Top US Scholarships for Pakistani Students 2025
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Planning to study in the USA but worried about the cost? You’re not alone! Every year, thousands of bright students from Pakistan dream of pursuing higher education in America—but tuition fees and living expenses can seem like a roadblock. The good news? The U.S. is one of the most scholarship-friendly countries for Pakistani students.
In fact, according to the Open Doors Report 2024, more than 7,300 Pakistani students enrolled in U.S. universities—and nearly 40% of them received financial aid in the form of fully funded scholarships, tuition waivers, or merit-based grants. This guide will walk you through the best US scholarships for Pakistani students in 2025, their eligibility criteria, the universities that offer them, and the step-by-step process to apply. Whether you’re an undergraduate, a master’s aspirant, or a future PhD researcher—there’s a scholarship waiting for you!
What are various types of US Scholarships for Pakistani Students?
Did you know that over 7,300 Pakistani students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities in 2024, making Pakistan the 16th largest source of international students in the United States? According to the Open Doors Report by the Institute of International Education (IIE), this number has grown by nearly 9% compared to 2023.
What’s even more encouraging? Nearly 40% of these students received some form of financial assistance—whether fully funded scholarships, tuition waivers, or need-based grants. U.S. universities, government agencies, and global organizations continue to expand funding opportunities to support talented students from Pakistan. Following are the various types of US scholarships for Pakistani students:
| Scholarship Type | Description | Popular Examples |
| Fully Funded | Covers 100% of expenses, including tuition, airfare, living costs, books, health insurance, and visa fees. Highly competitive and prestigious. | Fulbright Program, Global UGRAD, US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor |
| Merit-Based | Offered based on academic performance, leadership, research experience, or community service. May cover partial or full tuition. | Harvard International Scholarships, UChicago Merit Awards |
| Need-Based | Awarded to students who show financial need through income documents or family background. Common among private U.S. institutions. | Amherst College, NYU Financial Aid, Columbia University Grants |
| Subject-Specific | Tailored for students pursuing studies in high-demand fields such as STEM, Business, Law, or Health Sciences. | DAAD-HEC STEM Scholarships, Mastercard Foundation Scholars |
| Exchange Programs | Short-term, non-degree academic or cultural programs that allow Pakistani students to study in the U.S. for one semester or summer. | Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD), YES Program |
What Are the Best Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA for Pakistani Students in 2025?
The U.S. offers a wide range of fully funded scholarships exclusively for Pakistani students. According to the Institute of International Education (IIE) and USEFP, more than 1,250 Pakistani students received fully funded scholarships and exchange opportunities in 2024—and this number is expected to increase in 2025 due to expanding U.S.-Pakistan educational cooperation.
The most popular fully funded scholarships include the Fulbright Program, US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor, and Global UGRAD, all of which offer complete financial support—from tuition fees to living expenses, airfare, and even health insurance. Following are the best fully funded scholarships in the USA for Pakistani students:
| Scholarship Name | Description | Eligibility | Reward Coverage | Est. No. of Awards |
| Fulbright Scholarship (USEFP) | For Master’s and PhD studies in the U.S. | 16 years of education minimum (Master’s/PhD) | Full tuition, round-trip airfare, monthly stipend, health insurance, visa processing | 200+ |
| US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship | Sends Pakistani PhD scholars to U.S. universities in priority fields | MS/MPhil with 3.0+ GPA; faculty or R&D scholars | Up to $50,000/year: full tuition, living allowance, travel, health insurance | 500+ |
| Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) | Non-degree exchange for one semester at a U.S. college | 2nd/3rd-year undergraduates in Pakistani colleges | Tuition, airfare, housing, meals, monthly stipend, insurance, cultural enrichment programs | 250+ |
| Pakistan–USA Science & Technology Cooperation Program | Funds joint research projects in STEM fields between U.S. and Pakistani institutions | PhD students, researchers, university faculty | Research grant (varies by project) – includes equipment, travel, lab use, and collaborative expenses | 100+ |
| YES Program (High School) | Year-long high school cultural exchange in the U.S. | Pakistani students aged 15–17 (grades 9–10) | Tuition, host family placement, round-trip airfare, monthly stipend, medical insurance | 75–100 |
Which US Universities Offer Scholarships for Pakistani Students in 2025?
According to the Open Doors Report 2024 by the Institute of International Education (IIE), the U.S. remains one of the top 3 global destinations for Pakistani students. The great news? A significant number of these students received partial or full scholarships from U.S. institutions.
From Ivy League giants to tech-savvy public universities, many U.S. colleges provide need-based, merit-based, or subject-specific scholarships for Pakistani students. In fact:
- More than 600 U.S. universities offer financial aid or scholarships to international students.
- Over $25 million in aid is awarded annually to South Asian students, including those from Pakistan.
- Top-ranked universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Columbia report that 100% of demonstrated financial need is covered for admitted undergraduates—including Pakistani students.
These opportunities not only help students access quality education but also open doors to global careers. Following are various US Universities that offer scholarships for Pakistani students in 2025:
| University Name | Scholarship Opportunities | Eligibility Criteria | Reward Coverage | Quick Highlights |
| Harvard University | Harvard International Financial Aid | Academic excellence + high financial need | 100% of tuition, room, board, living expenses | Need-blind admission for all; over $50,000 avg. annual grant |
| Stanford University | Knight-Hennessy Scholars (PG), UG Financial Aid | High-achieving grads or UG students | Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, and enrichment fund | 100+ global scholars selected annually |
| Yale University | Yale International Scholarship Program | Strong academics + financial need | Full or partial tuition + room and board | Average scholarship for international students: $70,000/year |
| MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Tech) | Need-based Undergraduate Aid | Math/science talent + financial need | Up to $73,000/year | 58% of undergrads receive financial aid |
| Columbia University | Columbia Global Scholars Program | GPA 3.7+, leadership, research interest | Full tuition or partial + campus expenses | Wide aid options for STEM, arts, humanities |
| New York University (NYU) | Global Pathways Scholarships | UG/PG students with strong profiles | $5,000 – $30,000/year | Focus on arts, tech, business |
| UC Berkeley / UCLA | Regents Scholarships, Need-based Aid | Academic merit + personal story | Partial tuition, living allowances | 1,000+ international students enrolled across UC campuses |
| USC (University of Southern California) | USC Merit & Presidential Scholarships | GPA 3.8+, strong test scores, SOP | $10,000 – $30,000/year | Active Pakistani student groups; great for film/business |
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for US Scholarships for Pakistani Students?
From all the students that were enrolled in U.S. universities, nearly 65% of them applied for some form of financial aid, and around 48% received either full or partial scholarships through programs like Fulbright, Global UGRAD, or university-specific aid. What’s more? Pakistani applicants have shown high success rates in U.S. government-sponsored programs. For example:
- The Fulbright Program in Pakistan is the largest in the world in terms of funding.
- Over 200 Pakistani students were selected in 2024 under fully funded PhD and Master’s scholarships to the U.S.
- Applicants with GPA above 3.5, IELTS scores of 7+, and strong personal statements are 2x more likely to win merit-based scholarships at U.S. institutions.
Below are the general eligibility criteria for US scholarships for Pakistani students in 2025:
| Criteria | Details |
| Academic Excellence | Minimum GPA of 3.0–3.7 (80–90%). Top scholarships like Fulbright or MIT grants favor candidates in the top 15% of their class. |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5–7.5, TOEFL iBT: 90–105, Duolingo: 110+. Over 80% of successful Fulbright applicants had TOEFL scores above 100. |
| Standardized Tests | GRE: 305–320+, GMAT: 600–700+. Roughly 55% of MBA applicants from Pakistan submitted GMAT scores in 2024. |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | 500–1,000 word SOPs are essential. Over 75% of accepted students at top U.S. universities credited their SOP for influencing selection. |
| Letters of Recommendation | Typically 2–3 strong LORs are needed—especially from professors or employers familiar with your academic and leadership qualities. |
| Research Proposal | Required for PhD scholarships like the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor. Must outline methodology, objectives, and relevance to Pakistan’s goals. |
| Community Involvement | Programs like Global UGRAD favor students involved in volunteer work, student unions, or social causes. |
| Financial Need | Required for need-based university aid. Applicants must submit bank statements or income tax returns to verify status. |
| Interview Process | Conducted by U.S. embassies or university panels. More than 60% of finalists go through behavioral or academic interviews before final selection. |
| Passport Validity | Must have a valid Pakistani passport before interview stage. Expired passports are a leading reason for delayed or withdrawn offers. |
How Can I Apply for Scholarships to Study in the USA from Pakistan?
Each year, thousands of Pakistani students apply for scholarships to pursue their dream education in the United States. According to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, over 6,000 students from Pakistan applied for fully funded and merit-based scholarships in 2024 alone. Platforms like USEFP, DAAD, and university websites reported a 28% increase in applications from Pakistani nationals compared to 2023.
What’s encouraging? Around 48% of applicants who submitted a complete, well-documented application were shortlisted for interviews or received conditional offers. This proves that a well-planned application strategy significantly boosts your chances. Below are the key details of application process for US scholarships for Pakistani students:
| Step | Details & Statistics |
| 1. Research Scholarships | Shortlist scholarships that fit your field, level (UG/PG/PhD), and funding needs. Over 75% of successful candidates begin research at least 6–9 months early. |
| 2. Prepare Documents | Key documents include: Academic transcripts, CV, SOP, LORs, English test scores, and passport. 80% of rejections happen due to missing or incorrect documents. |
| 3. Check Eligibility | Match GPA, test scores, work experience (if needed), and language proficiency. Use portals like uni-assist.de, USEFP.org, or university scholarship pages. |
| 4. Apply on Time | Fulbright and UGRAD deadlines typically close between April–June, while university-specific scholarships close from November to February (Spring/Fall). |
| 5. Submit Applications | Use official portals: e.g., USEFP for Fulbright, EducationUSA for UG funding, or university websites for internal merit scholarships. |
| 6. Appear for Interviews | Many fully funded scholarships (e.g., Fulbright, UGRAD) require interviews. More than 65% of shortlisted Pakistani students reach the final round after interviews. |
| 7. Track & Follow Up | Monitor your email regularly. Over 20% of shortlisted students miss final deadlines due to unresponsiveness or delayed document verification. |
Conclusion
So, is studying in the US possible without breaking the bank? Absolutely—if you find the right scholarship! But here’s the secret: Start early, stay organized, and don’t sell yourself short. Strong academics, a clear Statement of Purpose, and a well-documented application can take you places—even across continents!
And if you’re wondering where to live once you secure your scholarship, platforms like University Living can help you find safe and student-friendly accommodation across U.S. cities. From shared apartments in Boston to cozy student halls near UCLA, finding your “home away from home” is now easier than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get a scholarship to study in the USA from Pakistan?
To get a scholarship to study in the USA from Pakistan, start by identifying fully funded or merit-based options like Fulbright or UGRAD. Prepare your academic transcripts, a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation, and English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL). Apply early through official platforms like USEFP or directly on university websites.
What are the best fully funded US scholarships for Pakistani students in 2025?
Top fully funded US scholarships for Pakistani students include:
1. Fulbright Scholarship – for Master’s and PhD (covers full tuition, stipend, airfare).
2. Global UGRAD – semester-long exchange for undergraduates.
3. US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor – PhD programs in STEM fields.
4. YES Program – cultural exchange for high school students.
Can Pakistani students get need-based scholarships in the USA?
Yes! Many U.S. universities like Harvard, MIT, and Yale offer need-based aid to international students, including Pakistanis. These scholarships are based on financial need, not just grades. You’ll need to submit income documents and other proofs during the application.
Which US universities offer scholarships for Pakistani students?
Top US universities that offer scholarships for Pakistani students include:
1. Harvard University – Need-blind financial aid.
2. Stanford University – Knight-Hennessy Scholars.
3. Yale University – Yale International Scholarship.
4. MIT – Need-based aid up to $73,000/year.
5. Columbia, NYU, UC Berkeley, USC – Various merit and need-based programs.
What are the eligibility criteria for scholarships in the USA for Pakistani students?
Below are the key details of various eligibility criteria for scholarships in the USA for Pakistani students:
Minimum GPA of 3.0–3.7 (varies by program)
IELTS: 6.5+, TOEFL: 90+, Duolingo: 110+
Strong SOP and Letters of Recommendation
GRE/GMAT (for MBA/PhD where applicable)
Valid passport and proof of financial need (for need-based aid)
When should I apply for US scholarships for 2025 intake?
Most scholarships for Fall 2025 intake close between November to March. Fulbright and UGRAD deadlines are earlier, around April–June. Always check the specific university or program’s deadline and apply 6–9 months in advance.
