Top scholarships for Pakistani women in engineering

Women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields continue to be underrepresented worldwide, including in Pakistan. To bridge this gap, several organizations offer scholarships exclusively for women pursuing engineering and other STEM fields.

Whether you’re pursuing your master’s, or a Ph.D. in engineering, securing one or more of these scholarships can make your education more affordable.

1. Total number of Pakistani students in the U.S. (2023/2024):In the 2023/2024 academic year, over 11,000 Pakistani students were enrolled in the United States – a record high and a steady increase from the previous year. This placed Pakistan 16th globally for student enrolment in the US.Source: Tribune Pakistan
2. Proportion of Pakistani students among all international students:The total number of international students in the United States for the 2023/24 academic year was 1,126,690. Pakistani students accounted for 1% of this total, with 10,988 Pakistani students enrolled.Source: IEE Open Doors 2024
3. Record high international STEM enrollment in the U.S.International students continue to dominate STEM fields in U.S. universities, with nearly half (56%) of international students across academic levels pursuing STEM fields of study. One in four (25%) studied math and computer science, while nearly one in five (19%) studied engineering. The STEM-OPT extension allows students to work in the U.S. for up to three years, significantly increasing their career prospects and return on investment.Source: IIE Open Doors 2024 Report

There are many scholarships geared specifically toward women from around the world who wish to pursue an education in engineering and other STEM fields within the U.S. Here are five scholarship opportunities worth exploring for Pakistani students.

1. MPOWER Financing’s Women in STEM Scholarship

MPOWER has made a commitment to help women from around the world get an education in engineering and other STEM fields. Each year MPOWER awards three Women in STEM scholarships to female international students enrolled in a STEM degree program at an eligible school in the U.S. or Canada.

• Grand prize award: US$6,000 (PKR 1,717,800)
• Runner-up award: US$2,000 (PKR 572,600)
• Honorable mention: US$1,000 (PKR 286,300)

Note for Pakistani students: Ensure all financial documents comply with State Bank of Pakistan regulations.        Learn more and apply

2. IEEE Frances B. Hugle Scholarship

This scholarship is named after Frances B. Hugle, a pioneer in the field of engineering. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) offers this award of US$2,500 (PKR 715,750) to two women each year who are student members of the IEEE and have already completed two years of an undergraduate program in the U.S. that is accredited by the Accreditation for Engineering and Technology Board (ABET).Requirements:

• Minimum GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale
• Two essay questions
• Two letters of recommendation

For Pakistani applicants: Submit HEC-attested transcripts and equivalence certificates.

Learn more and apply

3. Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Program

The Society of Women Engineers awards more than 300 scholarships each year to women who wish to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering, technology, or computer science. Applicants must be enrolled in an ABET program. Award amounts vary, but may fall between US$1,000 (PKR 286,300) and US$9,000 (PKR 2,576,700) or more.Pakistani student requirements: Include Higher Education Commission (HEC) verification of current academic standing.

Learn more and apply

4. SAE International Scholarships

Formerly known as the Society of Automotive Engineers, SAE is an international professional association based in the U.S. They’re committed to providing scholarships for women in engineering, both at the undergraduate and graduate level. The scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and a passion for engineering.Note for Pakistani applicants: Focus on automotive or aerospace engineering specializations.

Learn more and apply

5. Amelia Earhart Fellowship

Zonta International funds this scholarship for female engineering students. This award is named after Amelia Earhart, the first female pilot to make a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. The scholarship of US$10,000 (PKR 2,863,000) is awarded to up to 30 women from across the globe each year who want to pursue a PhD degree in aerospace engineering or space sciences.Pakistani applicants note: Include research proposals aligned with Pakistan’s aerospace industry needs.

Learn more and apply

If you’re pursuing a career in engineering and need help funding your education, there are several STEM scholarships for female students to choose from. Research each one carefully, as eligibility criteria vary among scholarships.

Try to apply as early as possible, especially if you’re a Pakistani student applying for international scholarships, as you may need to submit additional documentation such as HEC-attested transcripts, equivalence certificates and financial documents.

Earning one or more of these scholarships can help turn your educational goals into reality while also increasing the representation of Pakistani women in STEM fields.