DAAD Scholarship for Pakistani Students 🇵🇰 2026 Guide

Did you know that most public universities in Germany don't charge tuition fees? This means that many international students, including those from Pakistan, can study in Germany without paying for tuition. However, living expenses are unavoidable. According to the German government's official calculations, Pakistani students need at least 11,904 Euros annually (or 992 Euros per month) to cover their living costs in Germany. This amount is not just a recommendation; it's mandatory! Why is that? Because it's an official requirement for a German student visa. Without this amount, your student visa application will be rejected, preventing you from studying in Germany.

So, how can you gather this required amount? There are several options available, and one of the best is a scholarship from the DAAD. Great news: Pakistani students are eligible for various DAAD scholarships! In this article, we will provide comprehensive information about different funding opportunities available through the DAAD for Pakistani students, with a specific emphasis on DAAD scholarships for Master's and Bachelor's studies.

It is our goal to inform you honestly and accurately, therefore, we need to add a disclaimer:

This article is for general information only and cannot replace your own research. We, therefore, exclude any liability and highly recommend always double-checking the information on the official DAAD web pages and with the official local DAAD representatives in Pakistan.

What is the DAAD scholarship?

The DAAD, or German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), is renowned as the largest scholarship provider for international students aspiring to study in Germany.

Operating under the motto "Change through Exchange," the DAAD supports both German students who wish to study abroad and international students, including those from Pakistan, who want to study in Germany. Based in Bonn, with an additional office in Berlin, the DAAD boasts a vast global network. This includes 20 Regional Offices and 37 Information Centers across approximately 50 countries. For example, in Pakistan, there is a DAAD Information Center in Islamabad.

The DAAD offers a variety of scholarships, including funding for undergraduates, graduates, PhD candidates, language courses, and more. As of 2024, the DAAD provides 86 different scholarship programs, each with unique application and procedural requirements. This article specifically focuses on DAAD scholarships available to Pakistani students for Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Germany. These merit-based scholarships fully cover the living expenses for Pakistani students in Germany.

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Scholarships in Germany

DAAD for Pakistani students: Eligibility

Securing a full scholarship that covers all your living expenses in Germany sounds like a fantastic opportunity, right? You might be asking yourself, "Is Pakistan eligible for the DAAD?" The answer is: Yes, as a Pakistani student, you are eligible for a DAAD scholarship!

However, it's important to note that not all DAAD scholarship programs are available to Pakistani applicants. As of 2024, there are 16 DAAD scholarships open to Pakistani students, of which 6 are specifically for those who wish to pursue a degree in Germany, excluding PhD programs. It's worth mentioning that all these DAAD scholarships are for the Master's (graduate) level. Below, you will find a list of these 6 scholarships along with key details. But before we delve into that, let's explore the options available if you are an undergraduate student from Pakistan.

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Number of Pakistanis with a DAAD scholarship

As per the 2023 DAAD Annual Report, Pakistan is among the top 30 countries globally out of more than 180 nations in terms of students receiving DAAD scholarships. In 2023, a total of 605 Pakistani students were awarded DAAD funding across various scholarship categories.

DAAD scholarship for bachelors in Germany for Pakistani students

Currently, there are no DAAD scholarships available for Pakistani students who wish to pursue their Bachelor's studies in Germany. Additionally, there are no non-degree DAAD scholarships available for Pakistani undergraduate students. However, it is advisable to regularly check the DAAD scholarship database as new opportunities can emerge over time. Staying updated ensures you don't miss out on any future scholarships that might be instrumental for your future academic or professional endeavours.

DAAD scholarship for masters in Germany for Pakistani students

Unlike at the bachelor's level, Pakistani students are eligible for several DAAD scholarships for pursuing a master's degree in Germany. Here is a detailed list of all DAAD master's scholarships available to Pakistani students.

Table 1: DAAD Master's Scholarships for Pakistani Students

No.*	Name	Subject	Monthly Stipend	Duration	Application Deadline (approximate)**	GPA	Language skills	Work Experience
1	DAAD Scholarship - Postgraduate Studies in the Field of Architecture	Architecture	€992	10-24 months	September	Min. 2.5 (German system)***	As specified by the respective study program	Not specified
2	DAAD Scholarship - Postgraduate Studies in the Fields of Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication and Film	Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication and Film	€992	10-24 months	November	Min. 2.5 (German system)***	As specified by the respective study program	Not specified
3	DAAD Scholarship - Postgraduate Studies in the Field of Music	Music	€992	10-24 months	September	Min. 2.5 (German system)***	As specified by the respective study program	Not specified
4	DAAD Scholarship - Postgraduate Studies in the Field of the Performing Arts	Performing Arts	€992	10-24 months	October	Min. 2.5 (German system)***	As specified by the respective study program	Not specified
5	DAAD Scholarship - Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)	Not predefined****	€992	12-42 months	As specified by the desired study program	Above average (upper third)	As specified by the respective study program	Min. 2 years
6	DAAD Scholarship - Helmut-Schmidt-Programme	Public Policy; Governance*****	€992	12-24 months	July	Min. 2.5 (German system)***	As specified by the respective study program	Not specified

*The list is ordered in the exact way as presented on the DAAD Funding Guide website.
**Regularly check the application deadlines, as they are updated annually.
***This is not an officially stated requirement by the given DAAD program. It is a recommendation from MyGU.
****EPOS scholarship finances specific study programs from specific universities. Here is the list for the 2025/2026 intake.
*****Helmut-Schmidt-Programme finances specific study programs from specific universities. Here is the list for the 2025/2026 intake.

As highlighted in the table, Pakistani students aiming to do their master's in Germany can find a suitable full DAAD scholarship that covers their living expenses. These scholarships are available for a wide range of disciplines, from Architecture to Ecology, ensuring that students from various fields can benefit from this opportunity.

DAAD scholarship requirements for Pakistani students

As mentioned earlier, DAAD scholarships vary greatly in their purpose, target audience, admission requirements, application procedures, and more. This diversity also applies to DAAD study scholarships for Pakistanis, each with its own specific requirements and procedures. However, based on our research, we can outline the key requirements and eligibility criteria that Pakistani students will likely need to meet to qualify for DAAD study scholarships.

List of DAAD requirements for Pakistanis:

Education gap: Your previous academic degree should not be older than six years at the application deadline. Note: DAAD typically does not impose any age limits.
State of residence: You are ineligible if you have resided in Germany for more than 15 months by the application deadline.
Language skills: Your proficiency in English and/or German should meet the requirements of your chosen study program in Germany.
Academic performance: While not always explicitly stated, your GPA should be at least "GOOD," equivalent to a 2.5 in the German grading system.

IMPORTANT: To pursue a degree in Germany with a DAAD scholarship, you must also meet all the requirements of the specific study program you are applying to. Therefore, in addition to checking the DAAD website, ensure you are well-versed with the details of the study courses you wish to enroll in.

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Extracurricular activity

Even if not always explicitly required, a strong extracurricular portfolio (e.g., internships, volunteer work, project participation, training, etc.) can significantly enhance your chances of securing a DAAD scholarship.

DAAD scholarship for Pakistanis: Application documents

You might be wondering: "I understand the general requirements, but what documents do I need to prepare to apply for DAAD funding?" This is a valid question, but due to the diversity of DAAD scholarship programs, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. However, some documents are typically required across most DAAD study funding applications.

Checklist for the DAAD Scholarship for Pakistanis:

Online application form: DAAD provides its own application form, which must be fully completed by the applicant. Don’t worry; it’s user-friendly and easy to follow.
Educational certificates: This includes your Bachelor's degree and high school diploma.
Transcript of records: If your transcript only lists individual grades without explaining the grading system, include a separate document explaining the grading system.
Language certificates: Proof of your English (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) and/or German (e.g., TestDaf, DSH) proficiency, typically not older than 2 years.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): A complete tabular CV/Resume with no unexplained gaps.
Letter of Motivation: A convincing 1-3 page letter explaining why you deserve the funding.
Letter of Recommendation: Also known as a reference letter, from a professor or employer.

Keep in mind:

If your documents are not in English or German, you need (certified) translations.
Ensure your application is complete and correctly formatted. Missing documents (or even signatures) can lead to rejection. Carefully review the specific requirements of your chosen scholarship program.
You do not need an admission letter from the German study program to apply for the DAAD scholarship. DAAD scholarships are usually pre-admission scholarships, meaning you apply for the DAAD funding first and then for your desired Bachelor's or Master's program in Germany.

How to apply for a DAAD scholarship from Pakistan?

You might have guessed that there isn't a single set of steps for Pakistani students that applies to every DAAD scholarship. However, there are SEVEN key steps Pakistani students need to know to apply for and win a DAAD scholarship.

Find the scholarship: Start by visiting the DAAD scholarship database and use the website's filters to narrow down your scholarship options.
Check eligibility: Once you've found a scholarship that aligns with your interests and goals, ensure you meet the basic formal requirements listed under "Application Requirements" on the DAAD database.
Collect the documents: Refer to the "Application Procedure" section on the DAAD database for a list of required documents. Important: Certify and translate the documents as needed.
Submit the application: Most applications are submitted online via the DAAD portal. However, some scholarships may have diverse submission procedures, such as requiring direct application to the academic program (e.g., Helmut-Schmidt Scholarship).
Wait for the response from DAAD: This can take several months. If your first-stage application is successful, DAAD will contact you and invite you to the second stage of the application process.
Complete the second stage: The second stage varies depending on the scholarship. For instance, it may involve an interview or the submission of additional documents.
Wait for the final results: After completing the second stage, it may take a few months for DAAD to finalize the list of selected scholarship recipients. They will then inform you whether you have been awarded the scholarship.

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DAAD Scholarship for Pakistanis: Key selection criteria

Grade Point Average (GPA): Excellent grades will greatly enhance your chances of securing the scholarship.
Motivation: Pay close attention to your letter of motivation; it's crucial to your application.
Extracurricular Commitment: Highlight practical experiences, workshops, training, publications, and more in your CV to effectively showcase your achievements.

When to apply for the DAAD scholarship from Pakistan?

Start as soon as possible!

We recommend beginning your DAAD application preparations at least 2 months before the scholarship deadline to ensure you have ample time to gather all required documents.

As highlighted earlier, applying for a DAAD scholarship involves a lengthy process for Pakistani students, with the total DAAD processing time around 6 months. Including at least 1 month for application preparation, you might spend approximately 7 months on the entire DAAD scholarship application process. Therefore, careful planning is crucial to start your studies in Germany with a DAAD scholarship on time.

To illustrate, if you aim to begin your Master's studies in Germany with a DAAD scholarship in October 2026, you should start your DAAD application around August 2025. Thus, if you are targeting a DAAD scholarship, preparation for studying in Germany starts more than a year before the actual studies.

Is it hard to get a DAAD scholarship for Pakistanis?

Securing a DAAD scholarship is not easy, regardless of your country of origin. This is because it is one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarships in Germany. According to our research conducted in 2023, the success rate for DAAD scholarships for Pakistanis is around 10%. In other words, only about 10 out of 100 Pakistani students succeed in their DAAD scholarship applications. Consequently, the rejection rate is approximately 90%. A low GPA and a weak academic profile are often major reasons for rejection.

In summary, even if you meet all the basic requirements and have correctly completed the application procedure, your DAAD scholarship application may still be rejected if, for example, your GPA is not very good, your CV lacks depth, or your Motivation Letter is not compelling.

DAAD Pakistan contact

As mentioned earlier, DAAD has a local presence in Pakistan. Specifically, there is a DAAD Information Center located in Islamabad. We highly recommend reaching out to the DAAD representatives in Pakistan if you have any questions or need personalized information. Below are the contact details for the Islamabad Information Center:

Office	DAAD Information Center Islamabad
Address	F-8/3, Street 71, House 7 - B Islamabad
Telephone	+92 (51) 2251-118
Email	[email protected]
Website	https://www.daad.pk/en/

BONUS: List of all DAAD scholarships for Pakistanis (2024)

No.*	Name	Intent	Amount	Duration	Application Deadline (approximate)**
1	Research Grants in Germany	Research/Doctorate/PhD	€1.300 (monthly) + allowances	2-12 months	August
2	Research Grants – Doctoral Programmes in Germany	Research/Doctorate/PhD	€1.300 (monthly) + allowances	max. 4 years	August
3	Research Grants - Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle	Research/Doctorate/PhD	€1.300 (monthly) + allowances	7-24 months	August
4	Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP)	Research/Doctorate/PhD	€1.200 (monthly) + allowances	max. 4 years	As specified by the respective graduate school
5	Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists	Research/Doctorate/PhD	€2.000-€2.150 (monthly) + allowances	1-3 months	August
6	Study Visits for Academics - Artists and Architects	Research/Doctorate/PhD	€2.000-€2.150 (monthly) + allowances	1-3 months	August
7	Study Scholarships - Postgraduate Studies in the Field of Architecture	Master's	€992 (monthly) + allowances	10-24 months	September
8	Study Scholarships - Postgraduate Studies in the Fields of Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication and Film	Master's	€992 (monthly) + allowances	10-24 months	November
9	Study Scholarships - Postgraduate Studies in the Field of Music	Master's	€992 (monthly) + allowances	10-24 months	September
10	Study Scholarships - Postgraduate Studies in the Field of the Performing Arts	Master's	€992 (monthly) + allowances	10-24 months	October
11	Re-invitation Programme for Former Scholarship Holders	Research/Doctorate/PhD	€2.000-€2.150 (monthly) + allowances	1-3 months	August
12	DAAD/UCA-Programme	Research/Doctorate/PhD	€1.200 (monthly) + allowances	max. 4 years	November
13	Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS / AST): Re-invitation Programme for former scholarship-holders	Research/Doctorate/PhD	€2.000-€2.150 (monthly) + allowances	1-3 months	March & September
14	Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)	Master's & PhD	€992-€1.300 (monthly) + allowances	12-42 months	As specified by the desired study program
15	DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme	Research/Doctorate/PhD	€992-€2.760 (monthly) + allowances	1-36 months	Not specified + „first come first serve“
16	Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance - PPGG)	Master's	€992 (monthly) + allowances	12-24 months	July

*The list is ordered in the exact way as presented on the DAAD Funding Guide website.
**Regularly check the application deadlines, as they are updated annually.