate across 12 months
- Service fee (tuition) waiver ,recipients of the DAAD scholarship are exempt from the MIDE programme's service fee. Note: DAAD does not pay tuition to the university on your behalf rather, the fee is waived for scholarship holders
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance comprehensive insurance cover for the duration of the scholarship
- Travel allowance, for travel to and from Germany at the start and end of the programme, unless these costs are already covered by your home country or another funding source
Under certain circumstances, additional support may include:
- Monthly rent subsidy , if your accommodation costs are particularly high relative to the stipend
- Monthly allowance for accompanying family members if your spouse or dependent children accompany you to Germany, subject to specific conditions
What the scholarship does not cover:
- Visa application fees and administrative charges in your home country
- Initial settlement costs deposits for accommodation, furniture, or household items may be required upfront before your first stipend payment arrives
- Personal travel within Europe, leisure activities, or discretionary expenses
- Costs arising after the funded period ends (e.g. thesis extensions or a prolonged stay)
Planning your finances: Most international students in Germany spend between approximately €980 and €1,310 per month on basic living costs. The €934 monthly stipend is designed to cover typical student expenses when budgeted carefully but you should plan to arrive with some personal savings to cover initial costs before your first payment.
The Critical Fact Most Articles Miss: Very Few Scholarships Are Awarded
This is the most important piece of information in this entire article, and it is almost never mentioned in other guides about the DAAD MIDE scholarship.
HTW Berlin receives approximately 800 applications for only a very small number of DAAD scholarships.
The exact number of scholarships awarded each year is not publicly specified but given 800 applications competing for "only a few scholarships" in the words of the official HTW Berlin MIDE page, the acceptance rate for the scholarship component is well below 5%.
This does not mean you should not apply. It means you should apply with a clear-eyed understanding of the competition and invest serious effort in the quality of your application particularly your motivation letter, which is the primary differentiator between candidates who make the shortlist and those who do not.
Admission to the MIDE programme without the scholarship is also possible but the programme's service fee and living costs in Berlin without financial support make the scholarship component essential for most international students from developing countries.
Eligibility Criteria
The DAAD MIDE scholarship combines MIDE programme admission requirements with DAAD EPOS scholarship conditions and you must meet both sets of requirements:
DAAD EPOS Scholarship Eligibility:
- Citizenship of a developing or newly industrialised country the scholarship is explicitly not open to applicants from high-income countries. Rwanda and most African, Asian, and Latin American countries qualify. Check the DAAD website for the full list of eligible countries.
- At least two years of professional work experience since graduation this must be verifiable through official employment documentation showing your exact position and period of employment. Internships, volunteer roles, and self-employment generally do not satisfy this requirement.
- Graduated within the last six years your first university degree must have been awarded no more than six years before the application deadline. Degrees awarded more than six years ago make you ineligible regardless of work experience.
MIDE Programme Admission Requirements:
- First university degree with at least 180 ECTS (or equivalent) a completed Bachelor's degree or equivalent undergraduate qualification
- At least 15 ECTS in Economics equivalent to approximately 3 economics modules. For applicants from outside Germany, this means you must have completed at least three full economics courses as part of your undergraduate degree. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may need to take bridging modules before being considered.
- English language proficiency : TOEFL or IELTS are not required if English was the official language of instruction for your first degree. If your degree was not taught in English, you must provide official proof of English proficiency. Confirm current requirements with HTW Berlin at the time of application.
How the Application Works
Unlike many scholarships where you apply to a funding body separately, the DAAD MIDE scholarship application is processed entirely through HTW Berlin. There is no separate DAAD portal to navigate.
Here is exactly how it works:
Step 1: Visit the official MIDE application page Go to mide.htw-berlin.de and review the full admission requirements and application instructions. Confirm you meet all eligibility criteria before proceeding.
Step 2: Complete the MIDE application form Within the MIDE application form, there is a dedicated section for the DAAD scholarship. You must complete this section to be considered for funding. Both the MIDE programme application and the DAAD scholarship application are processed together at HTW Berlin.
Step 3: Prepare and upload all required documents Upload the following documents as part of your application:
- DAAD application form and DAAD checklist dated and personally signed
- Statement of motivation maximum two pages, on letterhead, addressed to "The Selection Committee", dated and personally signed. This letter must explain why you are interested in the MIDE programme specifically, describe your development-related motivation, and explain how you intend to apply your education to take on social responsibility in your career after graduation
- Proof of at least two years of professional work experience certificates of employment clearly stating your exact position and period of employment
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates with official translations into English or German if issued in another language
- Explanation of your grading system usually included in your transcript or Diploma Supplement
- CV in Europass format dated and personally signed
- Proof of English language proficiency if English was not the official language of instruction for your degree
- Secondary school leaving certificate including the date of graduation
- Copy of passport
Important note on the motivation letter: Unlike most scholarship motivation letters, the DAAD MIDE letter must serve a dual purpose it functions as the motivation letter for both the DAAD scholarship application and the MIDE programme application simultaneously. You do not need to write two separate letters. Write one strong letter that addresses both your academic fit for the MIDE programme and your development-related motivation and commitment.
Step 4: Submit before 31 August 2026 Late or incomplete applications are not considered. Submit well before the deadline — aim to have everything ready by mid-August to allow time for any document issues.
Step 5 : Selection and notification Applicants are selected by the DAAD in cooperation with HTW Berlin. Given the volume of applications, the process takes time. Successful applicants receive an official DAAD scholarship letter with further instructions on enrollment and the German student visa process.
What Makes a Competitive DAAD MIDE Application
Given 800 applications competing for a handful of scholarships, the difference between selected and rejected candidates almost always comes down to three things:
1. The motivation letter by far the most important document The DAAD selection committee is looking for candidates who can articulate a specific, credible, development-focused career trajectory. A strong motivation letter explains: what development challenge you currently work on professionally, why advanced training in international and development economics will directly strengthen your ability to address that challenge, and how you specifically intend to apply your MIDE qualification to drive economic impact in your home country after graduation. Vague aspirations (”I want to contribute to my country's development”) fail. Specific, evidence-based plans succeed.
2. The depth and relevance of your professional experience Two years is the minimum not the benchmark. Candidates with four or five years of directly relevant development economics experience in government, central banking, development finance, economic research, or international organisations are significantly more competitive than candidates who barely meet the two-year threshold. If your work experience is indirect in a field adjacent to development economics rather than within it address this directly in your motivation letter.
3. Consistency across all documents Your CV, motivation letter, employment certificates, and recommendation letters should tell a coherent, consistent story. A CV that shows five years of development economics work, a motivation letter focused on fiscal policy reform, and an employment certificate from a finance ministry creates a compelling, consistent profile. Inconsistencies between documents different job titles, unexplained gaps, or a motivation letter that contradicts your CV reduce your credibility immediately.
Living in Berlin. What to Expect
Berlin is one of Europe's most affordable major capital cities. Compared to London, Zurich, or Amsterdam, the cost of living is manageable on the €934 monthly stipend particularly if you live in shared accommodation, which is common and socially normal among international students.
Typical monthly costs in Berlin:
The €934 stipend covers these costs comfortably at the lower end of the range. Most MIDE scholarship holders live within budget by choosing shared accommodation in areas like Neukölln, Tempelhof, or Lichtenberg rather than central Mitte or Prenzlauer Berg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the DAAD MIDE Scholarship and where is it offered? The DAAD MIDE Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship supporting the Master's in International and Development Economics (MIDE) at HTW Berlin University of Applied Sciences in Germany. It is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) as part of its EPOS Development-Related Postgraduate Scholarships programme. The 18-month programme is taught entirely in English and based in Berlin.
Q: What is the deadline for the DAAD MIDE Scholarship 2026? The application deadline for the DAAD MIDE Scholarship 2026 is 31 August 2026. Late or incomplete applications are not considered. Submit well before the deadline aim for mid-August to allow time to resolve any document issues.
Q: How much is the DAAD MIDE Scholarship stipend? The monthly stipend is €934, giving an annual value of €11,208. In addition to the stipend, the programme service fee (tuition) is waived for scholarship recipients, and health, accident, and personal liability insurance is covered. Travel allowance and possible rent subsidy or family allowance may also apply under specific conditions.
Q: How competitive is the DAAD MIDE Scholarship? Extremely competitive. The official HTW Berlin MIDE page states that approximately 800 applications are received for only a very small number of scholarships. The implied acceptance rate for the scholarship is well below 5%. A strong, specific motivation letter and directly relevant professional experience are the most important differentiating factors.
Q: Do I apply to DAAD directly for the MIDE scholarship? No. The DAAD MIDE scholarship application is processed entirely through HTW Berlin as part of the MIDE programme application. Within the MIDE application form, there is a dedicated section for the DAAD scholarship. Both applications are submitted together you do not need to visit a separate DAAD portal.
Q: Is the DAAD MIDE Scholarship open to students from all countries? No. The scholarship is specifically for applicants from developing and newly industrialised countries. Applicants from high-income countries are not eligible. Rwanda and most African, Asian, Latin American, and Eastern European countries qualify. Verify your country's eligibility on the official DAAD website before applying.
Q: What professional experience do I need for the DAAD MIDE Scholarship? You must have at least two years of paid professional work experience since graduating with your first university degree, and your degree must have been awarded within the last six years. Your experience must be verifiable through official employment certificates showing your exact position and employment period.
Q: When does the MIDE programme start? The MIDE programme intake is typically in April each year. The 2026 application cycle is for the April 2027 intake. The programme runs for approximately 17–18 months full-time.
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