MA in Development Management 2028–2030 at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany

The MA in Development Management (MADM) at Ruhr University Bochum is an international, English-taught master’s programme for graduates and professionals interested in international development and development cooperation. The programme focuses on development theories, social research, programme planning, project management and evaluation.

For the 2028–2030 intake, applications will open on January 18, 2027. Candidates applying for a DAAD-EPOS scholarship must submit their application by September 30, 2027, while other applicants have until December 31, 2027.

The programme is particularly relevant for applicants who want careers in development organisations, government institutions, international cooperation, research, programme management or project evaluation.

Opportunity Overview

Detail	Information
Programme	MA in Development Management (MADM)
Host Country	Germany
Host University	Ruhr University Bochum
Institute	Institute of Development Research and Development Policy
Degree	Master of Arts
Study Level	Master’s
Duration	3 semesters
Credits	90 ECTS
Study Mode	Full-time
Language	English
Main Field	Development Management
Scholarship	DAAD-EPOS, limited scholarships
DAAD-EPOS Deadline	September 30, 2027
Other Applicants Deadline	December 31, 2027
Application Opens	January 18, 2027
Programme Start	September 2028

The official programme describes the MADM as a three-semester, full-time degree taught in English and designed for international students with relevant academic and practical experience.

What Is the MA in Development Management?

The MA in Development Management is an interdisciplinary master’s programme offered by the Institute of Development Research and Development Policy at Ruhr University Bochum.

The programme has been offered at Ruhr University Bochum since 2000 and is part of the DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) programme. It is designed for people who want advanced academic and practical training for work related to development programmes and projects.

Students study subjects connected with:

• Development theories and strategies
• Social science and economics
• Empirical social research
• Programme planning
• Project management
• Development programme evaluation
• International development cooperation
• Research methodology

The programme also combines classroom learning with practical research. Students develop their own research project and later use field research as part of their master’s thesis.

Benefits and Funding

There are limited DAAD-EPOS scholarships available for excellent MADM applicants from eligible countries of the Global South. The MADM programme has been supported by DAAD through the EPOS programme since its establishment.

The general DAAD-EPOS scholarship can provide:

• Monthly scholarship payments
• Health, accident and personal liability insurance
• Travel allowance, where applicable
• Possible monthly rent subsidy
• Possible allowance for accompanying family members under certain conditions

For the current EPOS scholarship information, DAAD lists a monthly payment of €992 for graduates. Additional benefits depend on the individual circumstances and the applicable scholarship rules.

Is the MADM programme tuition-free?

According to the DAAD programme information, the MA in Development Management does not charge regular tuition fees, although students must pay a semester/social contribution. DAAD currently lists this contribution at approximately €380 per semester.

Therefore, applicants should not describe the programme simply as “free study.” Students should budget for living expenses, travel and other costs that may not be covered by the scholarship.

Programme Structure

The MA in Development Management consists of three semesters.

First Semester

The first semester provides an interdisciplinary introduction to development theories, strategies and empirical social research.

Students also begin developing their own research project, which later becomes the basis for the master’s thesis.

After the first semester, students have the opportunity to undertake an internship in a development organisation or relevant private-sector organisation.

Second Semester

The second semester focuses more strongly on programme and project planning, implementation, management and evaluation.

Students continue developing their research project and prepare a seminar paper. The programme also includes practical and research-oriented activities connected with development cooperation.

Third Semester

The third semester is mainly dedicated to the master’s thesis.

Students complete their research and write a thesis combining theory, methodology and the results of their field research.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should carefully distinguish between the general admission requirements for the master’s programme and the additional requirements for the DAAD-EPOS scholarship.

Academic Requirements

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.

The programme accepts backgrounds such as:

• Political science
• Social sciences
• Economics
• Law
• Geography
• Other relevant disciplines related to planning and evaluation of development programmes and projects

The degree should normally have a result equivalent to at least a second-class upper division or better.

Professional or Academic Experience

Applicants need certified experience related to development programme or project management.

For DAAD-EPOS scholarship applicants, at least two years of relevant professional experience after the bachelor’s degree is required.

This requirement makes the opportunity more suitable for working professionals and graduates who have already gained relevant experience.

English Language Requirement

The MADM programme is taught in English.

The programme’s official information states that applicants should provide certified proof of English proficiency. The listed minimums include:

• IELTS: Band 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: approximately 79–80

The programme also explains that certain applicants may be exempt from submitting a language certificate if their previous education was officially conducted in English and the required documentation confirms this.

Applicants should check the current programme instructions before submitting a test result because language requirements can change.

Eligible Fields of Study

The programme is particularly suitable for applicants with academic backgrounds related to development and international cooperation.

Relevant fields include:

• Political Science
• Social Science
• Economics
• Law
• Geography
• Development-related studies
• Other fields related to development programme planning and evaluation

Applicants from another discipline should carefully check whether their previous degree is sufficiently related to the programme before applying.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare their documents well before the deadline.

The MADM programme lists the following documents:

1. Signed motivation letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Bachelor’s degree certificate
4. Complete academic transcripts
5. Explanation of the grading system
6. School-leaving certificate
7. English language certificate, where required
8. Evidence of current and previous employment or relevant practical experience
9. Recommendation letters
10. Passport or identity card copy
11. Passport-size photograph

DAAD-EPOS candidates must also submit the required DAAD application form and DAAD checklist.

Documents that are not in English or German may require certified translations.

Important Document Advice

Do not wait until the final week to request employment certificates and recommendation letters.

The official programme states that incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants are responsible for checking that all required documents have been submitted correctly.

How to Apply

The application process for the 2028–2030 intake can be completed through the university’s online MADM application platform.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm that your degree, academic performance, professional experience and English proficiency meet the programme requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Prepare your degree certificates, transcripts, CV, motivation letter, language certificate, employment evidence and recommendation letters.

DAAD-EPOS applicants should also prepare the required DAAD documents.

Step 3: Apply Online

Submit the application through the official MADM online application platform.

DAAD states that EPOS applications are submitted directly to the selected postgraduate course, not directly to DAAD at the initial stage.

Step 4: Meet the Correct Deadline

For the 2028–2030 intake:

• DAAD-EPOS applicants: September 30, 2027
• Other applicants: December 31, 2027

The application call opens on January 18, 2027.

Step 5: Wait for the Selection Process

For DAAD-EPOS applicants, the university/course selection process identifies potential scholarship candidates. Selected candidates are then contacted by DAAD to submit their complete scholarship application through the DAAD Portal.

Application Deadline

The next application period is for the 2028–2030 intake.

Application opens: January 18, 2027

DAAD-EPOS scholarship deadline: September 30, 2027

Deadline for other applicants: December 31, 2027

These dates are published by the MADM programme and are also listed in the current DAAD programme information.

Applicants should not wait until the deadline because obtaining official transcripts, employment certificates, recommendation letters and language documents can take time.

Can Afghan Students Apply?

Afghan applicants may be interested in the programme because the DAAD EPOS scheme is designed for eligible developing and emerging countries. However, eligibility for the EPOS scholarship is country-specific, so applicants should verify Afghanistan’s status in the current DAAD scholarship database before applying.

In addition, Afghan applicants must meet the programme’s academic, professional and language requirements.

For an Afghan applicant, the most important points to check early are:

• Relevant bachelor’s degree
• Strong academic performance
• At least two years of relevant professional experience for EPOS
• English language requirement
• Complete employment evidence
• Strong motivation letter
• Current recommendation letters
• Correctly prepared academic documents

Who Is a Good Fit for This Programme?

The MADM may be a strong choice for graduates who want to work in:

• International development
• Development cooperation
• Government development programmes
• Non-governmental organisations
• International organisations
• Programme management
• Project management
• Policy and research
• Development evaluation

The programme is especially relevant for professionals who already have practical experience and want to strengthen their academic and research skills.

Applicants who have no relevant academic background or professional experience should carefully review the admission requirements before investing time in an application.

Important Tips for Applicants

1. Start Early

The DAAD-EPOS deadline is earlier than the general MADM deadline. Applicants seeking the scholarship should prepare months before September 2027.

2. Make Your Motivation Letter Specific

Explain why development management is connected to your previous education, professional experience and future career.

Avoid using a generic motivation letter for every scholarship.

3. Prove Your Work Experience

For EPOS applicants, professional experience is an important requirement. Employment certificates should clearly show the organisation, position and period of employment.

4. Check Your Academic Documents

Make sure transcripts contain the necessary information and that documents requiring translation are properly certified.

5. Do Not Assume Every Cost Is Covered

The DAAD scholarship provides significant financial support, but applicants should carefully check the current scholarship conditions and personal costs before travelling to Germany.

6. Submit a Complete Application

Incomplete applications can be excluded from consideration. Use the official checklist and verify every document before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the MA in Development Management fully funded?

The master’s programme itself does not charge regular tuition fees, but students pay a semester/social contribution. A limited number of students can receive DAAD-EPOS scholarships that provide financial support including a monthly scholarship payment, insurance and travel allowance under the applicable conditions.

Who can apply for the MADM?

The programme is designed for international applicants with a relevant bachelor’s degree and experience related to development programme or project management. DAAD-EPOS applicants have additional scholarship requirements, including at least two years of relevant professional experience after the bachelor’s degree.

What is the application deadline for the DAAD-EPOS scholarship?

For the 2028–2030 MADM intake, the deadline for candidates applying for a DAAD-EPOS scholarship is September 30, 2027.

What is the deadline for applicants who do not apply for DAAD-EPOS?

The deadline for other applicants for the 2028–2030 intake is December 31, 2027.

Is IELTS required?

The programme requires certified English proficiency for applicants who do not qualify for an exemption. The official MADM information lists IELTS Band 6.0 and TOEFL iBT 79–80 among the accepted minimum levels.

How long is the programme?

The MA in Development Management is a three-semester full-time master’s programme, equivalent to 90 ECTS credits.

Can I apply directly to DAAD for the EPOS scholarship?

No. DAAD explains that applicants must initially apply directly to the selected postgraduate course. Candidates recommended for an EPOS scholarship are subsequently contacted by DAAD for the next stage of the scholarship application.

Can international students study the programme online?

No. The MADM is not a distance-learning programme. The official programme states that its courses are based at the university.

Final Thoughts

The MA in Development Management at Ruhr University Bochum is a strong option for international graduates and professionals interested in development cooperation, project management, research and international development.

The 2028–2030 intake is particularly important for applicants who want to pursue the DAAD-EPOS scholarship because the scholarship application deadline is September 30, 2027. Applicants should begin preparing their academic records, employment evidence, English certificate, recommendation letters and motivation letter well in advance.

The programme is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission or a DAAD scholarship. Applicants should always confirm the latest rules directly with the university and DAAD before submitting an application.

Official Application

Applicants should use the official MADM application platform and consult the programme’s official website for the application instructions, documents and latest updates.

Official MA in Development Management – Ruhr University Bochum

DAAD EPOS Scholarship Information

DAAD Scholarship Database – EPOS

Related Articles

• DAAD EPOS Scholarship for Master’s Degree 2026 – Study in Germany
• DAAD EPOS Scholarship – MSc Development Economics at University of Göttingen
• DAAD-EPOS Scholarship at University of Freiburg
• Fully Funded SPRING Master Program – DAAD-EPOS Scholarship
• Helmut-Schmidt Programme Scholarship in Germany