Master’s scholarships for Pakistani students

Earning a master’s degree in the U.S. or Canada can open doors to new opportunities, but the cost of tuition and living expenses can be a challenge. For Pakistani students, the significant currency exchange rate between the rupee and dollar makes this challenge even greater. The good news? There are many master’s scholarships for Pakistani students that can make this dream more affordable. Whether you’re looking for merit-based, need-based or specialised funding, a scholarship can ease your financial burden and help you focus on your studies.

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

Master’s scholarships for Pakistani students come in many forms. Some are funded by universities, while others come from government programmes, private organisations or nonprofits. Here are the main types of scholarships available:

• Merit-based scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership abilities or significant accomplishments. If you have a strong academic record from institutions like LUMS, NUST, IBA or other prestigious Pakistani universities, you may qualify for these scholarships. Universities, governments and private organisations often offer these awards to students who’ve demonstrated exceptional academic achievements or outstanding contributions to their communities.
• Need-based scholarships: These scholarships for master’s degrees are designed for students who require financial assistance to pursue their studies. For Pakistani students, the significant difference in currency values (PKR to USD/CAD) often makes them eligible for need-based support. Funders consider an applicant’s financial background and may require supporting documentation such as income statements or proof of financial hardship. 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).
• Field-specific scholarships: These scholarships support students who are pursuing degrees in specific fields such as engineering, business, health care or technology. Many professional associations and industry groups fund these master’s scholarships for Pakistani students to encourage the development of talent in key industries.
• Government-funded scholarships: Both Pakistani and host governments offer scholarships to attract global talent and foster international collaboration. Programmes like the Fulbright-Pakistan Fellowships in the U.S., HEC Overseas Scholarships and the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships in Canada provide financial support to outstanding students who show exceptional promise in their respective fields. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan also offers various scholarships for Pakistani students studying abroad.
• University-specific scholarships: Many institutions provide master’s scholarships for Pakistani students based on merit, financial need or diversity initiatives. These awards help universities attract talented students from around the world and build diverse academic communities.
• Scholarships from private organisations: Private companies, nonprofits and foundations often fund scholarships for Pakistani students. The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship Programme and the Pakistan Excellence Award specifically support Pakistani students pursuing higher education abroad. These scholarships may be targeted toward students from specific regions, backgrounds or disciplines.

Receiving a scholarship provides more than just financial assistance. It can also enrich your educational experience in multiple ways:

• Reduced financial stress: Scholarships for a master’s abroad can help cover tuition, living expenses or both, allowing you to focus on studies rather than worrying about financial constraints. For Pakistani students, scholarship funds can bridge the significant gap created by the rupee-to-dollar conversion, which makes U.S. and Canadian education particularly expensive. This financial support allows you to take advantage of academic resources and extracurricular activities without the pressure of debt.
• Increased opportunities: Many international postgraduate scholarships provide access to mentorship programmes, networking events and exclusive workshops that help students connect with industry leaders and professionals in their fields. For Pakistani students, these networks can be invaluable for securing internships and job opportunities, both internationally and when returning to Pakistan. These opportunities can lead to internships, research collaborations and even job placements.
• Stronger career prospects: An overseas master’s scholarship can enhance your resume and help you stand out to potential employers. Many organisations view scholarship recipients as high-achieving students who are likely to be exceptional employees. For Pakistani students returning home after studies, having prestigious international scholarships on your CV can significantly boost career prospects with multinational companies operating in Pakistan.
• A diverse and inclusive learning experience: Master’s scholarships for Pakistani students often aim to increase diversity by supporting students from different nationalities, backgrounds and cultures. This creates an inclusive academic environment that benefits all students and allows Pakistani students to share their unique perspectives while gaining global exposure.

Since scholarships are highly competitive, learning how to apply for scholarships to study abroad involves understanding the process and developing a strategy for standing out from the crowd.

The application process

• Research available scholarships. Start early by identifying master’s scholarships for Pakistani students that match your academic background, career aspirations and financial needs. 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. Explore university websites, government programmes and private funding sources.
• Check eligibility requirements. Each scholarship has specific criteria, such as nationality, academic performance, field of study or financial need. 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. Make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
• Prepare your documents. Most scholarship applications require transcripts, proof of financial need, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose and sometimes a resume or portfolio. For Pakistani students, prepare for additional documentation requirements such as degree equivalency certificates, financial affidavits and passport verification.
• Tell your story in a personal statement. Your essay should highlight your academic goals, professional ambitions and how the scholarship will help you achieve them. Consider including how your education abroad will benefit Pakistan upon your return, as many scholarship committees value this commitment to giving back. Make sure to personalise each application to reflect the values of the awarding organisation.
• Apply before the deadline. Missing deadlines can disqualify you from consideration, so keep track of application timelines and submit all materials on time. Remember to account for time zone differences when submitting applications from Pakistan.
• Follow up. Some scholarships may require interviews or additional documentation. Be prepared to respond promptly to any follow-up requests from the scholarship committee.

Tips for scholarship success

• Stay open to partial scholarships. Although a full scholarship can significantly reduce education costs, applying for multiple partial scholarships can also help cover expenses such as textbooks and lab fees. Many successful Pakistani students combine several smaller scholarships to fund their education.
• Consider your skills and interests. Your unique skills, talents and passions might align with scholarship opportunities offered by local organisations, clubs and professional associations. Highlighting experiences relevant to your home country, such as volunteer work in local Pakistani communities or leadership in national organisations, can give your application a unique perspective.
• Apply to less-popular scholarships. While major scholarships attract a high volume of applicants, smaller or lesser-known scholarships often have fewer applicants, increasing your chances of winning. Look for scholarships that specifically target Pakistani students, as these may have a smaller applicant pool.
• Make each written essay unique. A strong personal essay can be repurposed for multiple applications, but it’s essential to customise each one to directly address the values and interests of the scholarship funder. 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.
• Seek out renewable scholarships. Scholarships that renew annually can provide continuous support throughout your studies. This is particularly important for Pakistani students managing expenses in a foreign currency.
• Apply for scholarships year-round. Many students apply for scholarships before a new academic session, but some opportunities such as MPOWER’s monthly scholarship are available throughout the year. Creating a calendar of scholarship deadlines can help you stay organised and ensure you don’t miss any opportunities.

MPOWER is a public benefit company committed to helping international students achieve their academic and professional dreams. As a mission-driven lender, MPOWER provides financial resources and support services to international students studying in the U.S. and Canada.

At MPOWER, you’ll find a wide range of master’s scholarships for Pakistani students, including scholarships for MBA students with awards up to US$5,000 (PKR 1,400,000), women in STEM fields with awards up to US$5,000 (PKR 1,400,000), and global citizens tackling the world’s most pressing problems with awards up to US$8,000 (PKR 2,240,000). MPOWER also offers scholarships for refugees, students from China, students in STEM master’s programmes and monthly scholarships based on criteria that change each month, providing up to US$1,000 (PKR 280,000) to help offset educational expenses.

Along with scholarship programmes, MPOWER offers no-cosigner student loans up to US$100,000 (PKR 28,000,000) with competitive interest rates, quick approvals and no prepayment penalties. This can be particularly valuable for Pakistani students who may not have family or connections in North America who could serve as cosigners. Visa support services help Pakistani students navigate the complex processes of applying for student visas, which is especially helpful as Pakistani students need to navigate detailed documentation requirements and interview procedures for U.S. and Canadian student visas.

Additionally, MPOWER offers career services such as career counselling, resume building workshops, job search tools and interview prep resources to help students successfully secure internships and jobs after graduation. 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.