SEPT MBA Germany: DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027

SEPT MBA in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Development, Germany: DAAD EPOS Scholarship & Application Guide

Apply for the SEPT MBA at Leipzig University with DAAD EPOS. Check eligibility, benefits, documents, deadlines and application process.

The SEPT MBA in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Development at Leipzig University, Germany is an international postgraduate programme designed for professionals working in SME promotion, development and training.

The programme is particularly relevant for professionals who want to develop expertise in small business development, entrepreneurship, SME promotion, management and economic development. Applicants from all nationalities are welcome, subject to the programme’s admission requirements.

For the 2027/28 winter intake, applicants interested in the DAAD EPOS scholarship can apply between 1 August and 1 October 2026. The application is submitted online, and shortlisted candidates may subsequently be asked to provide hard-copy documents.

Important: The DAAD EPOS scholarship is a separate funding route from simply being admitted to the SEPT MBA. Applicants should carefully check whether they meet the scholarship’s country, professional-experience and other DAAD requirements before applying.

Scholarship Overview

The SEPT MBA is offered by the SEPT Competence Center at Leipzig University and focuses on the development and promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises.

The programme is particularly suited to professionals involved in SME support, entrepreneurship promotion, business development, training and related development activities.

At a Glance

Feature	Details
Programme	SEPT MBA in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Development
University	Leipzig University
Location	Leipzig, Germany
Study Level	MBA / Postgraduate
Language	English
Scholarship Route	DAAD EPOS
2027/28 DAAD Application	1 August – 1 October 2026
Academic Requirement	Bachelor’s degree with 180 ECTS or equivalent
Work Experience	Minimum 2 years relevant professional experience
English Requirement	IELTS Academic 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 78 / accepted English-medium instruction evidence
Application	Online
Tuition Fee	€6,000, according to the current programme FAQ
Programme Focus	SME development, promotion, management and entrepreneurship
Official University	Leipzig University

The university’s current application page confirms that the 2027/28 DAAD EPOS application window is 1 August–1 October 2026.

University Overview

Leipzig University is one of Germany’s established public universities and is located in Leipzig, Saxony.

The SEPT Competence Center operates within the university’s Faculty of Business and Economics and specialises in research and training related to the management and promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide.

The SEPT MBA is designed with an international orientation and focuses on practical and theoretical approaches to SME development. The programme examines approaches ranging from supporting small businesses to promoting innovative and dynamic enterprises capable of making effective strategic decisions.

Why Study at Leipzig University?

International MBA Environment

The SEPT MBA is explicitly designed as an international programme and welcomes applicants from different national backgrounds.

Specialisation in SME Development

Rather than being a general MBA alone, the programme has a strong focus on small and medium-sized enterprise development and promotion, making it particularly relevant for professionals working in entrepreneurship and business-support organisations.

Practical Professional Focus

The programme is aimed at people who already have professional experience in SME promotion and training. This makes the classroom environment particularly relevant for applicants who want to connect academic knowledge with their professional careers.

English-Taught Programme

Applicants do not need German proficiency to apply because English is the language of instruction. However, the university recommends learning German to make everyday life in Germany easier.

Leipzig as a Study Destination

Leipzig provides an established university environment and access to Germany’s wider business and economic ecosystem. Students can also benefit from the city’s relatively strong cultural and international environment.

Degree Level

MBA

The SEPT programme is an MBA in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Development.

It is intended primarily for graduates who already have professional experience related to SME promotion and training.

The programme is therefore better suited to experienced professionals than applicants who have just completed their Bachelor’s degree and have no relevant work experience.

Available Fields of Study

The programme focuses mainly on:

• Small & Medium-Sized Enterprise Development
• SME Promotion
• Entrepreneurship
• Business Development
• Enterprise Management
• SME Training & Support
• Innovation & Economic Development

Scholarship Benefits

The major funding opportunity associated with this programme is the DAAD EPOS scholarship.

However, it is important to distinguish between SEPT MBA admission and DAAD EPOS funding. Admission to the programme does not automatically mean that an applicant receives a scholarship.

For eligible DAAD EPOS awardees, funding can generally provide substantial financial support for studying in Germany, subject to the current DAAD award conditions.

Potential scholarship support may include:

• Monthly scholarship payments
• Travel allowance where applicable
• Health, accident and liability insurance
• Other allowances depending on the individual DAAD funding package
• Support related to the study period according to DAAD regulations

Applicants should consult the current DAAD EPOS call for the exact financial package applicable to their nationality and intake.

Tuition Fee

The SEPT FAQ currently states that the MBA tuition fee is €6,000, payable in four instalments of €1,500 before the beginning of each semester. Books and individual study materials are not included.

For scholarship applicants, it is essential to check the current DAAD EPOS funding conditions to determine which costs are covered by the award.

Hidden Costs

Even when receiving scholarship support, students should prepare for expenses beyond tuition.

Expense	What to Consider
Tuition fee	Current SEPT fee is €6,000
Accommodation	Monthly rent and possible deposit
Food	Daily and monthly living expenses
Health insurance	Required for students in Germany
Visa	German student visa-related expenses
Residence permit	Applicable after arrival
Travel	Flights to and from Germany
Study materials	Books and individual materials are not included in tuition
Transportation	Local and regional travel
Phone & Internet	Monthly communication costs
Winter clothing	Germany has colder seasons
Personal expenses	Clothing, leisure and other needs
Blocked account	May be required for visa purposes depending on funding situation

The SEPT FAQ specifically notes that students should consider the requirement to open a blocked account specified by the embassy to demonstrate funds for basic living expenses where applicable.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following general programme requirements:

• Hold an undergraduate degree with 180 ECTS or equivalent from a reputable university.
• Have at least two years of professional experience in SME promotion and training.
• Provide acceptable proof of English proficiency.
• Meet any nationality-specific documentation requirements.
• Submit a complete application within the relevant deadline.

The university currently accepts IELTS Academic with an overall score of at least 6.0, TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 78, or an English proficiency letter when the applicant’s Bachelor’s programme was taught in English.

The university does not accept TOEFL ITP, TOEFL TOEIC, IELTS General Training or Duolingo results for this requirement.

Special Requirements for Selected Countries

Applicants from India holding a three-year Bachelor’s degree may be eligible if they meet the stated academic standard, including a minimum 60%/first division, A/very good or GPA 3.00 or higher.

Applicants from China, Vietnam and India are required to submit an APS Certificate.

For DAAD EPOS applicants, the university states that the last university degree should normally be no more than six years old. Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree must provide a strong justification for pursuing another postgraduate degree.

Required Documents

✓	Required Document	Notes
☐	Motivation Letter	Maximum 2 pages; dated and signed
☐	Europass CV	Dated and signed
☐	School-Leaving Certificate	Original or certified copy
☐	Bachelor’s/Degree Certificate	Original or certified copy
☐	Academic Transcript	Must show final grades and grading system
☐	English Proficiency Evidence	IELTS/TOEFL/accepted alternative
☐	Work Certificate(s)	Minimum 2 years relevant experience
☐	Employer Recommendation Letter	From current employer
☐	DAAD EPOS Application Form	Required for DAAD applicants
☐	DAAD Checklist	Completed and signed
☐	Other Scholarship Evidence	If applying for another scholarship
☐	APS Certificate	Required for Chinese, Vietnamese and Indian applicants
☐	Certified Translations	Required where documents are not in English/German

All certificates and transcripts originally issued in languages other than English or German must be translated by a recognised/sworn translator, with the required original or certified copy of the translation.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step	What to Do	Practical Guidance
Check eligibility	Confirm your degree, work experience and English qualification	Do this before preparing the full application
Check DAAD eligibility	Review the current EPOS conditions	Programme admission and scholarship eligibility are not identical
Research the programme	Understand the SEPT MBA curriculum and career relevance	Make sure SME development fits your career goals
Prepare your CV	Create a signed Europass CV	Highlight relevant SME/development experience
Write motivation letter	Prepare a maximum two-page letter	Explain your experience, goals and why SEPT MBA is relevant
Collect academic documents	Prepare certificates, transcripts and grading-system information	Use original/certified copies as required
Prepare English evidence	Upload an accepted test result or eligible English-medium evidence	IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT are accepted
Document work experience	Obtain official work certificates	At least two years of relevant SME promotion/training experience is required
Request employer recommendation	Obtain a signed letter from your current employer	Follow the university’s format requirements
Complete DAAD form	Fill in the EPOS scholarship application form	Required for DAAD applicants
Complete DAAD checklist	Sign and submit the checklist	DAAD requires an original signature
Translate documents	Arrange recognised translations if necessary	Documents must be translated into English or German
Upload online application	Submit PDFs through the SEPT application platform	Check every file before submission
Submit before deadline	Complete the application by 1 October 2026 for 2027/28 DAAD EPOS	Late or incomplete applications are not considered
Wait for screening	SEPT reviews complete eligible applications	Initial evaluation is based on submitted documents
Attend interview	Participate if shortlisted	Interviews are compulsory for DAAD EPOS selection
Final selection	Await the final decision	Successful candidates receive further instructions
Submit hard copies if requested	Send documents by post	Only shortlisted applicants are asked for hard copies
Prepare for Germany	Arrange visa, finances and accommodation	Begin immediately after receiving admission/funding information

The university specifically warns that incomplete or late applications are not considered, and responsibility for submitting a complete and correct application rests with the applicant.

Application Timeline

For applicants targeting October 2027 admission through the DAAD EPOS scholarship, the current schedule is:

Date	Stage
1 August 2026	DAAD EPOS application opens
August–September 2026	Prepare and upload documents
1 October 2026	Application deadline
After deadline	Screening and first evaluation
Shortlisting stage	Interviews
Final stage	Selection decision
October 2027	Expected programme start

The university explicitly lists 1 August–1 October 2026 for DAAD EPOS applicants seeking admission for winter term 2027/28.

For self-financed applicants, the current application window is 1 January–15 March for studies beginning in October of the same year.

Selection Criteria

The selection committee evaluates complete and eligible applications through a three-stage process:

Screening and first evaluation → Shortlisting and interviews → Final selection.

For DAAD EPOS applicants, the interview is compulsory during the selection process. Self-financed applicants may or may not be interviewed.

Applicants should therefore demonstrate:

• Strong academic preparation
• Relevant professional experience
• Clear motivation for the MBA
• Understanding of SME development
• Career relevance of the programme
• Good English proficiency
• A complete and professionally prepared application

Accommodation & Living Costs

Leipzig offers a range of accommodation options for students, including student residences and private rentals.

Applicants should budget for:

• Monthly accommodation
• Food
• Health insurance
• Transportation
• Communication
• Study materials
• Personal expenses

Students should also plan for the initial costs of moving to Germany, including deposits, travel, residence formalities and other setup expenses.

For visa purposes, international students may need to demonstrate adequate financial resources. The SEPT programme’s FAQ specifically advises applicants to consider the blocked-account requirement specified by the German embassy.

Part-time Jobs

International students in Germany may have opportunities to work subject to their residence status and applicable regulations.

However, students should not depend entirely on part-time employment to finance their studies.

For DAAD EPOS recipients, the scholarship is intended to provide financial support during the study period, but students should still understand the exact terms and limits of their individual award.

Learning basic German can also improve access to local employment and make everyday life easier. SEPT confirms that German is not required for admission because the programme is taught in English, but recommends learning German for life in Germany.

Student Visa Process

International students who require a German visa should begin the process after receiving the relevant admission and scholarship documentation.

A typical pathway is:

Admission/Scholarship Decision → Prepare Visa Documents → Submit Visa Application → Financial Proof → Visa Decision → Travel to Germany → Residence Formalities

Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may need to provide:

• Valid passport
• University admission letter
• Scholarship confirmation, if applicable
• Proof of financial resources
• Health insurance
• Academic documents
• Visa application forms
• Other documents requested by the German authorities

The exact requirements and procedures can vary by country, so applicants should consult the German embassy/consulate responsible for their place of residence.

Tips from Previous Applicants

• Start collecting documents several months before the deadline.
• Make your motivation letter specific to SME development.
• Clearly demonstrate your two years of relevant professional experience.
• Submit a complete application well before the deadline.
• Check every document for signatures, stamps and certification requirements.
• Prepare seriously for the compulsory DAAD EPOS interview.
• Learn some German before arrival, even though the MBA is taught in English.

The SEPT FAQ itself recommends submitting a complete application at least one month before the deadline and making the motivation essay convincing and relevant to your professional development.

Common Mistakes

• Applying without two years of relevant professional experience
• Using an English test that SEPT does not accept
• Submitting IELTS General Training instead of IELTS Academic
• Forgetting the DAAD EPOS application form
• Missing the 1 October scholarship deadline
• Uploading incomplete or improperly certified documents
• Writing a generic motivation letter unrelated to SME development

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the SEPT MBA?

The SEPT MBA is an international postgraduate programme in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Development offered by Leipzig University.

2. Is the SEPT MBA taught in English?

Yes. English is the language of instruction, and German is not required for admission.

3. Who can apply for the SEPT MBA?

Applicants from all nationalities are welcome, provided they meet the academic, professional and language requirements.

4. What degree do I need?

Applicants generally need an undergraduate degree equivalent to 180 ECTS or more from a reputable university.

5. How much work experience is required?

A minimum of two years of professional experience in SME promotion and training is required.

6. What IELTS score is required?

The current requirement is IELTS Academic 6.0 overall. IELTS General Training is not accepted.

7. What TOEFL score is required?

The university requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 78. TOEFL ITP and TOEFL TOEIC are not accepted.

8. Is Duolingo accepted?

No. The current SEPT application page specifically states that Duolingo results are not accepted.

9. What is the SEPT MBA tuition fee?

The current programme FAQ lists the tuition fee as €6,000, payable in four instalments of €1,500.

10. When can I apply for the DAAD EPOS scholarship?

For admission in winter term 2027/28, the current application period is 1 August to 1 October 2026.

11. Is the DAAD EPOS scholarship fully funded?

DAAD EPOS provides substantial financial support to selected scholars, but the exact benefits and conditions should be checked in the current DAAD scholarship announcement applicable to your country and programme.

12. Is an interview required?

Yes. Interviews are compulsory for applicants participating in the DAAD EPOS selection process.

13. Do I need to send paper documents?

Initially, the application is submitted online. If shortlisted, SEPT will contact the applicant and request hard-copy documents by postal mail.

14. Do I need German language skills?

No. German is not required for admission because English is the language of instruction. However, SEPT recommends learning German to make living in Germany easier.

15. Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?

Potentially, but DAAD EPOS applicants who already hold a Master’s degree must provide a well-argued justification for pursuing another postgraduate degree.

Conclusion

The SEPT MBA in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Development at Leipzig University is a specialised opportunity for professionals interested in SME promotion, entrepreneurship, business development and economic development.

Its strongest feature for eligible international professionals is the possibility of applying through the DAAD EPOS scholarship route, which can provide substantial financial support to selected candidates.

However, this is not a typical scholarship for fresh graduates. The requirement for at least two years of relevant professional experience makes the programme particularly suitable for professionals already working in SME promotion, training, business support or related development fields.

For the 2027/28 intake, prospective DAAD EPOS applicants should prepare well ahead of the 1 October 2026 deadline. A strong application should clearly connect your academic background, professional experience, career goals and interest in SME development.