U.S. postgraduate scholarships for Pakistani students

Postgraduate scholarships can make a significant difference for Pakistani students pursuing their dreams of studying at a university in the U.S. Unlike loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid, so they can reduce the burden of educational expenses and allow students to graduate with less debt. However, U.S. postgraduate scholarships are highly competitive, so it’s essential to do your research and prepare a superior application for each opportunity.

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

Securing a scholarship can transform your postgraduate education experience. Financial support through U.S. postgraduate scholarships for Pakistani students allows you to focus on your academic and professional development rather than worrying about tuition and living costs. Scholarships also provide recognition for academic excellence, leadership and community involvement. Many organisations offer education scholarships that include opportunities for mentorship and networking, helping you to build connections with fellow peers and contacts in your field. Additionally, receiving a scholarship can enhance your CV and distinguish you in a competitive job market.

There are several kinds of U.S. postgraduate scholarships for Pakistani students, each with different eligibility criteria and benefits.

• Merit-based scholarships reward students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, leadership skills and extracurricular involvement. Many U.S. universities and private organisations offer merit-based awards to attract top Pakistani talent.
• Need-based scholarships: Designed for students with financial constraints, these scholarships assess an applicant’s financial situation to determine eligibility. Many universities and private foundations provide need-based funding to ensure that financial hardship doesn’t prevent talented Pakistani students from pursuing a degree in the U.S.
• Pakistan-specific scholarships: Some scholarships are designated specifically for students from Pakistan. US scholarships for Pakistani students are available through various government and private programmes aimed at strengthening educational ties between the United States and Pakistan. Examples include the Fulbright Program for Pakistan, USEFP Opportunity Funds Program, and Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships.
• Field-specific scholarships: Many organisations offer scholarships for Pakistani students pursuing postgraduate degrees in fields such as STEM or business. These scholarships help advance research and expertise in disciplines where graduates are in high demand. Pakistani students in STEM fields may find additional opportunities due to the strong reputation of Pakistani education in these areas.
• University-specific scholarships: Many U.S. universities have dedicated funding for overseas master’s scholarships and doctoral scholarships for Pakistani students. These awards may be based on merit, financial need or specific criteria set by the institution.

Finding the right international scholarship requires thorough research and planning. Here are some key resources for Pakistani students to explore:

• University financial aid offices: Many U.S. universities have dedicated offices that provide information on available scholarships and funding opportunities for Pakistani students.
• Government programmes: Both the Pakistani and U.S. governments offer international postgraduate scholarships to encourage global talent to study in the U.S. Programmes such as Fulbright, USEFP scholarships, and the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program are excellent options for Pakistani students.
• Private organisations and foundations: Nonprofit organisations, companies and educational foundations offer a wide range of doctoral and master’s scholarships for international students, including those from Pakistan. Websites like Scholarships.com and Fastweb.com provide searchable databases to find suitable opportunities.
• Pakistani organisations: Several Pakistani organisations like the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Science Foundation, and various private foundations offer scholarships for master’s abroad to promising Pakistani students.
• Professional associations: Some professional organisations offer scholarships related to specific industries, such as engineering, healthcare or business.
• Top scholarship websites include:

• Scholarships.com
• InternationalStudent.com
• Fastweb
• IEFA
• EducationUSA
• InternationalScholarships.com
• USEFP (United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan)

MPOWER is a mission-driven organisation dedicated to removing financial barriers for talented students and making higher education accessible to individuals from all over the world through student loans and scholarships. MPOWER also offers resources beyond funding, including financial support, visa guidance and career resources.

MPOWER offers the following scholarships:

• MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship: Awards up to US$8,000 (PKR 2,240,000) to international students, including those from Pakistan, currently enrolled in or accepted to a full-time degree programme at an MPOWER-eligible school.
• MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship: Provides up to US$5,000 (PKR 1,400,000) to female students, including Pakistani women, pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
• MPOWER MBA Scholarship: Designed for international students pursuing an MBA, with awards up to US$5,000 (PKR 1,400,000). This is particularly relevant for Pakistani students, who make up a significant portion of international MBA students in the U.S.
• MPOWER Refugee Scholarship: Supports students with refugee or asylum-seeker status with awards up to US$2,000 (PKR 560,000).
• MPOWER Monthly Scholarship Series: A rotating scholarship programme with varying themes and monthly awards throughout the year.
• MPOWER 追梦永不息 Scholarship: A scholarship of up to US$5,000 (PKR 1,400,000) for promising Chinese students enrolled or accepted to an MPOWER-supported school.
• MPOWER Udaan India Scholarship: Providing up to US$5,000 (PKR 1,400,000) for Indian citizens pursuing STEM degrees at MPOWER-eligible schools.

MPOWER also offers additional services, including:

• Education loans for Pakistani students: MPOWER provides no-cosigner, collateral-free loans to students from Pakistan, ensuring they have access to financing regardless of their home country’s banking system.
• Visa support: MPOWER offers visa support, including a free visa support letter and visa prep class, as well as access to customised visa interview training. This is particularly helpful for Pakistani students navigating the U.S. visa process.
• Career services: MPOWER assists students with building a CV, searching for internships and jobs, and preparing applications. These services can help Pakistani students adapt to the U.S. job market and application processes.