DAAD Scholarship 2026: Requirements for Master’s, Benefits and How to Apply

Germany is a popular destination for international students, and the DAAD Scholarship 2026 may help eligible applicants manage the cost of pursuing a master’s degree there. Its respected universities, strong research culture, and lower study costs compared with many other countries make Germany an attractive option.

Still, studying in Germany is not free for everyone. Students may need to cover living expenses, health insurance, travel, semester fees, accommodation, and other costs.

The DAAD Scholarship supports international students, graduates, researchers, and professionals through different funding programmes. Some opportunities support master’s degrees. Others fund PhD study, research stays, language courses, arts programmes, or development-related postgraduate training.

That distinction matters.

DAAD is not one scholarship with one application form or one universal set of requirements. Your eligibility depends on the specific programme, your country, academic background, chosen course, language ability, work experience, and career stage.

This guide focuses mainly on DAAD scholarships for master’s students. It explains the common requirements, available benefits, the DAAD EPOS route, required documents, and the steps to apply correctly.

What Is the DAAD Scholarship?

DAAD stands for the German Academic Exchange Service. It is an organisation that supports academic exchange between Germany and other countries.

Through its scholarship programmes, DAAD helps students and researchers study, carry out research, gain specialist training, and build academic connections in Germany.

For master’s applicants, DAAD funding may be available through several routes. One example is the Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines programme. Depending on the call for your country, it may support graduates who want to complete a postgraduate degree in Germany.

Another well-known route is DAAD EPOS, which means Development-Related Postgraduate Courses. EPOS supports selected postgraduate programmes for qualified applicants from eligible developing and newly industrialised countries.

The right route depends on your profile.

A recent graduate with a strong academic record may be suited to a general DAAD master’s scholarship. A professional with relevant work experience and a development-focused career plan may be better suited to EPOS.

Before preparing an application, use the official DAAD scholarship database to check whether a programme is open to applicants from your country and whether it fits your intended course.

DAAD Scholarship 2026 Benefits

The benefits of a DAAD Scholarship 2026 depend on the funding programme. Some scholarships provide broad financial support for a full master’s degree, while others support a shorter study, research, or training period.

Successful applicants may receive:

  • A monthly living allowance
  • Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
  • A travel allowance, where applicable
  • A study or research allowance
  • Support for a German language course before the programme begins, where required
  • A rent subsidy in some cases
  • An allowance for accompanying family members in some cases

For eligible master’s programmes, funding may cover the standard duration of the course. This is often up to 24 months, although the exact duration depends on the scholarship and programme.

It is important not to assume that every DAAD scholarship pays every cost. Tuition support, for example, is not guaranteed under every funding route.

Many public universities in Germany do not charge standard tuition fees for most master’s programmes. However, students may still pay semester contributions, administrative charges, or course-specific fees. Private universities may also charge tuition.

Always read the benefits section of the exact DAAD call before applying.

DAAD Scholarship Requirements for Master’s Students

There is no single requirement list for every DAAD master’s scholarship. However, most applicants will need a relevant first degree, a solid academic record, the right language qualification, and a course choice that makes sense for their background.

The table below gives a practical overview.

Requirement What it usually means
Recognised bachelor’s degree You need a completed first degree or equivalent qualification before the funding begins.
Relevant academic background Your previous studies should normally relate to the master’s course you want to pursue.
Strong academic record DAAD does not use one universal CGPA requirement, but competitive grades can strengthen your application.
Language proof You must meet the English or German requirement for the selected programme.
Required documents This often includes a CV, motivation letter, transcripts, degree certificate, and other documents requested by the call.
Programme-specific conditions These may include nationality, graduation date, work experience, admission status, or subject requirements.

Academic Background and Course Relevance

Your bachelor’s degree does not need to be from a German university. Degrees from recognised universities in other countries can be accepted.

However, your academic background should usually match the master’s programme.

For example, a graduate of Electrical and Electronics Engineering may be a suitable applicant for a master’s degree in renewable energy, power systems, automation, or sustainable engineering. The same applicant may find it harder to gain admission into an unrelated course such as psychology or international law, unless the university clearly accepts applicants from different disciplines.

The university decides whether your degree meets its admission standard. DAAD then assesses whether you meet the scholarship conditions. You need to satisfy both.

Academic Performance

DAAD does not publish one universal CGPA or percentage requirement for all master’s scholarships.

Instead, academic performance is considered alongside the requirements of the course and the strength of other applicants. Strong grades can show that you are prepared for postgraduate study, but grades are not the only factor.

A well-matched course, relevant work experience, research exposure, leadership, volunteer work, and a focused motivation letter can also strengthen an application.

The strongest applicants know how to connect these experiences into a clear case for funding through How to Write a Winning Scholarship Personal Statement.

Language Requirements

The language requirement depends on the language of instruction for your chosen programme.

English-taught courses may ask for IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted English test. Some universities accept a medium-of-instruction letter from applicants whose previous degree was taught in English. Others do not.

German-taught programmes usually require recognised German-language proof. Depending on the course, this may include TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat, or telc Deutsch.

Check the university admission page and the DAAD scholarship call separately. Meeting the university’s language requirement does not always mean you have met every scholarship requirement.

For applicants who may qualify through an alternative English-language pathway, understanding the distinction between university admission rules and scholarship conditions can prevent expensive mistakes and unnecessary delays.

This is particularly important when considering Scholarships in Germany Without IELTS for International Students 2026.

Country, Graduation Date, and Admission Requirements

Some DAAD scholarships are open to applicants from many countries. Others are limited to specific nationalities, regions, or countries.

Your place of residence may also matter. Certain calls consider whether you currently live in Germany, where you earned your degree, or how long you have lived in a particular country.

Graduation date rules can also vary. Some programmes may expect applicants to have completed their first degree within a certain period before the deadline. Others may be more flexible, especially where professional experience is important.

You should also check whether the scholarship requires:

  • A final university admission letter
  • Proof that you have applied for admission
  • A conditional admission letter
  • Admission to a named course or university

Do not assume that a scholarship application replaces your university application. In many cases, they are separate processes with separate deadlines.

When Is Work Experience Required?

Work experience is not required for every DAAD master’s scholarship.

Some opportunities are suitable for recent graduates who meet the academic and language requirements. However, work experience is a central requirement for DAAD EPOS.

EPOS applicants generally need at least two years of relevant professional experience after completing their first degree. The experience should connect to the postgraduate course and support a clear development-related career plan.

This is an important distinction: two years of work experience is usually an EPOS requirement, not a universal DAAD scholarship requirement.


Types of DAAD Scholarships for Master’s Students

DAAD offers several funding routes for master’s students. The right one depends on your country, subject area, academic history, work experience, and the course you want to study.

The table below shows the main routes you may come across.

DAAD funding route Who it may suit Main focus What to check
Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines Graduates with a recognised first degree Full-time master’s study across a range of subjects Whether the call is open to your country and whether your chosen course is eligible
DAAD EPOS Professionals from eligible developing and newly industrialised countries Selected development-related postgraduate courses At least two years of relevant work experience and a clear development-focused career plan
Subject-specific scholarships Applicants in fields such as engineering, science, arts, public policy, or environmental studies Study, research, or specialist training in selected disciplines Whether funding is available for your subject and study level
Country-specific or university-linked opportunities Applicants from named countries, partner institutions, or selected universities Master’s study or academic exchange under a specific call The exact application route, nationality rules, and university requirements

General and EPOS Master’s Scholarship Routes

The Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines route may suit graduates who want to complete a full master’s degree in Germany. Depending on the call for your country, it can cover a broad range of fields, including engineering, business, social sciences, natural sciences, education, and the humanities.

DAAD EPOS is more specialised. It supports selected development-related postgraduate courses and is designed for applicants who already have relevant professional experience.

Subject-Specific and Country-Specific Opportunities

Subject-specific and country-specific opportunities can also be useful. Some calls focus on a particular field, region, university, or career group. These may have requirements that differ from general DAAD scholarships.

To choose the right route, begin with the official DAAD scholarship database. Filter by your country, degree level, subject area, and intended study period. Then read the full call before you start preparing documents.

Subject-specific and country-specific opportunities can also be useful. Some calls focus on a particular field, region, university, or career group, and may have requirements that differ from general DAAD scholarships.

Looking beyond one funding route can reveal additional Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany for International Students that better match your academic profile and long-term goals.

DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026

DAAD EPOS is one of the best-known DAAD funding routes for international applicants who want to study a development-related postgraduate course in Germany.

EPOS means Development-Related Postgraduate Courses. It supports selected programmes at participating German universities. These programmes are often connected to fields such as renewable energy, engineering, public health, environmental management, agriculture, water resources, education, economics, urban planning, and public policy.

EPOS is not open for every master’s course in Germany. You must apply for a programme that appears on the current EPOS course list and meet the requirements set by both DAAD and the university.

EPOS requirement What it means for applicants
Relevant first degree Your bachelor’s degree should normally relate to the postgraduate course.
Strong academic performance Applicants are generally expected to show above-average results.
Relevant work experience You usually need at least two years of professional experience after graduation.
Eligible country You must be from a country included in the current EPOS eligibility list.
Development-related goal You need to show how the course supports a practical contribution to your country, community, or professional sector.
Language qualification You must meet the English or German requirement for the selected programme.

The work-experience requirement is one of the main differences between EPOS and other DAAD master’s scholarships.

For example, an applicant for a renewable energy course may show experience in solar installation, power systems, energy consulting, sustainability projects, utility services, or technical project management. The experience should support the reason for choosing the course.

Your application should also show what you plan to do with the knowledge after graduation. EPOS is designed for applicants whose training can support development in their home country or professional sector. A clear plan is more convincing than a broad statement about wanting to make an impact.

How to Apply for DAAD EPOS

The EPOS application route is often different from a general DAAD scholarship application.

In many cases, you apply directly to the German university offering the eligible course. The university may review applications first and then nominate suitable candidates for DAAD funding.

Before applying, confirm these points:

  • The course appears on the current EPOS list
  • Your country is eligible
  • Your degree matches the course requirements
  • You have the required professional experience
  • Your language score meets the university standard
  • You understand the university’s EPOS deadline and document list

EPOS deadlines vary by course. Some close many months before the programme begins, so early preparation matters.

Applicants who do not yet have the required work experience should not assume they are ineligible for DAAD funding. They may still qualify for another DAAD master’s scholarship that does not require professional experience.


DAAD Scholarship 2026 Documents Required

The documents required for a DAAD Scholarship 2026 application depend on the funding route, university, and chosen course. Still, most applicants will need to prepare a similar set of academic and personal documents.

Document Why it matters What to check
Application form Provides your personal, academic, and course details Use the form or portal named in the scholarship call.
Curriculum vitae Shows your education, work history, skills, and achievements Keep it clear, current, and tailored to your chosen course.
Motivation letter Explains why you chose the programme and what you plan to do after graduation Write a fresh letter for each application. Avoid generic wording.
Academic transcripts Shows the courses you studied and your grades Submit complete and readable copies. Include translations where required.
Degree certificate Confirms that you completed your first degree Check whether the programme accepts a provisional certificate if you are still completing your degree.
Language certificate Confirms that you meet the English or German requirement Check the accepted test, minimum score, and validity period.
Recommendation letters Gives academic or professional evidence of your potential Submit them only when requested.
Employment certificates Confirms your work experience Especially important for EPOS applicants.
Passport or identity document Confirms your identity and nationality Make sure the scan is clear and the document is valid.
Admission letter or proof of application Shows your university admission status Check whether the scholarship needs final admission, conditional admission, or proof that you have applied.

Some specialised programmes may also request a research proposal, portfolio, course-specific form, or employer letter.

EPOS Employment Evidence and Document Format

For EPOS, employment evidence deserves extra attention. Your certificate should show your job title, organisation, employment dates, and main responsibilities. It should also make the connection between your work experience and the postgraduate course easy to understand.

If your documents are not in English or German, you may need certified translations. Do not assume that every document must be notarised at the application stage. Follow the instructions in the specific DAAD call and university application page.


How to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship 2026

The application process depends on the scholarship route. Some applicants submit through a DAAD portal. Others apply directly to a German university or the coordinator of an eligible programme.

Use the following steps as a guide.

1. Find a Scholarship That Matches Your Profile

Start with the official DAAD scholarship database. Search using your country, degree level, subject area, and intended study period.

Before adding a scholarship to your shortlist, confirm:

  • It is open to applicants from your country
  • It supports master’s study
  • Your chosen course is eligible
  • You meet the academic and language requirements
  • Work experience is not required, or you meet the requirement
  • You understand the application route and deadline

Do not apply simply because a scholarship carries the DAAD name. The programme must fit your profile.

2. Check the University Admission Requirements

Scholarship eligibility and university admission are not always the same process.

Visit the university’s official course page and check whether your degree is relevant, which language test it accepts, and how you should apply for admission. Some universities use Uni-Assist, while others accept direct applications.

Also confirm whether you need an admission letter before applying for funding. Some DAAD calls accept proof that you have applied for admission. Others require a final or conditional admission letter.

3. Prepare and Review Your Documents

Gather every document listed in the scholarship call and university instructions. Give yourself enough time to request transcripts, take a language test, contact referees, and obtain employment certificates.

Your motivation letter should connect four things clearly:

  1. Your academic background
  2. Your relevant experience
  3. The master’s programme you selected
  4. Your career plan after graduation

For EPOS applicants, add a clear explanation of how the course will support development in your country or professional sector.

4. Submit Through the Correct Channel

The submission route can vary.

Scholarship type Usual application route
General DAAD master’s scholarship DAAD portal or the route stated in the country-specific call
DAAD EPOS Usually the participating university or course coordinator
University-linked DAAD opportunity The university, faculty, or programme office
Country-specific DAAD call The route named in the call, which may involve DAAD, a university, an embassy, or a partner organisation

Submitting through the wrong channel can make a strong application ineligible. Read the instructions carefully before uploading anything.

5. Apply Before the Deadline

There is no single DAAD Scholarship 2026 deadline. Dates differ by programme, country, university, and application route.

Some scholarships close many months before the course begins. If you hope to start a programme in 2026, the relevant scholarship deadline may already fall in 2025 or early 2026.

Use this simple planning guide:

Time before the programme begins What to do
12–18 months Research suitable courses, scholarship routes, and eligibility rules.
9–12 months Prepare transcripts, passport, language test plan, CV, and employment documents.
6–9 months Finalise your motivation letter, request references, and confirm the submission route.
Before the stated deadline Submit the complete scholarship and university application.
After submission Monitor your email and respond quickly to requests for more information.

The deadline published in the specific DAAD call or on the university’s official course page is the only deadline that matters. Recheck it shortly before submitting because instructions can change between funding cycles.

6. Track Your Application

After submitting, save copies of your application, uploaded documents, confirmation email, and reference number.

Monitor the email address you used for the application. DAAD, the university, or the programme coordinator may contact you about missing documents, further instructions, or an interview.

If you receive an offer, read the conditions carefully. You may still need to complete university admission, accept the scholarship, arrange health insurance, apply for a German student visa, and prepare for travel.


How to Strengthen Your DAAD Scholarship Application

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a DAAD scholarship. Even when applicants have suitable degrees, language scores, and complete documents, selection can still be competitive.

Instead, what often makes the difference is how clearly the application shows that the applicant is prepared, well matched to the course, and likely to use the opportunity purposefully.

Common Reasons DAAD Scholarship Applications Are Rejected

Many applications are not unsuccessful because the applicant lacks potential. They are weakened by poor programme fit, incomplete evidence, or failure to follow the specific rules of the scholarship call.

Common issue Why it can hurt your application What to do instead
Choosing an unrelated course The selection panel may not see a clear link between your background and the programme. Choose a course that builds on your degree or experience, or explain your career transition clearly.
Using a generic motivation letter It makes your application sound interchangeable and poorly researched. Explain why you chose that specific course and how it fits your future plan.
Missing or unclear documents Reviewers may be unable to confirm your qualifications or experience. Submit complete, readable documents in the exact format requested.
Weak employment evidence for EPOS EPOS requires relevant professional experience, not just a general work history. Use detailed employment letters showing your role, dates, and responsibilities.
Ignoring language or admission rules A strong profile cannot replace a required test score or university condition. Check the scholarship call and university page separately.
Applying through the wrong route or after the deadline Your application may not be considered at all. Confirm the submission channel early and submit before the stated deadline.

Choose a Course That Fits Your Story

Your chosen master’s programme should connect naturally to your academic background, work experience, and future plans.

For example, an applicant with a degree in Civil Engineering and experience in construction may be a strong fit for programmes in infrastructure planning, sustainable construction, environmental engineering, or project management.

A course change is still possible, but you need to explain it properly. Show the experience, training, or career goal that connects your previous field to the new one.

A selection panel should not have to guess why you chose the course. Make the connection clear in your CV and motivation letter.

Write a Specific Motivation Letter

A weak motivation letter often sounds broad and interchangeable. It may mention Germany’s education system or a desire to study abroad, but it does not explain why the applicant is the right person for a particular programme.

A stronger letter should answer these questions:

What to explain Why it matters
Your academic background Shows that you are prepared for the course
Relevant work, research, or volunteer experience Shows that you understand the field beyond the classroom
Why you chose the programme Shows that you researched the course and selected it intentionally
Your career plan Shows what you intend to do after graduation
Expected impact Shows how your training may benefit your country, community, employer, or sector
Why DAAD funding matters Shows why the scholarship is important to your plan

Use brief, specific examples instead of broad claims.

Rather than saying you are passionate about renewable energy, explain what created that interest. It may be a project, a work experience, a research question, or a problem you have seen in your community or industry.

For EPOS applicants, the letter should make an even stronger connection between professional experience, the selected course, and a realistic development-related goal.

The most convincing motivation letters make the reader see a clear line from your past experiences to the work you intend to do after graduation. Learning how to shape that story with evidence, focus, and purpose is central to How to Write a Winning Scholarship Personal Statement (With Examples).

Present Your Work Experience Properly

Relevant work experience can strengthen an application even when it is not compulsory.

For EPOS, it is usually essential. Your employment documents should clearly state:

  • Your job title
  • The organisation where you worked
  • Your start and end dates
  • Your main responsibilities
  • The connection between your work and the course you want to study

Do not submit a vague employment letter that only confirms that you worked somewhere. A reviewer should be able to see what you did and why that experience matters.

If you have completed relevant projects, professional training, volunteer work, research, or leadership roles, include them where they support your academic and career story.

Follow Every Instruction Carefully

A strong profile can still be affected by simple mistakes.

Read the scholarship call and university instructions more than once. Check the document format, word limit, file naming rules, language requirement, submission route, and deadline.

Before submitting, use this final checklist:

  • I meet the country and programme eligibility rules
  • My chosen course matches my background
  • I have used the correct application route
  • My documents are complete, readable, and correctly translated where needed
  • My motivation letter is tailored to this programme
  • My language certificate is accepted and still valid
  • My employment evidence meets the EPOS requirement, where applicable
  • I have submitted before the deadline

Apply Early and Keep Suitable Alternatives

DAAD scholarships are competitive. It is sensible to prepare more than one suitable option where the rules allow it.

This does not mean applying randomly. It means building a shortlist of programmes that genuinely match your academic profile, career direction, and funding needs.

Starting early gives you time to improve your language score, request better employment documents, refine your motivation letter, and compare different scholarship routes. It also reduces the pressure that leads to rushed applications and avoidable mistakes.


What Happens After You Are Selected for a DAAD Scholarship?

Receiving a DAAD scholarship offer is a major step, but there may still be important tasks to complete before you can begin your studies in Germany.

First, read the offer letter carefully and accept the scholarship within the stated deadline. The letter may explain the funding period, monthly allowance, insurance cover, travel support, and any conditions you must meet before funding begins.

You may also need to complete your university admission process. A DAAD scholarship offer does not always replace the university’s final admission requirements. If you received conditional admission, make sure you submit any outstanding documents, language certificates, or degree results on time.

International students will usually need to apply for a German student visa or study visa. The exact requirements depend on your country and the German embassy or consulate handling your application. Your scholarship award letter may be an important document during the visa process, but you should still check the current visa requirements before booking an appointment.

You should also begin planning for:

  • Health insurance requirements
  • Accommodation in your university city
  • Travel arrangements
  • Your programme start date and orientation activities
  • Any German language course included in your funding package

Keep copies of your scholarship letter, university admission documents, passport, insurance details, and financial information in one secure folder. Early preparation can make the move to Germany smoother and help you arrive ready to begin your programme.


Frequently Asked Questions About DAAD Scholarship 2026

At this point, you should have a clearer understanding of the main DAAD scholarship routes, requirements, documents, and application steps.

However, a few practical questions often come up when applicants begin comparing programmes or preparing their documents. The answers below address some of the most common concerns.

Is the DAAD Scholarship fully funded?

Some DAAD scholarships provide broad financial support, including a monthly living allowance, health insurance, accident and personal liability insurance, and travel support where applicable. Some programmes may also provide a rent subsidy, family allowance, or language-course support.

However, the exact benefits depend on the scholarship route. Always check the funding details in the specific DAAD call before applying.

Can I apply for a DAAD Scholarship without IELTS?

It depends on the university and the scholarship programme.

For English-taught master’s programmes, universities may accept IELTS, TOEFL, or another recognised English-language test. Some may accept a medium-of-instruction letter from applicants whose previous degree was taught in English, but this is not accepted everywhere.

For German-taught programmes, applicants usually need recognised German-language proof. Check the university admission page and the DAAD scholarship call before assuming that IELTS is optional.

Is work experience required for the DAAD Scholarship?

Not for every DAAD scholarship.

Some master’s opportunities are open to recent graduates who meet the academic and language requirements. However, DAAD EPOS applicants generally need at least two years of relevant professional experience after completing their first degree.

What CGPA is required for the DAAD Scholarship?

DAAD does not publish one universal CGPA requirement for all scholarships.

A strong academic record can improve your chances, but selection may also consider your course fit, motivation letter, work experience, research exposure, achievements, and career plan. The university may also have its own minimum academic requirement for admission.

Can Nigerian students apply for the DAAD Scholarship 2026?

Nigerian students may be eligible for selected DAAD scholarships, including some master’s opportunities and development-related postgraduate courses.

Eligibility depends on the specific programme, your academic background, chosen course, work experience, language qualification, and the country rules in the current call. Search the official DAAD scholarship database using Nigeria as your country, then confirm the full requirements before applying.

Can I apply for a DAAD Scholarship before getting university admission?

It depends on the scholarship route.

Some DAAD calls accept proof that you have applied for admission, while others require a final or conditional admission letter. Read the scholarship instructions and the university admission page together before submitting your application.


Official Resources for DAAD Scholarships

You now have a clearer picture of the DAAD Scholarship 2026, including the main requirements, application routes, documents, and common mistakes to avoid.

Before you begin an application, confirm the details that apply to your own profile. DAAD requirements, eligible countries, available courses, benefits, and deadlines can change between funding cycles.

Official DAAD Scholarship Database

Use the official DAAD scholarship database to search for opportunities that match your country, degree level, subject area, and intended study period.

Open the full scholarship call for any opportunity you are considering. It will show the current eligibility rules, required documents, application route, and deadline.

Finally, compare those details with the admission requirements on your chosen university’s official course page. This helps you confirm that you meet both the scholarship conditions and the university’s entry requirements before applying.

Current EPOS Course List

If DAAD EPOS fits your profile, use the current EPOS course list to find participating development-related postgraduate programmes.

After identifying a suitable course, visit the university’s official programme page to confirm its admission requirements, EPOS document list, and application deadline.

Final Thoughts

The DAAD Scholarship 2026 can open valuable opportunities for international students who want to pursue a master’s degree or other postgraduate training in Germany.

The key is to avoid treating DAAD as one general scholarship with one universal application process. Start by finding the funding route that fits your country, academic background, chosen course, work experience, and long-term career goals.

For most master’s applicants, the strongest foundation is a recognised bachelor’s degree, a relevant course choice, solid academic performance, the required language proof, and a focused motivation letter. If you are applying for DAAD EPOS, you should also show relevant professional experience and a clear plan for using your training to support development in your country or sector.

Begin early. Compare suitable programmes, prepare your documents carefully, and follow the instructions in the official scholarship call and university application page.

A well-prepared application does more than improve your chances of receiving funding. It helps you choose a master’s programme that supports the career and impact you want to build after graduation.

Once you have a clear understanding of how DAAD funding works, you can widen your search beyond a single programme and compare other Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany for International Students that may align with your qualifications, subject area, and future plans.

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