Germany is one of the few major study destinations where most public universities charge international students no tuition at all, and the DAAD scholarship can cover living costs on top. That combination makes it one of the most realistic routes to a fully funded master’s or PhD in Europe, for students from Pakistan and the rest of the world.
This guide explains what the DAAD is, the main scholarship programmes, what it costs to study in Germany in 2026 without a scholarship, and how the blocked account works.
Table of Contents
What the DAAD is
The DAAD, or German Academic Exchange Service, is the world’s largest funding organisation for international academic exchange. It is funded mainly by the German government and offers hundreds of scholarship programmes for students, graduates and researchers from abroad.
Rather than one single DAAD scholarship, there are many, each with its own eligibility rules, subjects and deadlines. The starting point is the DAAD’s scholarship database, where you filter by your country, subject and level of study.
Main DAAD scholarship programmes
Development-related postgraduate courses (EPOS)
This programme funds master’s and some PhD courses at German universities in subjects relevant to developing countries, such as engineering, economics, public health, agriculture and urban planning. It is aimed at professionals from eligible countries, including Pakistan, and usually requires at least two years of relevant work experience. Each course sets its own deadline, often in the second half of the year for study starting the following year.
Research grants for doctoral students
The DAAD funds full doctoral degrees in Germany and shorter research stays for doctoral candidates. Applicants generally need a supervisor at a German university who has agreed to take them on.
Programmes for future leaders
Some DAAD programmes target graduates heading into public policy and governance. They combine a master’s degree with leadership training and networking.
Country-specific programmes
The DAAD also runs programmes in partnership with governments and universities in particular countries. In Pakistan, partnerships with the Higher Education Commission have funded PhD study in Germany in past rounds. Check the DAAD database and the HEC website for current calls.
What a DAAD scholarship covers
Benefits vary by programme, but a full DAAD scholarship typically includes:
- a monthly stipend;
- health insurance;
- a travel allowance;
- in some programmes, a rent subsidy, family allowance or German language course before your studies.
Tuition is usually not an issue, because most public universities charge none. A DAAD scholarship letter that confirms at least €992 a month can also replace the blocked account required for a student visa.
Studying in Germany without a scholarship: what it costs in 2026
Tuition
Most public universities charge international students no tuition for bachelor’s and master’s programmes. The main exception is the state of Baden-Württemberg, home to universities such as Heidelberg, Freiburg, Tübingen and KIT, which charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester. Private universities charge tuition everywhere.
Every student pays a semester contribution, usually somewhere between €100 and €400. In many cities it includes a public transport ticket, which makes it good value.
Living costs and the blocked account
To get a German student visa you must prove you can support yourself. In 2026 the required amount is **€992 a month, or €11,904 a year**. Most students show this by paying the full amount into a blocked account, known in German as a Sperrkonto.
The money stays yours. Once you arrive and register your address, the account releases €992 a month into your normal bank account. The figure is linked to Germany’s official student support rate and is reviewed every year or two. Blocked account providers also charge set-up and monthly fees, so budget slightly more than the minimum.
In practice, €992 a month is enough in many smaller university cities, but tight in Munich, Frankfurt or Hamburg, where rents are high.
Health insurance
Health insurance is compulsory for students in Germany. Students under 30 at public universities can normally join a public health insurance fund at a student rate. Arrange it before enrolment, because universities ask for proof.
A sample monthly budget
Costs vary a lot between cities, so treat these figures as a rough guide for a student living in a shared flat or student residence outside the most expensive cities:
- **Rent:** about €350 to €700, much more in Munich or Frankfurt.
- **Food:** about €200 to €300 if you cook at home.
- **Health insurance:** around €130 or more at the public student rate.
- **Phone and internet:** about €20 to €40.
- **Books, clothes and leisure:** about €100 to €200.
- **Transport:** often covered by the semester ticket.
Add these up and you can see why the official €992 a month is a minimum, not a comfortable budget, in larger cities. Search for accommodation as soon as you have an admission letter; student residences in popular cities have long waiting lists.
Common reasons applications fail
Whether you are applying to study in Germany on your own funds or for a DAAD scholarship, the same mistakes come up repeatedly:
- **Missing a programme-specific deadline**, assuming every DAAD scholarship closes at the same time.
- **A degree that does not match the course,** for example applying to an engineering master’s with a business bachelor’s.
- **A generic motivation letter** that could be sent to any university.
- **Insufficient proof of funds,** such as a blocked account below the required amount.
- **Incomplete documents** sent through Uni-Assist, which can take weeks to process, so late submissions often miss the university deadline.
- **Weak references** from people who barely know the applicant.
Avoiding these does more for your chances than any single impressive achievement on your CV.
How to apply to German universities
- **Choose programmes.** The DAAD’s international programmes database lists courses taught in English, which is the usual choice for students who do not speak German.
- **Check entry requirements,** including whether your degree is recognised for that course.
- **Apply** either directly to the university or through Uni-Assist, a central service many universities use to check international applications.
- **Receive your admission letter.**
- **Open a blocked account, arrange health insurance** and apply for your visa at the German embassy or consulate.
Winter semester deadlines for international applicants are often between March and July, and summer semester deadlines between September and January. Each university sets its own, so check carefully.
Working while studying
International students from outside the EU can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days a year. Student assistant jobs at the university are counted differently. Part-time work can cover some living costs, but it should not be your main financial plan, and your visa requires proof of funds before you arrive.
After graduating, you can stay in Germany for up to 18 months to look for a job related to your degree.
Tips for a strong DAAD application
- **Start a year ahead.** Many DAAD programmes close almost a year before the course begins.
- **Write a focused motivation letter** that links your past work, the specific German course and your plans afterwards.
- **Get strong references** from people who know your academic or professional work.
- **Show commitment to your home country** where the programme is development-focused.
- **Learn some German.** Even basic language skills help you settle and show commitment, although many courses are taught in English.
Frequently asked questions
Is studying in Germany really free?
At most public universities, yes, apart from the semester contribution. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester, and private universities charge tuition.
How much money do I need in a blocked account in 2026?
€11,904 for 12 months, released at €992 a month.
Does a DAAD scholarship replace the blocked account?
Yes, if the scholarship letter confirms at least €992 a month for the period required.
Do I need German to study in Germany?
Not for English-taught programmes, which are common at master’s level. You will need English test results instead.
Can Pakistani students apply for DAAD scholarships?
Yes. Pakistan is eligible for many DAAD programmes, including development-related postgraduate courses.
For other funding options, see our guide to fully funded scholarships, and compare Germany with other affordable destinations in our guide to the cheapest countries to study abroad. Official information is on the DAAD website.
