Education scholarships for Pakistani students

As a Pakistani student, studying in the U.S. and Canada can be a life-changing opportunity – if you’re able to finance the cost of a degree. When your personal savings and family contribution won’t cover the entire cost of tuition, housing and other expenses, an education scholarship can be a great way to ease the financial burden of studying abroad. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of scholarships and how to apply for them.

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

Scholarships are financial awards given to students to help cover tuition, fees and other education-related costs. Unlike student loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid, which makes them an ideal way to fund your education. International postgraduate scholarships are available from universities, private organisations and government agencies. Beyond helping to pay for your postgraduate degree, many scholarships also open doors to mentorship, networking and recognition – key elements that can help you thrive academically and professionally. For Pakistani students, these scholarships are particularly valuable due to the significant currency exchange rate between the rupee and dollar.

Pakistani students in the U.S. and Canada have access to a wide range of education scholarships. Here are some of the most common types:

• Merit-based scholarships: These scholarships reward students for their academic achievements, leadership skills or extracurricular involvement. If you have a strong academic record from institutions like LUMS, NUST, IBA or other prestigious Pakistani universities, or have excelled in leadership roles, these could be a great fit. Many universities and private organisations look for students who not only perform well in school but also contribute to their communities. Pakistani students with exceptional academic records often have excellent chances of securing merit-based scholarships.
• Need-based scholarships: Designed for students who demonstrate financial need, these scholarships help make education accessible to those who might otherwise struggle to afford it. For Pakistani students, the significant difference in currency values (PKR to USD/CAD) often makes them eligible for need-based support. Many universities and nonprofits offer need-based scholarships to ensure deserving students can pursue their studies without financial stress.
• Subject-based scholarships: Some scholarships are awarded to students studying specific subjects. For example, if you’re working toward a degree in a field like science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM), there are numerous scholarships designed to support you. Pakistani students in STEM fields often have excellent opportunities with scholarships like the Udaan Pakistan STEM Scholarship, which provides up to US$5,000 (PKR 1,400,000) for selected students. These fields drive innovation and many organisations want to encourage students to enter them. Some STEM scholarships even include internship and research opportunities to give you hands-on experience in your chosen fields.
• Diversity and regional scholarships: Many institutions and organisations offer scholarships to students from underrepresented backgrounds or specific regions. U.S. scholarships for Pakistani students often include funding specifically for students from Pakistan and South Asia. These scholarships aim to make higher education more inclusive.
• Government-funded scholarships: Both the Pakistani government and foreign governments offer scholarships to support young citizens who want to study abroad. Examples include the Fulbright-Pakistan Fellowship, HEC Overseas Scholarships and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan scholarships. Some of these scholarships come with conditions, such as a requirement for recipients to return to Pakistan after graduation to contribute to national development.
• University-based scholarships: These scholarships are offered directly by the university a student plans to attend. They’re often based on academic merit, but some schools may also consider factors like community service, leadership and other personal qualities.

Applying for scholarships may seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps can help. Here are a few tips on how to apply for scholarships to study abroad.

1. Do your research: Start by looking for scholarships that match your background, field of study and financial needs. University financial aid offices, online scholarship databases and international student organisations are great places to start. The USEFP (United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan) maintains offices in major Pakistani cities like Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore and provides free advising services on scholarship opportunities for Pakistani students.
2. Check the requirements: Every scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, such as academic performance, nationality or intended area of study. Be sure to read through these details carefully to ensure you qualify. For Pakistani students, additional requirements may include specific standardised test scores like GRE, GMAT or TOEFL, as well as authenticated academic transcripts from Pakistani institutions through HEC.
3. Gather your documents: Most scholarships require academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose and sometimes proof of financial need. For Pakistani students, prepare for additional documentation requirements such as degree equivalency certificates, financial affidavits and passport verification. Having these documents ready ahead of time will make the process smoother.
4. Write a compelling essay: Your essay is your chance to stand out from other applicants. Use it to highlight your achievements, goals and why you deserve the scholarship. Consider including how your education abroad will benefit Pakistan upon your return, as many scholarship committees value this commitment to giving back. Tailoring each application to the specific scholarship can improve your chances.
5. Submit your application on time: Deadlines are strict, so make sure you submit your application well before the cutoff date. A late submission usually means you won’t be considered. Remember to account for time zone differences when submitting applications from Pakistan.
6. Apply to multiple scholarships: Don’t pin all your hopes on one scholarship. Applying for several increases your chances of receiving financial aid. Many successful Pakistani students combine several smaller scholarships to fund their education. Be sure to tailor your applications to the requirements of each one.

MPOWER is a mission-driven organisation committed to making education more accessible for international students through scholarships and loans. Founded in 2014 by two international students, MPOWER offers a range of education scholarships with annual and monthly deadlines.

• Global Citizen Scholarship: This scholarship recognises the potential of students poised to take on the world’s most pressing problems in science, technology, business and public policy at an MPOWER-eligible school. Awards up to US$8,000 (PKR 2,240,000) to selected students.
• Women in STEM Scholarship: This scholarship is designed to support female students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields at an MPOWER-eligible school. This is particularly relevant for Pakistani women looking to advance in male-dominated STEM fields, with awards up to US$5,000 (PKR 1,400,000).
• MBA Scholarship: Tailored for students pursuing a Master of Business Administration, this scholarship supports future business leaders enrolled in or accepted to a full-time MBA programme at an MPOWER-eligible school. With the growing interest in MBA degrees among Pakistani professionals, this scholarship of up to US$5,000 (PKR 1,400,000) can be particularly valuable.
• Monthly Scholarship Series: Every month, MPOWER offers different scholarship opportunities based on varying themes and student backgrounds. These recurring scholarships give students multiple chances to secure funding at an MPOWER-eligible school. Each scholarship provides up to US$1,000 (PKR 280,000) to help offset educational expenses.

Other services offered by MPOWER:

• International student loans: MPOWER offers flexible, no-cosigner/no-collateral loans from US$2,001 (PKR 560,280) to US$100,000 (PKR 28,000,000) to help Pakistani students finance their education. These loans are designed specifically for students who may not have access to traditional financing, addressing a common barrier for Pakistani families.
• Career support: From free resume workshops to job search assistance, MPOWER helps F-1 visa students navigate the professional world. These services can be particularly valuable for Pakistani students looking to gain work experience through optional practical training (OPT) in the U.S. or the post-graduation work permit program (PGWPP) in Canada.
• Visa support: MPOWER provides free visa support services, including a visa support letter and a visa prep class from experts. This is especially helpful for Pakistani students, who need to navigate detailed documentation requirements and interview procedures for U.S. and Canadian student visas.
• International student health insurance assistance: MPOWER helps students find health insurance options that can save money while meeting their university’s requirements. Health insurance is mandatory for international students in the U.S., and finding affordable options is especially important for Pakistani students managing expenses in a foreign currency.