DAAD Scholarships for Pakistani Students: EPOS, Study and Research Grants Explained
Quick facts
- Funder: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- Master’s stipend: €992 per month · PhD: €1,400 per month
- EPOS needs: at least 2 years’ work experience; degree no older than 6 years
- Deadlines: course-specific, many between August and October each year
- Search: daad.de scholarship database
The DAAD is the world’s largest funder of international academic exchange, and Pakistan is one of its priority countries. Pairing a DAAD scholarship with Germany’s low or free tuition makes it one of the best-value ways to earn a master’s or PhD abroad.
Main DAAD options for Pakistanis
1. EPOS: Development-Related Postgraduate Courses
EPOS funds selected master’s and some PhD programmes in fields linked to development: engineering, economics, public policy, public health, agriculture, environment, urban planning, media and more.
- At least two years of professional experience after your bachelor’s degree
- Your last degree should be no more than six years old
- A strong academic record (typically top third of your class)
- English or German language skills as the course requires
2. Research grants for doctoral candidates
For PhD students and young researchers: either a full doctorate in Germany or a research stay of a few months as part of a PhD at home. Stipend: €1,400 per month.
3. Other programmes
DAAD also runs programmes in partnership with HEC and specific universities from time to time. Check the DAAD database and DAAD Pakistan announcements for current calls.
What the scholarship covers
- Monthly stipend (€992 master’s / €1,400 PhD)
- Travel allowance
- Health, accident and liability insurance
- Study and research allowance
- Tuition subsidy where fees apply
- A German language course of 2–6 months before your studies (in many cases)
- Rent subsidy and family allowances in some cases
How to apply for EPOS
- Search the DAAD database for “Development-Related Postgraduate Courses” and shortlist up to three programmes.
- Read each course’s deadline and requirements. You usually apply directly to the university, not to DAAD, and rank your choices.
- Prepare documents: DAAD application form, CV in Europass format, motivation letter, employer letter confirming work experience, recommendation letters, degree and transcripts, language certificate.
- Submit before the course deadline. Many close between August and October for the next year’s intake.
- Selection: universities shortlist candidates; DAAD makes the final decision, usually in spring.
Tips for a strong application
- Link your work to development. Explain the problem you work on in Pakistan and how the course will help you solve it.
- Get an employer letter that states your role, dates and, ideally, that you can return to work after your studies.
- Use the Europass CV format and keep it to two pages.
- Apply to three courses that fit your experience, not just famous universities.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need IELTS?
Most English-taught EPOS courses require IELTS (often 6.5) or TOEFL. Check each course’s requirement.
Can fresh graduates apply?
Not for EPOS, which needs two years’ experience. Fresh graduates can look at other DAAD programmes or self-funded study in Germany. See our Germany guide.
Sources: DAAD, DAAD Pakistan. Check the DAAD database for each course’s current deadline.
