If you’re from a developing country and serious about marine science, this DAAD scholarship gives you a fully funded, English-taught master’s degree in Germany at no personal cost, €992 a month, health insurance included, plus a study allowance and travel support. The ISATEC program at the University of Bremen is one of Europe’s most respected marine biology MScs, with a focus on tropical coastal ecosystems, coral reefs, mangroves, estuaries, the habitats most threatened by climate change.
Quick Facts
- Opportunity Type: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship
- Host Institution: University of Bremen
- Programme: MSc Marine Biology
- Scholarship: DAAD EPOS Development-Related Postgraduate Courses
- Location: Bremen, Germany
- Duration: 24 months
- Mode: Full-time, on-campus
- Nationality: Citizens of developing countries eligible under the DAAD EPOS country list
- Age Limit: No specific age limit stated by the University of Bremen
- Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree / BSc in Biological or Environmental Sciences
- Eligible Fields: Biology, Environmental Sciences, Marine Biology, Ecology and closely related fields
- Academic Requirement: Overall grade equivalent to at least 2.5 under the German grading system
- Work Experience Required: At least 2 years of professional work experience for DAAD scholarship applicants
- Language Requirement: English proficiency at C1 level for applicants whose native language is not English or whose previous degree was not entirely taught in English
- Scholarship Amount: €992 per month for master’s-level graduates under DAAD EPOS
- Insurance: Health, accident and personal liability insurance contributions
- Travel Support: Travel allowance, unless travel costs are covered by the applicant’s home country or another funding source
- Additional Support: Monthly rent subsidy and family allowance may be available under certain conditions
- Application Fee: No scholarship application fee stated
- Application Deadline: 15 October 2026
- Application Portal Opens: 1 August 2026
What Is This Opportunity?
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) funds students from developing countries to pursue the International Studies in Aquatic Tropical Ecology (ISATEC) track within the M.Sc. Marine Biology programme at the University of Bremen. ISATEC is a specialised pathway focused on tropical coastal ecosystems, taught entirely in English. The scholarship is highly competitive and covers living, study and insurance costs in full, making it one of the most complete funding packages available for marine science students from the Global South.
Who Can Apply?
You must be a national of a developing country as listed on the DAAD EPOS eligible countries list. You need a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, biology, oceanography, environmental science, fisheries, or a closely related discipline — awarded within the past six years. Strong academic performance and a clear research motivation statement are important for selection. Note: meeting the university’s academic requirements for the ISATEC programme does not guarantee DAAD funding, as the scholarship is competitive and assessed separately.
What Do You Get?
The scholarship covers: a monthly stipend of €992 for two years; health, accident and personal liability insurance; an annual study allowance of €460; a travel allowance upon approval; and access to DAAD-supported German language training including test fee reimbursement. German public universities charge little to no tuition, so your stipend effectively covers your cost of living in Bremen.
What Will You Do?
You will study tropical aquatic ecology through coursework, field research and laboratory work at the University of Bremen. Active partnerships with the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) and the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) provide access to scientific expeditions and cutting-edge marine infrastructure. You will complete a research thesis on a topic within the sustainable use and conservation of tropical coastal ecosystems.
Fields / Areas
Marine biology, aquatic tropical ecology, coral reef science, mangrove and coastal ecosystem management, fisheries science, oceanography, environmental conservation, and sustainable marine resource management.
How to Apply
- Begin the university admission process at the ISATEC admissions page at the University of Bremen.
- Apply simultaneously for DAAD EPOS funding via the DAAD ISATEC programme page.
- Gather your documents: academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, two academic reference letters, and proof of English proficiency.
- Submit both applications by October 15, 2026.
Important Deadline
October 15, 2026. Both the university admission and scholarship applications must be submitted by this date, so start gathering your documents now rather than later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DAAD ISATEC Scholarship fully funded?
The DAAD EPOS scholarship provides a monthly allowance, insurance support and travel assistance, with additional benefits possible depending on circumstances. It is appropriate to describe the scholarship as fully funded, while explaining the individual benefits rather than promising coverage of every personal expense.
How much is the monthly stipend?
The current DAAD EPOS rate for graduates is €992 per month.
Can applicants from India apply?
India is eligible for DAAD EPOS funding if it appears in the current DAAD eligible-country list. Applicants must also satisfy the programme’s other requirements, including the two-year professional-experience requirement.
Do I need work experience?
Yes. DAAD scholarship applicants must have at least two years of professional work experience.
Do I need a biology degree?
The University of Bremen specifies a BSc in biological or environmental sciences for the ISATEC route. Closely related academic backgrounds should be checked against the university’s admission requirements before applying.
What grade do I need?
You need an overall grade equivalent to at least 2.5 in the German grading system. The University of Bremen converts grades from international applicants into the German grading system.
Is there an application fee?
No scholarship application fee is stated by the University of Bremen. Applicants should still budget for possible costs such as language tests, document translation and certification.
Is the programme taught in English?
Yes. Applicants who need to provide English-language evidence must demonstrate C1-level English proficiency through an accepted certificate unless they meet the applicable exemption conditions.
How long is the master’s programme?
The MSc Marine Biology programme with the ISATEC profile is 24 months.
Apply Now
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