Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Pakistani Students to Study Abroad
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Dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the cost? You’re not alone—and the good news is, there’s a world of opportunity out there waiting for Pakistani students like you! Whether you’re aiming for the UK, USA, Australia, Germany, or Switzerland, fully funded scholarships for Pakistani students in 2025 are opening doors to top universities without putting a dent in your wallet.
From the globally renowned Chevening Scholarship to the prestigious Fulbright Program and the highly competitive Gates Cambridge Scholarship, these scholarships cover everything—tuition, travel, monthly stipends, and even health insurance. So, if you’re academically strong, passionate about your field, and ready to explore new cultures—this guide will help you find top fully funded scholarships for Pakistani students to study abroad in 2025. Let’s dive in!
Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious fully funded opportunities for Pakistani students looking to pursue a master’s degree in the UK. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), this scholarship is awarded to students from over 160 countries and territories, including Pakistan. Every year, over 1,500 Chevening Scholarships are awarded globally, and more than 2,000 Pakistani students have benefited from this program since its inception.
For Pakistani students in 2025, the Chevening Scholarship offers a golden ticket to study at top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, University of Manchester, and more—all without worrying about tuition, living expenses, or travel costs. Below are the key details of Chevening Scholarship:
Feature | Details |
Host Country | United Kingdom |
Number of Scholarships (Global) | 1,500+ annually |
Pakistani Alumni | Over 2,000 |
Degree Level | One-year Master’s |
Top Universities | Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Manchester, Edinburgh |
Eligibility | Pakistani citizen, bachelor’s degree, minimum 2 years work experience |
English Language Requirement | IELTS/TOEFL recommended (optional in some cases) |
Benefits | Full tuition fee, monthly living stipend (~£1,300), travel allowance, visa fee |
Application Period | Opens in August 2024 and closes in November 2024 |
Result Announcement | June–July 2025 |
Program Start Date | September 2025 |
Official Website | www.chevening.org |
DAAD Scholarship
The DAAD Scholarship is one of the most generous and highly respected scholarship programs globally—especially for Pakistani students aspiring to pursue postgraduate degrees in Germany. Known for its world-class education and tuition-free universities, Germany attracts over 140,000 international students each year. Among them, thousands of Pakistani students are supported annually by DAAD to study master’s and PhD programs across a variety of disciplines.
Germany offers more than 1,800 English-taught programs, and DAAD covers a wide range of disciplines—from STEM to social sciences to fine arts. No tuition fees, world-class faculty, and exciting research opportunities make Germany a favorite for Pakistani postgrads! Below are the key details of DAAD Scholarship:
Feature | Details |
Host Country | Germany |
Degree Level | Master’s and PhD |
Number of Programs Offered | 100+ postgraduate programs under DAAD |
Top Fields of Study | Engineering, Environmental Science, Renewable Energy, Economics, Arts |
Eligibility | Pakistani citizens with a 16-year degree (Master’s) or 18-year (PhD); good academic record |
English Language Requirement | IELTS/TOEFL or German language proficiency depending on program |
Benefits | Full tuition, monthly stipend (€934/month for Master’s, €1,200/month for PhD), travel grant, health insurance |
Application Period | September–December 2024 (varies by course) |
Result Announcement | April–June 2025 |
Program Start Date | Fall 2025 |
Official Website | www.daad.de |
Fulbright scholarship
The Fulbright Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive U.S. government-funded scholarships available to Pakistani students. Administered by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), it enables students to pursue fully funded Master’s or PhD programs in the U.S. Over the years, more than 5,000 Pakistani students have studied in the U.S. through the Fulbright Program. The GRE entrance exam is a must for Fulbright, so make sure to start preparing early. Also, personal statements and academic goals play a big role in getting shortlisted for the Fulbright Scholarship. Below are the key details of Fulbright Scholarship:
Feature | Details |
Host Country | United States of America |
Degree Level | Master’s and PhD |
Fields of Study | All academic fields except clinical medicine |
Eligibility | Pakistani citizens with 16 years of education (Master’s) or 18 years (PhD); strong academic record |
English Language Requirement | GRE + TOEFL mandatory |
Benefits | Full tuition, airfare, monthly living stipend, visa costs, health insurance |
Application Period | February to May 2024 |
Result Announcement | October–November 2024 |
Program Start Date | Fall 2025 |
Administered By | www.usefp.org |
Australia Awards Scholarships
If you’re a Pakistani student dreaming of studying in Australia, the Australia Awards Scholarships are one of the best fully funded opportunities out there. Backed by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), these prestigious scholarships aim to build long-term partnerships and promote sustainable development in countries like Pakistan.
Every year, hundreds of Pakistani students apply, and many are selected to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs in top-ranked Australian universities. In fact, over 5,000 scholars from South Asia have benefited from this program over the last two decades. Below are the key details of Australia Awards Scholarship 2025:
Feature | Details |
Host Country | Australia |
Degree Level | Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD |
Top Fields of Study | Agriculture, Health, Education, Environment, Governance, Gender Studies |
Eligibility | Pakistani citizens with strong academic background & commitment to return home after graduation |
English Language Requirement | IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL equivalent (depending on university/program) |
Benefits | Full tuition fees Return airfare One-time establishment allowance Monthly living stipend Health insurance Academic and professional support |
Monthly Stipend | Approx. AUD $2,700 (PKR 500,000+) |
Application Period | February to April 2024 (for 2025 intake) |
Program Start Date | January–February 2025 |
Bond Requirement | Recipients must return to Pakistan for at least 2 years after study |
Official Website | dfat.gov.au |
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
If you’re a high-achieving Pakistani student with dreams of attending one of the world’s most prestigious universities, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship could be your golden ticket. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this fully funded scholarship supports outstanding international students—including those from Pakistan—to pursue postgraduate degrees (Master’s or PhD) at the University of Cambridge.
Since its inception in 2000, over 2,000 Gates Scholars from more than 100 countries have been awarded the scholarship, including talented individuals from Pakistan. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship has one of the highest funding values per scholar globally and provides additional funding for family allowances, fieldwork, and hardship grants, making it a truly comprehensive support system for international students. Below are the key details of Gates Cambridge Scholarship:
Feature | Details |
Host Country | United Kingdom |
University | University of Cambridge |
Degree Level | Master’s and PhD programs |
Fields of Study | Any subject offered by the University of Cambridge |
Number of Scholarships | Approximately 80 scholarships awarded annually |
Eligibility | Non-UK citizens with excellent academic records and leadership skills |
English Language Requirement | IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL 100+ (varies by course) |
Benefits | Full tuition fees Annual maintenance allowance (£20,000+) Round-trip airfare Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Academic development funding |
Monthly Living Stipend | Approx. £1,700/month (PKR 585,000/month) |
Program Start Date | October 2025 |
Official Website | gatescambridge.org |
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
If you’re a Pakistani researcher or aspiring scholar looking to pursue advanced research or doctoral studies in Europe, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship could be a perfect opportunity. Offered by the Swiss Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), this scholarship promotes international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries—including Pakistan.
Each year, Switzerland awards over 500 scholarships globally, with a select number allocated specifically for Pakistani students. The scholarship targets young researchers, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral scholars. Preference is often given to students applying with a well-structured research proposal and a signed letter of support from a Swiss professor. Below are the key details of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship:
Feature | Details |
Host Country | Switzerland |
Administered By | Federal Commission for Scholarships (FCS) |
Degree Level | PhD and Postdoctoral Research |
Eligible Candidates | Pakistani nationals with a Master’s or PhD degree (age usually under 35) |
Fields of Study | All disciplines (science, arts, humanities, engineering, etc.) |
Eligibility Criteria | Strong academic record, research proposal, and a professor’s support letter |
Language Requirement | English, French, German, or Italian (depending on host university) |
Benefits | Monthly stipend (CHF 1,920/month or approx. PKR 600,000) Full tuition fee waiver Health insurance Round-trip airfare Housing allowance |
Duration | 1 year (renewable based on academic progress) |
Official Website | sbfi.admin.ch |
Conclusion
Studying abroad doesn’t have to remain a dream—with the right scholarship, it’s 100% achievable. Whether you’re planning to pursue a master’s in the UK, a PhD in Germany, or research in Switzerland, applying for scholarships like Chevening, DAAD, Fulbright, Australia Awards, and Gates Cambridge is the smartest move you can make in 2025.
Need help finding and booking accommodation once you’re accepted? University Living is here to help you every step of the way—from comparing student housing options to securing a verified room abroad, completely hassle-free. So go ahead—apply early, prepare well, and don’t miss out on these life-changing opportunities!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top fully funded scholarships available for Pakistani students in 2025?
Some of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships for Pakistani students include:
1. Chevening Scholarship (UK)
2. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
3. Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
4. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
6. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (Switzerland)
7. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK and other Commonwealth countries)
Does Pakistani scholarships cover all expenses?
Yes, all Pakistani scholarships cover:
1. Full tuition fees
2. Monthly living stipends
3. Airfare
4. Health insurance
5. Visa fees
Some also provide allowances for books, research, and family support
What are the general eligibility criteria for top Pakistani scholarships?
While specifics vary, common requirements for applying to top Pakistani Scholarships include:
1. Pakistani citizenship
2. Strong academic record
3. Relevant undergraduate or postgraduate degree
4. Proficiency in English (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
5. Work or research experience (for some programs)
6. Leadership qualities and community involvement
When should I apply for top Pakistani scholarships?
Application periods to apply for Pakistani Scholarships generally fall between:
1. Chevening Scholarship: August to November 2024
2. DAAD Scholarship: September to December 2024 (varies by program)
3. Fulbright Scholarship: February to May 2024
4. Australia Awards Scholarships: February to April 2024
5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship: September to December 2024
6. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship: August to December 2024
7. Commonwealth Scholarships: Varies by country and program
Can undergraduate students apply for Pakistani scholarships?
Most of Pakistani scholarships are for postgraduate studies. However, some programs like the Australia Awards Scholarships and certain Commonwealth Scholarships may offer opportunities for undergraduate studies. It’s essential to check each scholarship’s specific eligibility criteria.