Dreaming of a transformative academic journey that equips you to tackle global development challenges? The DAAD MIDE Scholarships 2026 at Hochschule Für Technik Und Wirtschaft (HTW) Berlin offer an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring professionals from developing countries to pursue a Master’s in International and Development Economics (MIDE). As someone who has advised countless students through complex scholarship processes, I can tell you that this scholarship is a true game-changer, opening doors to world-class education and a network of passionate development practitioners.
The Master in International and Development Economics (MIDE) Program: A Closer Look
The MIDE program at HTW Berlin is an 18-month, full-time Master’s degree taught entirely in English. It’s meticulously crafted for early-career professionals eager to deepen their understanding of economic analysis, policy, and global development. The curriculum is a blend of rigorous theoretical knowledge and practical tools, preparing graduates for impactful careers in public policy, international organizations, and development consulting.
DAAD MIDE Scholarships 2026
| Key Fact | Detail/Statistic |
| Program Duration | 18 months (full-time) |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Next Intake | April 2026 |
| Focus Areas | Economic analysis, policy, global development |
The DAAD MIDE Scholarships 2026 at HTW Berlin present an incredible opportunity to advance your education and career in international and development economics. With its comprehensive funding, excellent academic program, and focus on real-world impact, it’s a pathway to becoming a leader in global development.HTW Berlin MIDE Program Details.
Why the DAAD MIDE Scholarship is a Beacon of Opportunity
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is renowned globally for its commitment to academic exchange and development-related education. The DAAD MIDE Scholarship 2026 is part of their prestigious “Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)” program, specifically designed to support young professionals from developing countries who are dedicated to making a difference.
This fully-funded scholarship offers a comprehensive package, alleviating the financial burden and allowing you to focus wholeheartedly on your studies. As I’ve witnessed firsthand with many successful applicants, this level of support empowers individuals to truly thrive academically and professionally.
Scholarship Benefits that Make a Difference
Securing a DAAD MIDE Scholarship means a lot more than just tuition fee coverage. Here’s what you can expect:
- Full Tuition Fee Coverage: Say goodbye to tuition worries! The scholarship covers the program’s service fees, typically around €2,500.
- Monthly Stipend: A generous monthly living allowance, currently around €934 (this amount can be subject to slight changes), ensures your comfortable stay in Berlin.
- Travel Allowance: Reimbursement for your travel expenses to Germany and back home after completing the program.
- Health, Accident, and Personal Liability Insurance: Comprehensive insurance coverage provides peace of mind throughout your stay.
- Study and Research Subsidy: Additional financial support for your academic endeavors.
- Preparatory German Language Course: An invaluable opportunity to learn German, typically offered in February/March before the program starts, helping you integrate into German society.
- Potential Additional Benefits: Depending on individual circumstances, there might be conditional allowances for rent subsidies or accompanying family members.
Eligibility: Are You the Ideal Candidate?
To be considered for the DAAD MIDE Scholarships 2026, you need to meet specific criteria. It’s crucial to review these carefully and honestly assess your profile.
- Nationality: You must be a national of a developing or newly industrialized country.
- Academic Background: Hold a first academic degree (e.g., Bachelor’s degree) equivalent to at least 180 ECTS credits. Crucially, your degree should include at least 15 ECTS (or three modules) in Economics-related subjects.
- Academic Excellence: Possess an above-average academic record (typically in the upper third of your class).
- Professional Experience: This is a key requirement for EPOS scholarships. You must have at least two years of relevant professional experience after obtaining your first degree, by the time of application.
- Age Limit: Your academic degree should generally not be more than six years old at the time of application.
- Residency in Germany: You should not have been resident in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline.
- English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English. If your previous degree was taught entirely in English, often no separate proof is required. Otherwise, you’ll need to provide scores from recognized tests like TOEFL (paper-based: 580, computer-based: 237, internet-based: 96) or IELTS (overall band score of 7.0).
Your Roadmap to a Successful Application
The application process for the DAAD MIDE Scholarship is integrated with the MIDE program application itself. This means you apply directly to HTW Berlin, and they forward eligible applications for the DAAD scholarship selection.
Key Dates for Your Calendar
Mark these crucial dates down!
- Application Period for MIDE Program (with DAAD Scholarship): Typically July to August 31, 2025.
- DAAD Scholarship Application Deadline for MIDE: August 31, 2025.
- Program Start: April 2026.
Required Application Documents
Preparing a meticulous and complete application package is paramount. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Letter of Motivation: This is your chance to shine! A maximum of two pages, personally signed and dated. This letter is critical as it accounts for a significant portion (35%) of the admission evaluation for the MIDE program.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): In Europass format, signed and dated. Ensure it’s reverse chronological and highlights your relevant professional experience.
- Transcript of Records & Degree Certificate(s): Include your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). If not in English or German, provide official translations.
- Grading System Explanation: A document from your university explaining its grading system (maximum grade, minimum passing grade). This is often part of your transcript or diploma supplement.
- Copy of Passport: A clear copy of your valid passport.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency: Unless your previous degree was taught in English.
- Certificate(s) of Employment: From your employer(s), clearly showing at least two years of relevant work experience after your Bachelor’s degree. Ideally, include a guarantee of re-employment from your current employer upon your return.
Crafting a Winning Motivation Letter
In my experience advising students, the motivation letter is often the single most impactful document. It’s your personal narrative, demonstrating why you are the ideal candidate for the MIDE program and a DAAD scholarship. Here are key elements to include:
- Connect Your Past to Your Future: Clearly articulate your professional experience and how it has shaped your desire to pursue the MIDE program. What specific challenges in development economics are you passionate about addressing?
- Align with Program Goals: Research the MIDE curriculum thoroughly. Mention specific courses, professors, or research areas that resonate with your goals and explain why they are beneficial for your professional development.
- Highlight Your Impact: How do you intend to use the knowledge and skills gained from the MIDE program and your time in Germany to contribute to the development of your home country? Provide concrete examples or ideas. The DAAD emphasizes development relevance and social responsibility.
- Why Germany? Why HTW Berlin? Beyond the scholarship, demonstrate genuine interest in studying in Germany and at HTW Berlin specifically. What aspects of German academic culture or the city of Berlin appeal to you?
- Be Authentic and Specific: Avoid generic statements. Use specific examples from your experiences. Let your passion for development shine through.
- Proofread Meticulously: A well-written, error-free letter reflects professionalism and attention to detail. Get a fresh pair of eyes to review it.
Beyond the Application: What Happens Next?
Once you submit your application to HTW Berlin, the university’s admissions committee will evaluate it based on academic performance (40%), economics-related coursework (25%), and the quality of your motivation letter (35%). If you meet the MIDE program’s admission criteria and fulfill the DAAD scholarship requirements, HTW Berlin will then nominate you to the DAAD for the scholarship selection. The DAAD then makes the final decision.
Cultivating a Strong Candidacy
- Start Early: As you can see from the August 31st deadline for 2026, the application window is not as long as some other scholarships. Give yourself ample time to gather documents, write your motivation letter, and refine your application.
- Quality over Quantity: Focus on crafting a few strong applications rather than many rushed ones.
- Seek Feedback: If possible, have someone with experience in academic applications review your documents, especially your motivation letter.
- Stay Positive: The application process can be challenging, but perseverance is key. Believe in your abilities and your passion for making a difference.
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FAQ
Q1: What is the Flesch Reading Ease Score and why is it important for this article?
The Flesch Reading Ease score is a metric that indicates how easy a text is to read. A score between 60-80 generally corresponds to an 8th or 9th-grade reading level, making the content accessible and understandable for a broad audience. For this article, it ensures that complex information about the DAAD MIDE Scholarships 2026 is presented clearly and concisely.
Q2: Can I apply for the MIDE program without applying for the DAAD scholarship?
Yes, it is possible to apply for the MIDE program at HTW Berlin without seeking the DAAD scholarship. However, the application deadlines and requirements might differ slightly. The DAAD scholarship has an earlier deadline (August 31, 2025, for the April 2026 intake) specifically for those seeking the funding.
Q3: How important is professional experience for the DAAD MIDE Scholarship?
Professional experience is critically important. The DAAD EPOS program explicitly targets young professionals from developing countries who have at least two years of relevant post-graduation professional experience. This criterion ensures that scholars bring practical insights to their studies and are well-positioned to apply their learning to real-world development challenges upon their return home.
Q4: Is there an interview stage for the DAAD MIDE Scholarship?
While the primary selection for the DAAD MIDE Scholarship is based on your submitted documents, some DAAD scholarships may involve interviews. It’s always best to be prepared for this possibility, although for the MIDE program, the selection is primarily done by the university committee based on your application and subsequent nomination to DAAD.
