U.S. scholarships for Pakistani students

The United States has long been a premier destination for Pakistani students seeking world-class education, cutting-edge research opportunities and diverse cultural experiences. However, the cost of postgraduate studies in the U.S. can be a major barrier for many Pakistani students. Tuition fees alone can range from US$20,000 (PKR 5,600,000) to US$50,000 (PKR 14,000,000) per year. When factoring in living expenses, health insurance and other costs, the total annual expenses can run higher than US$70,000 (PKR 19,600,000). Fortunately, U.S. scholarships for Pakistani students can help to cover the cost, enabling many promising individuals to achieve their dreams of studying at U.S. universities.

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

For Pakistani students considering a postgraduate degree in the U.S., obtaining an education scholarship is crucial for several reasons.

• Financial assistance: U.S. scholarships for Pakistani students help reduce the burden of high tuition fees, accommodations and other living expenses. For many students, receiving financial aid is the deciding factor in whether they can afford to study in the U.S. Without scholarships, students may need to take on loans or rely on family savings, making education less accessible. This is particularly important for Pakistani students, as the currency conversion from rupees to dollars makes U.S. education significantly expensive.
• Networking opportunities: Many scholarships provide access to exclusive networks, mentorship programmes and professional development opportunities. These connections can be invaluable for getting internships and job placements in a student’s chosen field. Networking through scholarship programmes can also help students build lifelong relationships with peers and industry leaders, including connecting with successful Pakistani alumni in the U.S.
• Resume boosters: A scholarship award is a mark of excellence that can set students apart in a tight job market. Employers recognise scholarships as a testament to a candidate’s dedication, academic abilities and leadership potential. Having a scholarship on a resume signals that a student has been recognised for their hard work and potential, making them more competitive for job opportunities both in the U.S. and if returning to Pakistan.

Understanding the various kinds of U.S. scholarships for Pakistani students can help students to identify the best possibilities.

• Merit-based scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardised test scores, leadership qualities or exceptional talents. Universities, private organisations and foundations offer merit-based scholarships to attract top-performing students. Some examples include the Fulbright Program and merit scholarships at various universities. Pakistani students with strong academic records from prestigious Pakistani institutions often have an advantage in this category.
• Need-based scholarships: These scholarships are designed for students who demonstrate financial need and may not have the resources to afford a U.S. education. Universities, nonprofits and private organisations look at family income, personal finances and other factors when awarding need-based scholarships. For Pakistani students, the significant difference in currency values often makes them eligible for need-based support.
• Government-funded scholarships: These scholarships are sponsored by governments to promote international education and cultural exchange. Programs like the Fulbright-Pakistan Scholarship, funded by the U.S. and Pakistani governments, provide financial support for students pursuing master’s or doctoral studies in various fields. Other options include the Pakistan Higher Education Commission (HEC) scholarships and government initiatives like the Overseas Scholarship Scheme for PhD Studies.
• Private scholarships: Corporations, nonprofits and foundations offer private scholarships to support education and foster global talent. These scholarships can be based on merit, need or specific criteria such as field of study or gender. Examples include the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Programme, Pakistan Excellence Award, and the MPOWER MBA Scholarship. Many multinational companies with operations in Pakistan also offer scholarships for Pakistani students to study in the U.S.

There are multiple resources for identifying U.S. scholarships for Pakistani students and learning how to apply for scholarships to study abroad.

• University financial aid offices: Most U.S. universities have dedicated financial aid offices that provide information about available scholarships, application deadlines and eligibility criteria. Students should reach out to these offices early to explore opportunities.
• Online scholarship databases: Websites like Scholarships.com, Fastweb and IEFA offer extensive lists of scholarships for international students. These platforms allow students to filter scholarships based on eligibility criteria, making it easier to find relevant options.
• Government portals: The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) offers comprehensive information on scholarships and fellowships for Pakistani students. Checking official government websites can provide credible and up-to-date funding opportunities. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Pakistan and the Pakistan Higher Education Commission (HEC) also provide information on scholarships for studying abroad.
• Pakistani education consultants: Many education consultants in major Pakistani cities specialise in helping students find and apply for scholarships to study in the U.S. They often have updated information on scholarships specifically available to Pakistani students.
• Alumni networks: Connecting with Pakistani alumni who have studied in the U.S. can provide insights on scholarship opportunities and application strategies. Many universities have active Pakistani student associations that can help with networking.

MPOWER is a mission-driven organisation dedicated to removing financial barriers for talented students and making higher education accessible to individuals from all over the world through student loans and scholarships.

MPOWER offers a variety of scholarships catering to different student demographics and fields of study, such as the Women in STEM Scholarship and the MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship.

MPOWER also offers:

• International student loans: No-cosigner student loans up to US$100,000 (PKR 28,000,000) are designed specifically for international students and offer competitive, fixed interest rates with no prepayment penalties.
• Visa support: To support students as they navigate complex visa processes, MPOWER provides services to assist with visa applications and preparation for visa interviews. This is particularly helpful for Pakistani students, who need to navigate detailed documentation requirements and interview processes for U.S. student visas.
• Career services: MPOWER’s job search and resume tools help students prepare for employment opportunities after graduation. These services can be especially valuable for Pakistani students looking to gain work experience in the U.S. through optional practical training (OPT).