International scholarships for Pakistani students

For Pakistani students, the financial aspect of studying abroad can be daunting. Applying for scholarships is one way to help you fill the gaps in funding your education. Every little bit counts, and with scholarships, including MPOWER Financing international scholarships, you can move closer to your goal of receiving a world-class education in the U.S. or Canada.

Recent data highlights the growing importance of scholarships for Pakistani students studying abroad:

• 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 U.S. (Tribune Pakistan)
• 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. (IEE Open Doors 2024)
• F-1 visa approval rates for Pakistani students:According to US GRAD, the estimated approval rate for Pakistan’s F-1 visa applications in fiscal year (FY) 2022 was 65.07%. In FY 2023, the approval rate decreased slightly to 63.75%. (VisaGrader – F1 Visa Approvals & Refusals for Pakistan)

These statistics highlight the increasing number of Pakistani students pursuing international education and the availability of significant financial support from educational institutions.

Organizations around the world offer many different kinds of international scholarships covering a variety of expenses. The main types include:

Merit-based international scholarships One of the most common types of college scholarships is a merit-based scholarship. This type of scholarship is awarded to students based on their academic, artistic or sports achievements. For Pakistani students with strong academic records, particularly those from institutions like NUST, LUMS, or GIKI, or with high standardised test scores, merit-based scholarships offer significant opportunities.

Need-based international scholarships For Pakistani students with financial limitations, need-based scholarships can be a great opportunity to access the funding needed for university. Generally, need-based scholarships require you to provide details about your financial circumstances with documentation as proof, such as FBR tax returns and bank statements. Although this type of scholarship may not cover all the financial aid a student needs, it can still significantly reduce the burden.

Institution-specific scholarships Many universities and educational institutions offer unique international scholarship opportunities specifically for Pakistani students. For example, several Canadian universities offer dedicated scholarships for Pakistani students, particularly in STEM fields. These scholarships, while often smaller in amount, can help manage the overall cost of an international education.

Subject-specific scholarships Depending on your chosen area of study, you might be eligible for specific scholarships available to students within that field. For example, if you are a Pakistani student interested in studying computer science or engineering, specific scholarships may be available only for STEM students from Pakistan or South Asia.

The process of applying for scholarships usually involves several stages but will vary from one scholarship to the next. As a Pakistani student, you’ll need to first identify potential scholarship opportunities that align with your qualifications and academic background.

Start by preparing these essential documents:

• Academic transcripts and certificates (Matric, FSc/ICS/A-Levels, and university)
• Standardised test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS)
• Letters of recommendation from professors or employers
• Statement of purpose (SOP) and essays
• Financial documents including bank statements and tax returns
• Valid passport and student visa documentation
• Higher Education Commission (HEC) attestation of academic documents where required

Each scholarship has its unique application process and requirements, so ensure you follow the instructions meticulously. It’s advisable to apply for multiple international scholarships to increase your chances of securing financial aid.

For Pakistani students, securing an international scholarship is crucial as it significantly reduces the financial burden on families. Beyond the monetary benefits, these scholarships often come with additional advantages such as mentorship opportunities, internship placements and networking events.

Many prestigious scholarships like the Fulbright Program and Commonwealth Scholarship specifically allocate seats for Pakistani students, recognising Pakistan’s emerging talent pool. These opportunities not only provide financial support but also add significant value to your academic profile.

MPOWER Financing understands the unique challenges Pakistani students face when seeking financial assistance for education abroad. MPOWER’s scholarship programmes are designed keeping in mind the specific needs of Pakistani students, particularly those who may not have access to traditional funding sources.

MPOWER’s specialised scholarships for MPOWER-eligible schools include:

• Women in STEM Scholarship: Particularly relevant for Pakistani women pursuing technical degrees
• Global Citizen Scholarship: Supporting Pakistani students who demonstrate leadership potential
• Monthly Scholarship opportunities: With topics ranging from cultural exchange to academic excellence. Each month, the submission topic varies to give students multiple chances to secure funding. Past Pakistani winners have written about topics like “Innovation in Education” and “Breaking Barriers in International Education.”

Founded by international students who understand the challenges of studying abroad, MPOWER’s team has firsthand experience with the journey of international education. MPOWER is committed to supporting Pakistani students throughout their academic pursuits whether through scholarships or postgraduate student loans. MPOWER offers stable, fixed-rate student loans to fill funding gaps when scholarships and personal or family savings are not enough.

Our comprehensive support includes:

• Dedicated assistance for applicants
• Understanding of academic documents and grading systems
• Career guidance for graduates
• Network of alumni for mentorship

MPOWER focuses on financing your education and on developing globally-minded professionals who can contribute to both their home country and their adopted communities. Through MPOWER’s Path2Success programme, Indian students get access to career strategy services, visa guidance and professional development opportunities.

Many MPOWER’s Pakistani alumni have gone on to successful careers in leading organisations worldwide, while others have returned to Pakistan to make significant contributions in various sectors.