What are STEM scholarship programs for Pakistani students?

Majoring in a STEM subject (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) could make you a competitive candidate for high-paying jobs after graduation. It might also make you eligible for a STEM scholarship.

So, what is a STEM scholarship? A STEM scholarship provides money that you can use toward college. It’s a form of gift aid that you don’t have to pay back. You can use it on tuition, fees or other costs that go into attending school.

Each scholarship programme will have its own eligibility requirements, but STEM scholarships require that you’re majoring in (or planning to major in) a STEM subject. By pursuing STEM scholarships, you could earn money for a postgraduate program and potentially reduce the amount you have to borrow in student loans.

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. Year-over-year growth – Pakistani students in the U.S. and Canada (2022-2023 to 2023-2024):Leading study destinations are witnessing significant increases in Pakistani student enrolments, with particularly high demand for postgraduate studies. In the United States, there were 10,165 Pakistani students in 2022-2023, marking a 16% increase from the previous year, while in Canada, the number surged to 4,750 students in 2023, reflecting a 101% increase from the previous year..Source: ICEF Monitor
3. The proportion of Pakistani students among all international students:The total number of international students in the United States for the 2023-2024 academic year was 1,126,690. Pakistani students accounted for 1.0% of this total, with 10,988 Pakistani students enrolled.Source: IEE Open Doors 2024

There are various opportunities for STEM scholarships out there for both undergraduate and graduate students. Some scholarships are open to anyone, whereas others are geared toward helping underrepresented students enter STEM fields.

You may find STEM scholarship programmes designed for:

• Women
• Minority students
• LGBTQ+ students
• Students with financial need
• Students enrolled in specific STEM programmes

Top STEM scholarship programmes and awards for Pakistani students

STEM scholarship programmes are awarded to students with an interest in studying in one of the STEM fields. Here are some STEM scholarship opportunities worth exploring.

AIAA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships Program

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) funds this scholarship programme, which provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students around the world who are enrolled in science and engineering. AIAA has awarded over 1,300 scholarships over the past 20 years. The organisation also has a special Graduate Awards Program that provides scholarships to graduate students doing research in the air and space sciences.

ASME Scholarships Program

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has scholarships available to undergraduate and graduate students both in the U.S. and across the globe. The scholarships are awarded to students who are ASME members and are enrolled in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology.

USRA Distinguished Undergraduate Awards

The Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) offers four awards of US$5,000 (PKR 1,431,500). These scholarships are open to students in their last two years of an undergraduate degree in science or engineering, specifically with an emphasis on space research, space science education, or aeronautics-related sciences.

MPOWER’s Women in STEM Scholarship

If you’re looking for STEM scholarships for female students, check out MPOWER’s Women in STEM Scholarship program. With a commitment to helping women across the globe receive an education in STEM fields, MPOWER awards three scholarships to international or DACA students every year. To be eligible, you must be a female student enrolled in a STEM degree programme at an eligible school in the U.S. or Canada.

Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Program

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) awards over 300 scholarships every year to women from around the world who are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering, technology or computer science. All applicants must be enrolled in an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)-accredited programme.

Generation Google Scholarship

This is Google’s scholarship for students in underrepresented groups, including women, American Indian, Hispanic/Latinx, Black/African American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in computer science, computer engineering, or another related computer technology programme.

You also must have high academic achievement and financial need, as well as be passionate about helping improve the representation of minority groups in computer science and technology.

The Out to Innovate Scholarships

Funded by the National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals, the Out to Innovate Scholarship is awarded every other year to a member of the LGBTQ+ community who has already completed two years of their undergraduate or graduate STEM programme. Eligibility relies on a strong academic performance and involvement in an organisation or programme that promotes the inclusion and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community.

The scholarships on this list are just a few of the many STEM scholarship programmes out there. Each programme has its eligibility criteria, so do your research to find the right opportunities for you.

Start your scholarship applications early, and gather all your documentation, such as transcripts and recommendation letters, so you have everything you need to apply. STEM scholarships can help fund your education as you work toward your degree in the U.S.

For more information on STEM scholarship programmes, visit MPOWER Financing today.