Alright, let’s talk about studying abroad. Big deal? Absolutely. It’s one of those things that can flip your entire life upside down (in the best way possible). And for a lot of Pakistani students, the United States isn’t just a place to study—it’s the dream. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about getting a degree. It’s about the experience, the people you’ll meet, the opportunities that’ll open up, and the way it’s going to shape your future in ways you can’t even predict yet.
Whether you're thinking about a Master’s, a PhD, or even a professional fellowship, the US has so much to offer. And yeah, let’s be real—studying there isn’t exactly cheap. But here’s the good news: there are fully funded scholarships out there, designed specifically to help international students (yep, including Pakistanis) turn this dream into reality.
So, in this blog, we’re going to break it all down—the best scholarships for Pakistani students applying for 2025 and 2026. I’ll walk you through what they cover, who’s eligible, how to apply, and when the deadlines are. Sound good? Cool. Let’s dive in.
Why Study in the United States?
Alright, so you’re probably wondering—why the US? What’s so special about it? Well, here’s the thing. Studying in the States isn’t just about getting a fancy degree from a big-name university (though, yeah, they’ve got plenty of those—Harvard, Stanford, MIT, you name it). It’s about way more than just the name on your diploma. It’s the kind of place that pushes you, challenges you, throws you into an environment where you’re surrounded by some of the brightest minds out there.
And it’s not just academics, either. Studying in the US? It’s an experience. You get to meet people from everywhere—different cultures, backgrounds, ways of thinking. It’s eye-opening. And let’s be real, the world’s changing fast. The ability to work with people from all over, to think critically, to communicate ideas clearly—that’s the kind of stuff that matters, no matter what field you’re in. And honestly? The US educational system is really good at teaching that.
For Pakistani students, there’s an added bonus—numerous scholarships are available specifically for international students. And when you get a scholarship to study abroad, it’s like hitting the jackpot. You get the chance to study at world-class universities without worrying about sky-high tuition fees and living costs. Trust me, it makes a huge difference.
1. US Fulbright Scholarship for Pakistani Students (2025 and 2026)
Alright, let’s start with one of the most prestigious scholarships out there—the US Fulbright Scholarship. If you’re aiming for a Master’s or PhD in the US, this scholarship is a golden ticket. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), the Fulbright Program offers full funding for graduate studies.
Key Benefits:
Full tuition coverage for the duration of your degree.
A monthly stipend to cover your living expenses (hello, rent, food, and coffee).
Airfare to and from the US (yes, they’ll help you get there!).
Health insurance throughout your program.
Stipends for books and supplies (because textbooks are ridiculously expensive).
Visa assistance and processing.
Eligibility Criteria:
Pakistani citizens with a solid academic record (they want top performers!).
For a Master’s, you need at least 16 years of formal education (a 4-year Bachelor’s or its equivalent).
For a PhD, you need 18 years of formal education (Master’s, M.Phil., or equivalent).
You’ll need a valid GRE score (unless you’re applying for fine arts, then it’s not necessary).
For PhD applicants, you’ll need to submit a research proposal.
A Statement of Purpose—so they can see what drives you.
Fields of Study:
Pretty much everything is covered here, except clinical medicine. So if you’re into things like social sciences, data science, environmental studies, energy, or urban planning—this is your chance. There’s really no shortage of opportunities in this program.
How to Apply:
Fill out the online application on the USEFP website.
Provide three reference letters.
Include academic transcripts, GRE scores, and TOEFL/IELTS results.
Don’t forget your research proposal (if you’re applying for a PhD).
And, make sure you get everything in before the deadline!
Deadlines:
For 2025, applications are due around March.
For 2026, expect the deadline to be around March as well.
For more details, check out the USEFP website directly.
2. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University)
Next up: the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University. If you’re looking to pursue a graduate degree (Master’s, PhD, or even professional degrees) and you’ve got some serious leadership potential, this is one you can’t miss.
Stanford, as we all know, is one of the best universities in the world, and the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is designed for students who have shown exceptional leadership abilities and a commitment to making a global impact.
Key Benefits:
Full tuition coverage (yes, ALL of it!).
A living stipend to make sure you’re covered during your time in the US.
Health insurance.
Travel and research funding (because let’s be honest, research often comes with unexpected costs).
Access to a global network of scholars, mentorship programs, and opportunities to hone your leadership skills.
Eligibility Criteria:
Open to anyone applying for graduate programs at Stanford (Master’s, PhD, or professional degrees).
You need to show strong leadership skills, academic excellence, and a genuine desire to make a difference globally.
How to Apply:
First, apply to your graduate program at Stanford.
Then, submit a separate application for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program.
Be ready to prove that you’ve got the potential to lead and create global change.
3. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship is not for everyone, but it’s definitely a fantastic opportunity if you're a mid-career professional looking to expand your skills and knowledge. This fellowship is designed for professionals who are committed to public service and want to further their careers through professional development in the US.
Key Benefits:
Full tuition coverage for the duration of your fellowship.
A living stipend and health insurance.
Airfare to and from the US.
Internship opportunities with US organizations—real-world experience to complement your studies.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must be mid-career professionals (with 5-15 years of work experience).
Fields like public health, education, urban planning, and journalism are perfect fits for this program.
How to Apply:
Submit your professional experience, academic transcripts, and Statement of Purpose.
Three reference letters are required, and while a research proposal isn't usually needed, it’s a good idea to have one in case they ask.
Also Read:
4. The American University Scholarships
Did you know that many US universities offer merit-based scholarships? Take the American University in Washington, D.C., for example. They provide international students—including Pakistanis—with scholarships that cover part or all of their tuition. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Key Benefits:
Partial to full tuition coverage.
A living stipend to help with expenses.
Some scholarships even cover travel costs.
Eligibility Criteria:
Open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and show leadership skills (and, if you're involved in extracurricular activities, it’s a bonus).
5. University of California (UC Berkeley) Scholarships
UC Berkeley isn’t just famous for its beautiful campus; it’s also one of the top public universities in the US. UC Berkeley offers scholarships to international students, including Pakistanis, who show academic excellence and financial need.
Key Benefits:
Full tuition coverage for international students.
A living stipend to cover your day-to-day expenses.
Research funding (for graduate students).
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must be admitted to UC Berkeley before they can be considered for scholarships.
Demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
6. The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) Fellowships
The ACLS Fellowships are research grants for students in the humanities and social sciences who want to pursue advanced academic research in the US. If you’re a Pakistani student studying these fields, this is definitely something to consider.
Key Benefits:
Research grants that cover living expenses and research costs.
The opportunity to work with leading scholars in the field.
Eligibility Criteria:
You must have completed your graduate studies.
Submit a research proposal in the humanities or social sciences.
7. The Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)
Okay, this one’s a little outside the US, but it’s so prestigious that it’s worth mentioning. The Rhodes Scholarship is a full-funding opportunity for Pakistani students who want to study at the University of Oxford. It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships globally, covering Master’s or PhD degrees in any field.
Conclusion
There you have it—the best fully funded scholarships for Pakistani students looking to study in the US. These scholarships offer incredible opportunities for those who are serious about their academic and professional futures. Whether you’re aiming for a Master’s, PhD, or a professional fellowship, there’s a scholarship that could make all the difference.
So, what’s the next step? Well, get cracking on your application! Research each scholarship in detail, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria, and submit all the required documents before the deadline. Remember, it’s a competitive world out there, but with the right preparation and mindset, you’ve got this. Good luck!