Scholarships for Pakistani students pursuing master’s degrees abroad

Dreaming of earning your master’s degree in the U.S. or Canada? Schools in these countries offer incredible academic opportunities, but tuition and living costs can add up fast. For Pakistani students, these costs are particularly significant due to currency exchange rates. Scholarships for master’s degrees can ease the financial burden and make your educational goals more achievable. The key is knowing where to look and how to apply for a scholarship to study abroad. With the right strategy, you can secure the funding you need and focus on what really matters – your education and future career.

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

Education scholarships aren’t just about money – they offer lots of additional benefits. Here’s why applying for scholarships is worth your time.

• Less financial stress: University is expensive, but scholarships help cover tuition, housing and even daily expenses. 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 means you can focus on your education instead of worrying about how to pay for it.
• More time for academics and new experiences: By reducing financial worries, an overseas master’s scholarship allows you to dive into your research, participate in extracurricular activities and enjoy new cultural experiences. Rather than working multiple jobs to cover expenses, you can focus on making the most of your international education.
• Career-boosting perks: Many scholarships come with mentorship, internships and networking opportunities, giving you a head start in your field. These experiences can enhance your resume and make you a more competitive candidate in the job market, both internationally and when returning to Pakistan. Many Pakistani scholarship recipients gain access to alumni networks that include successful professionals working in top global companies.
• Credibility and recognition: Winning a scholarship highlights your achievements and can make your resume stand out for future employers and universities. Scholarship recipients are often seen as dedicated and high-achieving individuals, which can open doors to further academic and professional opportunities. 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.

There are several kinds of master’s scholarships for Pakistani students studying in the U.S. and Canada.

• Merit-based scholarships: These are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership or extracurricular achievements. If you have a strong academic record from institutions like LUMS, NUST, IBA or other prestigious Pakistani universities, and actively participate in extracurricular activities, you may qualify for these scholarships. They reward students for their hard work and dedication. Pakistani students with excellent academic records often have strong chances at securing merit-based scholarships at top universities.
• Need-based scholarships: If you can demonstrate financial need, these scholarships for master’s degrees can help cover tuition and living costs. For Pakistani students, the significant difference in currency values (PKR to USD/CAD) often makes them eligible for need-based support. Many universities and organisations offer these to support students who would otherwise struggle to afford higher education. 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: If you’re pursuing a degree in STEM, business or social sciences, there may be scholarships specifically for your area of study. 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 scholarships aim to support students in growth fields where graduates are in high demand.
• Diversity scholarships: Many scholarships for master’s degrees are designed to support underrepresented groups, such as women in STEM, minority students and those from developing countries. These scholarships help promote inclusivity and equal opportunity in higher education. The Women in STEM Scholarship from MPOWER is particularly relevant for Pakistani women looking to advance in male-dominated STEM fields.
• University-specific scholarships: Some universities offer their own scholarships based on academic performance, financial need or both. Be sure to check your school’s financial aid office for details on available opportunities.
• Government-funded scholarships: Various government programmes offer scholarships for Pakistani students. Examples include Fulbright-Pakistan Fellowships, HEC Overseas Scholarships, and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan scholarships. These can be highly competitive but provide excellent financial support.

Applying for scholarships for master’s degrees requires a solid strategy and attention to detail.

• Start early and research your options: Many scholarships have early deadlines, so start looking at least a year in advance. Research different scholarships through university websites, government portals and private scholarship databases. For Pakistani students, this is particularly important as you’ll need extra time to arrange for credential evaluation, standardised test scores, and visa processing. 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.
• Know the eligibility criteria: Each scholarship has specific requirements like academic performance, leadership experience or financial need. Make sure you qualify before applying so you don’t waste time on scholarships that aren’t the right fit for you. 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.
• Write a compelling personal statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine. Share your story, career goals and why you deserve the scholarship in a way that’s engaging and memorable. Consider including how your education abroad will benefit Pakistan upon your return, as many scholarship committees value this commitment to giving back. Use real-life experiences and specific examples to make your application stand out, drawing on uniquely Pakistani experiences that set you apart.
• Get enthusiastic letters of recommendations: Choose mentors or professors who know you well and can highlight your strengths in a detailed and enthusiastic way. If possible, include recommendations from well-regarded Pakistani academics or professionals who understand the global context of your field. A well-written recommendation can make a big difference in your application.
• Customise your applications: Don’t submit the same essay for every scholarship. Tailor each application for the values and mission of the scholarship provider. Research each organisation’s mission to understand what they’re looking for in candidates. Show them how your background and goals match their objectives.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread: Spelling and grammar mistakes can hurt your chances. Have someone review your application before submitting it. 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. A well-polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism.
• Follow the guidelines and submit on time: Ensure you include all required documents and meet deadlines. Even a small mistake could disqualify you from consideration, so double-check all the details before hitting submit. Remember to account for time zone differences when submitting applications from Pakistan.

MPOWER Financing is all about making higher education accessible to international students. Founded by two international students who know first-hand the obstacles that students face, MPOWER seeks to provide access to the education and opportunities they need to achieve their dreams.

MPOWER offers a number of international scholarships opportunities, including:

• Monthly scholarships with new opportunities throughout the year, giving Pakistani students multiple chances to secure funding of up to US$1,000 (PKR 280,000) to help offset educational expenses.
• Women in STEM scholarships for female students in science, technology, engineering and math, encouraging more women to pursue careers in these fields. This scholarship of up to US$5,000 (PKR 1,400,000) is particularly relevant for Pakistani women looking to advance in male-dominated STEM fields.
• Global citizen scholarships for globally minded, multilingual, culturally competent graduates poised to take on the world’s most pressing problems in science, technology, business and public policy. Awards up to US$8,000 (PKR 2,240,000) to selected students.
• MBA scholarships for students pursuing business degrees, helping future business leaders finance their education. 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.

MPOWER also provides a variety of services, in addition to scholarships for master’s degrees.

• International student loans: MPOWER offers no-cosigner student loans up to US$100,000 (PKR 28,000,000), making financing easier for Pakistani students who may not have access to traditional funding. This can be particularly valuable for Pakistani students who may not have family or connections in North America who could serve as cosigners. This ensures that students can pursue their education without financial restrictions.
• Visa support: Resources and guidance to help you understand and navigate the student visa process with a free support letter and expert visa interview course. This is especially helpful for Pakistani students, who need to navigate detailed documentation requirements and interview procedures for U.S. and Canadian student visas.
• Career services: Support with resume building, job search strategies and interview prep to help you land a great job 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.