15+ Scholarships for Pakistani Students to Study Abroad in 2026
One of the biggest barriers to studying abroad is cost. But the truth is: there are more scholarships available to Pakistani students than most people realise. The key is knowing where to look and applying early.
This guide lists the best scholarships for Pakistani students in 2026, organised by country and funding level.
Funding: Full tuition, living expenses, travel costs, visa fees
Eligibility: Pakistani nationals with 2+ years of work experience
Deadline: August 2025 (for 2026/27 intake)
Website: chevening.org
Chevening is the UK government's global scholarship programme. It is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships available. Pakistani students have a strong track record with Chevening.
Tips for a strong application:
Demonstrate leadership potential
Show a clear career plan for returning to Pakistan
Provide specific examples of community impact
2. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
Funding: Full tuition, living allowance, travel, thesis grant
Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries (Pakistan qualifies)
Deadline: December 2025 (varies by nominating body)
Website: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
For Master's and PhD programmes at UK universities. Nominations come through the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan.
3. Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
Funding: Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, health insurance
Eligibility: Pakistani nationals with a Bachelor's degree
Deadline: February–March (varies by year)
Website: USEFP.org
The Fulbright Programme is the flagship exchange programme of the US government. It covers Master's and PhD programmes at American universities.
4. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship (USA)
Funding: Full tuition, living allowance, travel, health insurance
Eligibility: Mid-career professionals (5+ years experience)
Deadline: Varies
Website: humphreyfellowship.org
For experienced professionals who want to spend a year at a US university for non-degree study.
5. Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
Funding: Full tuition, return airfare, living allowance, health insurance
Eligibility: Pakistani nationals (developing countries focus)
For Master's and PhD study at Australian universities. Strong focus on development impact.
6. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Funding: Monthly stipend (€934 for Master's, €1,300 for PhD), tuition (most German universities are free), travel allowance
Eligibility: Pakistani graduates with a Bachelor's degree
Deadline: October (for summer semester) or May (for winter semester)
Website: daad.de
German public universities charge minimal or no tuition fees, making DAAD scholarships extremely valuable.
7. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)
Funding: Full tuition, monthly allowance (€1,400), travel costs, insurance
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree holders from any country
Deadline: January–March (varies by programme)
website: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
Study in 2–3 European countries as part of a joint Master's programme. Highly prestigious and competitive.
8. Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)
Funding: Full tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance
Eligibility: Pakistani nationals nominated by HEC
Deadline: January (nomination through HEC)
Website: stipendiumhungaricum.hu
Fully funded scholarships at Hungarian universities. Less competitive than Western alternatives, making it a great option.
Partial Scholarships
9. GREAT Scholarships (UK)
Funding: £10,000 toward tuition
Eligibility: Pakistani nationals applying to specific UK universities
Deadline: Varies by university
Website: education.uk.com
Joint initiative of the British Council and UK universities. Available at universities like the University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester, and others.
10. Commonwealth Split-Site PhD Scholarships (UK)
Funding: Full tuition, living allowance for up to 36 months
Eligibility: Pakistani PhD candidates
Deadline: December (through HEC)
Website: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
For Pakistani PhD students who want to conduct research at a UK university while maintaining ties with a Pakistani institution.
11. University of Melbourne Graduate Scholarships (Australia)
Funding: Up to 100% fee remission + living allowance
Eligibility: High-achieving international students
Deadline: Automatic consideration with programme application
Website: unimelb.edu.au
12. University of Sydney International Scholarships (Australia)
Funding: Up to AUD $40,000 (tuition + living)
Eligibility: International students with outstanding academic records
Deadline: Automatic consideration
Website: sydney.edu.au
13. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)
Funding: CAD $50,000/year for 3 years (PhD)
Eligibility: Nominees from Canadian universities
Deadline: November
Website: scholarship.gc.ca
For doctoral students who demonstrate leadership and research excellence.
14. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships (Canada)
Funding: Up to CAD $60,000/year for 3 years
Eligibility: Doctoral students in social sciences and humanities
Eligibility: Pakistani students with financial need
Deadline: Varies
Website: hec.gov.pk
HEC offers several scholarship programmes for Pakistani students to study abroad, including need-based and merit-based options.
16. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)
Funding: Full cost of studying at Cambridge (tuition, living, travel, development fund)
Eligibility: Outstanding applicants from outside the UK
Deadline: December (for October start)
Website: gatescambridge.org
One of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. Very competitive, but Pakistani students have won it.
Scholarship Application Tips
Start Early
Most scholarships have deadlines 6–12 months before the programme starts. Create a spreadsheet of deadlines and requirements.
Tailor Each Application
Do not copy-paste the same SOP for every scholarship. Each scholarship has its own values and criteria — address them specifically.
Get Strong References
Choose recommenders who know you well and can write detailed, specific letters. Give them plenty of notice (at least 4–6 weeks).
Write a Compelling Study Plan
For Pakistani-specific scholarships, emphasise:
How your education will benefit Pakistan
Your plans to return and contribute to your field
Your community involvement and leadership
Apply to Multiple Scholarships
Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to at least 5–6 scholarships to increase your chances.
Scholarship Comparison Table
Scholarship
Country
Level
Coverage
Deadline
Chevening
UK
Master's
Full
Aug
Commonwealth
UK
Master's/PhD
Full
Dec
Fulbright
USA
Master's/PhD
Full
Feb–Mar
Australia Awards
Australia
Master's/PhD
Full
Apr–Jun
DAAD
Germany
Master's/PhD
Full
Oct/May
Erasmus Mundus
EU
Master's
Full
Jan–Mar
Stipendium Hungaricum
Hungary
Master's/PhD
Full
Jan
GREAT
UK
Master's
£10,000
Varies
Need Help Finding the Right Scholarship?
With so many options available, choosing the right scholarship can be overwhelming. At OE Consultants, we help students identify scholarships they qualify for and assist with the application process. Contact us for a free consultation.
