Guide · Pakistan · PhD & master’s abroad

Fully funded PhD and master’s scholarships abroad for Pakistani students (2027)

Updated 24 October 2026 · For applicants from Pakistan · Always confirm details in the official call

The main fully funded routes

Below are routes whose eligibility for Pakistani applicants we checked on official sites on 24 October 2026.

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: any nationality.
• DAAD doctoral grants and EPOS courses in Germany.
• Commonwealth PhD and Master’s Scholarships (UK): Pakistan is eligible for both.
• Fulbright and funded US PhDs.
• Salaried PhDs in Europe.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (any nationality)

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are open to students from anywhere in the world, including Pakistan. The Erasmus+ programme page states the EU scholarship for individuals is €1,400 per month for up to 24 months, and consortia cannot charge tuition or other mandatory participation fees to scholarship holders. You apply directly to each programme; browse the official EACEA Erasmus Mundus catalogue. Most programmes close between October and January for the following September intake, but each sets its own date. See our Erasmus Mundus guide and 2027 deadlines.

DAAD: doctoral grants and EPOS

The DAAD’s Doctoral Programmes in Germany grant funds a full doctorate for up to four years. The current call lists €1,400 per month, a €460 annual research allowance, insurance payments and a travel allowance on application. Deadlines depend on your country of residence: select your country in the DAAD scholarship database for the exact date. If the date has passed, plan for the next round; the DAAD says deadlines usually fall in the same period each year.

Pakistan is on the DAAD EPOS eligible country list (PDF). EPOS funds selected development-related master’s (and some doctoral) courses in Germany for graduates with at least two years’ professional experience, at €992 per month for master’s under the current call. Each EPOS course sets its own deadline.

Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

Pakistan is on the eligible country lists for both Commonwealth PhD Scholarships and Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for 2027/28. Both cover approved tuition fees in full, approved return airfare and a stipend of £1,712 per month (£2,000 in the London area), at current rates. You apply through CSC Central and a national nominating agency or eligible NGO nominator; the CSC does not take direct applications. The 2027/28 round closed on 20 October 2026, with nominations due by December 2026 and outcomes by July 2027, so prepare now for the 2028/29 round. Scholars commit to returning home after the award. Also check Chevening eligibility for a UK master’s.

Fulbright and funded US PhDs

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is run country by country; in Pakistan it is administered by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP). Check USEFP for the current call, eligibility and deadline.

Most funded US PhD programmes admit international students with a tuition waiver plus a teaching or research assistantship stipend. Amounts differ by university and department, so read each programme’s funding page. Deadlines are usually December–January for autumn entry. See our funded PhD in the USA guide.

Salaried PhDs in Europe

In Germany, the Netherlands and the Nordic countries many PhD candidates are employees on a salary, not scholarship holders, and posts are usually open to any nationality. Search EURAXESS and university job pages. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks recruit researchers of any nationality, subject to a mobility rule (generally no more than 12 months in the host country in the previous 36). See funded PhD in Germany, funded PhD in the Netherlands and MSCA Doctoral Networks.

FAQ

Are Pakistani students eligible for Commonwealth Scholarships?

Yes. Pakistan is on the 2027/28 eligible country lists for both Commonwealth PhD and Master’s Scholarships, which cover tuition, airfare and a £1,712 monthly stipend (£2,000 in London) at current rates.

Who runs Fulbright in Pakistan?

The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP). Check its website for the current call and deadline.

Can I get Erasmus Mundus from Pakistan?

Yes. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters accept applicants of any nationality. The EU scholarship is €1,400 per month for up to 24 months, and scholarship holders pay no tuition. Apply directly to each programme via the official EACEA catalogue.

Sources

• Commonwealth Scholarship Commission — Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarship Commission — Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
• EACEA — Erasmus Mundus catalogue
• Erasmus+ — Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (students)
• DAAD — Doctoral Programmes in Germany
• DAAD — EPOS
• DAAD — EPOS eligible countries (PDF)
• European Commission — MSCA Doctoral Networks
• EURAXESS — Job search
• Fulbright — Foreign Student Program
• USEFP — Fulbright Pakistan