UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
The United States provides many chances for Pakistani students to improve their education and acquire global experience. This article discusses grants available for Pakistani undergraduate and postgraduate students, detailing their qualifications, deadlines, and application procedures.
Global Undergraduate Semester Exchange Program (UGRAD)
- Program Start: August 2025
- Deadline: September 2025
Eligibility Criteria
- Pakistani citizens aged 18-24 by the application deadline.
- Must be registered as active student in any college / university of Pakistan.
- Must be in the 14th year of formal education (2nd year of Bachelors).
- Committed to returning to their home university after program completion.
- Applicants should submit current and past transcripts with their application.
Ineligibility
- Dual U.S./Pakistani nationals or U.S. permanent residents.
- Employees of Fulbright, U.S. Department of State, or USAID and their immediate families.
- Students who have previously traveled to the U.S. on a J-visa or a U.S. government-funded grant.
POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
Fulbright Degree Program
The Fulbright Degree Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships for Pakistani students seeking Master’s or PhD studies in the U.S. This fully funded program covers tuition, airfare, and living expenses.
- Program Start: January 2025
- Deadline: February 2025
Application Cycle
Applications open each year in November, with a deadline around February. Results will be announced by mid-September after application reviews and interviews in August. University placements, visa interviews, and departure to the U.S. were completed by July of the following year.
Eligibility Criteria
- Pakistani citizens with strong academic backgrounds.
- Applicants for Master’s must have a four-year Bachelor’s degree or 16 years of education; PhD applicants require 18 years of formal education (Master’s or M.Phil.).
- Disciplines encouraged: energy, water, agriculture, health, education, environment, and climate change.
- Candidates should be prepared to complete their grants without dependents if necessary.
Ineligibility
- Dual U.S./Pakistani nationals or individuals with a spouse, parent, or child over 18 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Employees or contractors of Fulbright, U.S. Department of State, or USAID and their immediate families.
- Last recipients of a Fulbright award for any degree program or those currently studying in the U.S.
How to Apply
A complete application includes:
- Application form
- Three reference letters
- GRE score report
- Only consider those applications that are complete.
PhD SCHOLORSHIPS
Fulbright Scholar Program
The Fulbright Scholar Program offers Pakistani scholars, professionals, and artists the opportunity to conduct research or teach in the U.S. for 6-9 months.
- Program Start: August 2025
- Deadline: September 2025
Eligibility Criteria
- PhD or terminal degree holders in their field (except clinical medicine).
- Strong proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Applicants must have a well-structured proposal outlining their research or teaching objectives in the U.S. and how they relate to their work in Pakistan.
Ineligibility
- Individuals who have completed their PhD within the last two years or visited the U.S. for research in the previous five years.
- Dual U.S./Pakistani nationals or those with close family members who are U.S. citizens or residents.
How to Apply?
A complete application includes:
- Application form
- Three reference letters
- Invitation letter(s) from U.S. institutions (if applicable).
SCHOLARSHIP FOR PROFESSIONALS IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS (HUBERT H. HUMPHREY FELLOWSHIP
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship is intended for professionals in leadership positions seeking to enhance their skills through a non-degree program in the U.S.
- Program Start: March 2025
- Deadline: April 2025
Eligibility Criteria
- Pakistani citizens
- Minimum work experience of 5 years in relevant field.
- Sixteen years of formal education (Bachelor’s + Master’s or equivalent).
- High proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Candidates should have demonstrated leadership skills and a commitment to public service.
Ineligibility
- University teachers or researchers need management experience.
- Dual U.S./Pakistani nationals or individuals with close U.S. family members.
- Applicants who have attended graduate school in the U.S. within the last seven years.
