How Pakistani students can apply for an overseas master’s scholarship

Earning a master’s degree overseas in the U.S. or Canada is an exciting opportunity that can open doors to career growth, cutting-edge research and an international network of peers. However, the cost of tuition and living expenses can be overwhelming for many Pakistani students. As you consider pursuing a degree abroad, an overseas master’s scholarship can help pay for your education without taking on more debt. Knowing how to apply for a scholarship to study abroad can increase your chances of securing funding and making your dream of studying overseas a reality.

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 several types of education scholarships available for Pakistani students pursuing a master’s degree in the U.S. and Canada. Each type of scholarship has different eligibility requirements and benefits.

Scholarships based on merit

These scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership skills or contributions to their field. Many universities offer these scholarships to attract top Pakistani students. For graduates from premier Pakistani institutions like LUMS, NUST, IBA and UET, these scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and sometimes even cover living expenses. Pakistani students with strong academic records often have excellent chances at securing merit-based scholarships.

Scholarships based on need

Designed for students who demonstrate financial need, these scholarships help make education more accessible. Many institutions assess needs based on family income, assets and other financial factors. For Pakistani students, the significant difference in currency values (PKR to USD/CAD) often makes them eligible for need-based support. Some scholarships cover full tuition, while others offer partial funding ranging from US$5,000 (PKR 1,400,000) to US$25,000 (PKR 7,000,000).

Scholarships for students in specific fields

Many scholarships are available for Pakistani students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields such as STEM, business and healthncare. These are often provided by universities, private companies or industry organisations looking to invest in the next generation of professionals. Pakistani students in STEM fields particularly benefit from scholarships like the Udaan Pakistan STEM Scholarship, which provides up to US$5,000 (PKR 1,400,000) for selected students.

Diversity and regional scholarships

Some scholarships are created to support students from underrepresented backgrounds or specific regions. For example, U.S. scholarships for Pakistani students provide funding opportunities for Pakistani nationals studying in the U.S. The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Programme and the Pakistan Excellence Award specifically support Pakistani students pursuing higher education abroad. Many of these scholarships aim to promote cultural exchange and academic excellence.

University scholarships

Many universities offer their own scholarships for master’s degrees, including U.S. postgraduate scholarships for international students. These awards may be based on merit, financial need or a combination of both. Some institutions automatically consider applicants for scholarships during the admissions process, while others require separate applications.

Government-funded scholarships

Both Pakistani and host governments provide scholarships for a master’s abroad to promote higher education and international collaboration. Examples include Fulbright-Pakistan Fellowships, HEC Foreign Scholarships and Canada’s Vanier Graduate Scholarships. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan also offers various scholarships for Pakistani students studying abroad.

While an overseas master’s scholarship can reduce tuition and living costs, you may need to combine scholarships with other funding sources to cover all educational needs. Here are some additional ways Pakistani students can finance their education.

• Grants: Grants, like scholarships, provide financial assistance that does not need to be repaid. These are often awarded based on financial need, academic merit or specific research interests. The Pakistan Science Foundation and various governmental organisations offer grants for Pakistani students pursuing research abroad. Many government and private organisations offer grants to Pakistani students studying overseas.
• Assistantships: Many universities offer research and teaching assistantships, which provide tuition remission and a stipend in exchange for part-time work. These positions give students valuable experience in their field while helping to cover education costs. Many Pakistani students successfully secure these positions, particularly in STEM fields where Pakistani graduates are highly valued.
• Fellowships: Fellowships are highly competitive, merit-based awards that fund graduate studies without requiring students to work. They are often awarded by universities, research institutions or private organisations and can cover tuition, living expenses and even research costs. The Aga Khan Foundation and other similar organisations offer fellowships specifically for Pakistani students.
• Work-study programmes: Many universities offer work-study opportunities that allow students to work part-time on campus to help offset their education costs. These positions are often flexible, providing valuable work experience while ensuring that students can balance their studies and job responsibilities. Pakistani students on F-1 visas in the U.S. can work up to 20 hours per week on campus.
• Loans: Loans from private lenders can supplement scholarship funding, helping students cover tuition, housing and other education-related costs. Some lenders require a cosigner, while others, like MPOWER Financing, offer no-cosigner loans designed specifically for international students. Additionally, banks in Pakistan like HBL and NBP offer education loans for studying abroad with various terms for eligible students.

Applying for an overseas master’s scholarship requires careful planning and preparation. Follow these tips to boost your chances of success:

• Begin the process now: Deadlines for scholarships may be months before the academic year starts. Begin researching and applying as soon as possible to increase your chances of success. For Pakistani students, this is particularly important as you’ll need extra time to arrange for credential evaluation, standardised test scores, and visa processing.
• Find the right scholarships: Focus on scholarships that align with your academic achievements, field of study, financial situation and nationality. For Pakistani students, scholarships specifically designed for South Asian applicants or those with connections to Pakistan may offer better chances of success.
• Write a compelling personal statement: Your essay should highlight your academic journey, future 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. Be specific and authentic in your storytelling, drawing on uniquely Pakistani experiences that set you apart.
• Line up glowing letters of recommendation: Ask professors or professionals who know your strengths and can provide detailed, personalised recommendations. If possible, include recommendations from well-regarded Pakistani academics or professionals who understand the global context of your field.
• Customise each application: Tailor your essays and application responses to each scholarship provider’s mission and values. Research each organisation’s mission to understand what they’re looking for in candidates.
• Proofread thoroughly: A well-polished application that’s free of grammatical errors shows professionalism and attention to detail. For Pakistani students writing in English, it may be helpful to have your application reviewed by someone familiar with British or American English conventions, depending on your destination country.

MPOWER Financing is a leader in providing financial resources for international students, empowering students from around the world to achieve academic and career success. Along with a variety of overseas master’s scholarships, MPOWER offers no-cosigner student loans that can help to finance a degree in the U.S. or Canada. MPOWER’s loans range from US$2,000 (PKR 560,000) to US$100,000 (PKR 28,000,000) and feature an easy application process, fast approval decisions and interest-only payments while you’re pursuing your degree.

MPOWER also offers career support to help students find internships and jobs, and visa services that include a visa support letter, a visa preparation course, personalised mock interviews and live Q&A webinars. These services can be especially 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. With MPOWER, Pakistani students can find the resources they need to make their dreams of studying abroad a reality.