International students looking for fully funded MBA scholarships in Germany can now apply for the DAAD EPOS SEPT MBA Scholarship 2026 at Leipzig University. The scholarship supports professionals from developing and emerging countries who want to study entrepreneurship, SME development, innovation management, and economic development in Germany.
The Small Enterprise Promotion and Training (SEPT MBA) program at Leipzig University is one of the few MBA programs globally focused on small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development. The program is supported under the DAAD EPOS scholarship scheme and is designed for professionals with work experience in business development, entrepreneurship, management, and economic development sectors.
WhatsApp ChannelDAAD EPOS SEPT MBA Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Germany
- University: Leipzig University
- Program Name: Small Enterprise Promotion and Training (SEPT MBA)
- Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded
- Duration: 2 Years
- Eligible Applicants: International Students from Developing Countries
- Application Deadline: 1 October 2026
- Program Start: Winter Semester 2027
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About the SEPT MBA Program
The SEPT MBA program at Leipzig University focuses on entrepreneurship promotion and SME development. The curriculum is inspired by Germany’s successful “Mittelstand” model, which refers to small and medium-sized enterprises that contribute significantly to the German economy.
Students learn how to:
- Support SMEs and startups
- Develop innovation strategies
- Promote entrepreneurship ecosystems
- Analyze value chains and markets
- Design sustainable business models
- Manage SME finance and marketing
The program combines academic theory with practical case studies and international business perspectives.
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Degree Level
The scholarship supports studies in:
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
Scholarship Benefits
Selected applicants under the DAAD EPOS scholarship may receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance
- Study and research support
- Access to international academic networks
Also Check: KAS Scholarship Program 2026 in Germany
Program Structure
First Semester
Students study:
- Development Economics
- Entrepreneurship Management
- Business Model Development
- Innovation and Technology Promotion
- Sustainable Marketing in SMEs
- Local and Regional Economic Development
Second Semester
Students select elective modules such as:
- Innovation Management in SMEs
- Marketing in SMEs
- SME Finance
- Competence Development in SMEs
Compulsory modules include:
- Research Methodology
- Data Analysis
- Project Management
An internship module is also available.
Third Semester
- Field Research
Fourth Semester
- Advanced Data Analysis
- Master’s Colloquium
- Master’s Thesis
Tuition Fees and Living Costs
Tuition Fees
- 1,500 EUR per semester
- Total tuition fee: 6,000 EUR
Semester Contribution
- Approximately 300 EUR per semester
Estimated Living Expenses
Students may need around:
- 940 EUR per month in Leipzig
Eligibility Criteria of DAAD EPOS SEPT MBA Scholarship
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with at least 180 ECTS
- Have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience
- Demonstrate English language proficiency
- Possess knowledge related to economics, entrepreneurship, management, or development
Applicants from India with a three-year Bachelor’s degree may also apply if they meet specific academic requirements.
English Language Requirements
Applicants can prove English proficiency through:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 78–80
- English-medium instruction certificate
The following tests are not accepted:
- TOEFL ITP
- TOEIC
- IELTS General Training
- Duolingo English Test
Required Documents
Applicants usually need to prepare:
- Motivation letter
- Europass CV
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- English language test results
- Work experience certificates
- Recommendation letter from employer
- DAAD EPOS application form
- DAAD checklist
- Passport copy
Graduate documents not issued in English or German must be officially translated.
Application Process
To apply for the DAAD EPOS SEPT MBA Scholarship:
- Choose the SEPT MBA program at Leipzig University.
- Prepare all required documents in PDF format.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload DAAD scholarship documents.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Wait for the screening and interview process.
Interviews are compulsory for DAAD EPOS scholarship candidates.
Application Deadlines
DAAD EPOS Scholarship Applicants
- 1 August to 1 October 2026
- Studies begin in October 2027
Self-Financed Applicants
- 1 January to 15 March 2027
- Studies begin in October 2027
Who Should Apply?
The SEPT MBA is suitable for:
- Entrepreneurs
- NGO professionals
- Government officers
- Startup ecosystem professionals
- Development sector workers
- SME consultants
- Business development professionals
