DAAD Scholarships 2027/28 for Pakistanis: EPOS Deadlines, Stipend and Documents
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is one of the most valuable routes for Pakistani graduates who want a fully funded master's degree in Germany. For courses starting in the 2027/28 academic year, most application windows open and close between August and November 2026 — which means Pakistani applicants who want to be considered need to act now, not in the new year.
This guide explains how the main DAAD programmes work for Pakistanis, what the scholarship pays, which documents you need, and how the scholarship links to your German student visa.
Which DAAD programmes are open to Pakistanis?
Pakistan is on DAAD's list of eligible countries for its development-related programmes. The best known is EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses), which funds master's degrees — and in some cases PhDs — at selected German universities in fields such as renewable energy, public health, water and environmental management, agriculture, urban planning, economics and engineering. DAAD also runs the Helmut-Schmidt Programme for public policy and good governance, plus research grants for doctoral candidates and young academics. DAAD Pakistan publishes the current list of programmes open to Pakistani applicants on its official website.
Deadlines for 2027/28: there is no single date
This is the point that catches most applicants out. Under EPOS, you do not apply to DAAD directly. You choose up to three courses from the official EPOS list and apply to each university course directly, following that course's own deadline. Most 2027/28 deadlines fall between August and November 2026, but some close as early as August 31 while others run into October or November. Applications posted to DAAD instead of the university are not forwarded.
After the university selection committee shortlists you, DAAD contacts nominated candidates to upload their documents to the DAAD Portal, and the final decision is announced in the following months.
Who is eligible?
For EPOS, DAAD typically expects:
- A four-year bachelor's degree (usually 16 years of education) in a related subject, with results in roughly the top third of your class.
- At least two years of relevant professional experience after your bachelor's degree at the time of application.
- A degree that is normally not more than six years old.
- English proof such as IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught courses (institutional TOEFL is not accepted), or German at B1 or above for German-taught courses.
- A clear, development-related motivation and a plan to contribute back in Pakistan.
What does the scholarship pay?
DAAD master's scholarships currently pay a monthly stipend of around €992 (older DAAD database pages still show €934, so check the call for your course), with higher rates for doctoral candidates. Funding normally also includes health, accident and liability insurance, a travel allowance, a monthly rent subsidy in some programmes, and allowances for accompanying family members. There are generally no tuition fees at German public universities, although semester contributions apply.
Documents Pakistani applicants should prepare
Expect to submit the DAAD application form and checklist, a Europass CV, one motivation letter covering all chosen courses and your order of priority, employment certificates proving two years' experience (ideally with a re-employment guarantee), IELTS/TOEFL results, degree certificates and full transcripts with an explanation of the grading system. Universities may ask for certified copies, so start your HEC degree attestation and IBCC attestation early — both can take several weeks in peak season. Urdu documents will need certified translation.
DAAD and the German student visa
A DAAD award does not replace the visa. You still apply for a German national (D) student visa through the German Embassy in Islamabad or the Consulate in Karachi. The good news: an official scholarship award letter can be used as proof of funds, so DAAD scholars usually do not need the €11,904 blocked account that self-funded students must show for 2026. See our Germany student visa guide for appointment and document details, and our fully funded scholarships roundup for alternatives such as Chevening.
How Hijrat can help
From our office in Aabpara Market, Islamabad, we help students from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and across Pakistan with document attestation, translation, application file checks and the German student visa once your award is confirmed. Call or WhatsApp +92 334 105 3639 or email info@hijrat.pk.
Get your degrees attested, documents translated and your German student visa file checked by our Islamabad team before the autumn deadlines.
Disclaimer: This article is general information based on publicly available DAAD and German mission sources as of September 29, 2026. Stipend amounts, eligible courses, deadlines and visa requirements change frequently — always confirm on the official DAAD website and your chosen university course page. Scholarship decisions rest solely with DAAD and the universities, and visa decisions with the German authorities. Hijrat is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with DAAD or the German government.