USA Scholarships for Pakistani Students

Purpose and Scope of the Article

The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive guide on USA scholarships for Pakistani Students for anyone interested to study in the United States. The article will cover the major types of scholarships and the steps to apply for them. It will serve as a helpful resource for Pakistani students to understand the opportunities available and how to maximize their chances of obtaining scholarships to study in the USA.

Types of USA Scholarships for Pakistani Students

There are five major categories of scholarships available to Pakistani students wishing to study in the United States. These are:

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

2. Need-Based Scholarships

3. Field-Specific Scholarships

4. Government Scholarships

5. University Specific Scholarships

Merit Based-Scholarships

Merit-Based scholarships are awarded based solely on a student’s academic achievements, test scores, extracurricular activities, and other credentials. They typically do not consider financial need. Competition is often intense for major merit scholarships, but they can provide generous funding and prestige. Criteria may include GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations, and talents.

Popular Merit-Based Scholarships in the USA for Pakistani Students

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Provides full funding for graduate study and research at any US university or college. Extremely prestigious and competitive.

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship

Offers full support for a year of non-degree graduate-level study and professional development in the US for mid-career professionals.

American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship

Covers up to full tuition costs for international students displaying outstanding leadership potential.

Duke University Karsh International Scholarship 

Offers full funding for 4 years of undergraduate study at Duke University for exceptional non-US first-year applicants.

Cornell University Tata Scholarship 

Provides tuition, living stipend, healthcare, and travel costs for Cornell University’s undergraduate or graduate programs to Indian nationals.

Harvard Financial Aid Initiative 

Meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for undergraduate students admitted to Harvard College.

New York University Scholarships for International Students 

Offers merit-based scholarships covering partial to full tuition costs for outstanding NYU applicants.

Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars 

Provides full funding to pursue graduate study at Stanford University across all fields and disciplines.

Yale Young Global Scholars Program 

Offers merit scholarships to cover tuition, room, and board for a summer academic enrichment program at Yale University for high school students.

Steps To Appy for Merit-Based Scholarships

Follow these steps to maximize the chance of getting Merit-Based Scholarships in the USA: 

• Research universities offering merit scholarships

• Check eligibility criteria related to academics, test scores, extracurriculars

• Prepare strong applications highlighting achievements

• Get excellent letters of recommendation

• Submit scholarship essays articulating your strengths

• Apply before the deadline and follow up

Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based scholarships are granted based on a student’s financial inability to pay full educational costs. Students must demonstrate their need by submitting in-depth financial aid profiles. While less competitive than merit aid, need-based assistance can still significantly lower costs. Amounts vary by factors like family income, assets, and expenses.

Popular Merit-Based Scholarships in the USA for Pakistani Students

Here’s a list of some popular scholarships that can help you pursue your academic goals and unlock a world of opportunities in the United States:

1. Fulbright Scholarships

 This prestigious scholarship, offered by the US government, is tailor-made for graduate students. It covers full tuition, living expenses, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and more. However, be prepared for fierce competition as it is highly sought after.

2. USAID Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship

Available for both undergraduate and graduate studies, this scholarship covers tuition, stipend, health insurance, and other essentials. You’ll need to apply through the Higher Education Commission in Pakistan to be considered.

3. Humphrey Fellowships

If you’re a mid-career professional looking for a non-degree program, this scholarship is perfect for you. It covers tuition, stipend, travel expenses, and other benefits, making it a great opportunity for skill enhancement.

4. Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship 

Are you interested in business, law, or public administration? This scholarship supports graduate studies in these fields and covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance.

5. Global Undergraduate Exchange Program 

If you wish to experience a one-year non-degree undergraduate study in the US, this program offers tuition, room, board, and other allowances to make it happen.

6. American Association of University Women Scholarships

Ladies, take note! This scholarship is designed for women pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies based on financial need. The award amounts vary, providing support where it’s needed most.

7. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship

If you’re an outstanding undergraduate student with financial needs looking to transfer to a 4-year college, this scholarship can be a game-changer. With up to $40,000 per year, it can ease the financial burden of higher education.

8. Marcia Silverman Minority Student Award

This scholarship is specially crafted for minority undergraduate students majoring in business studies and facing financial constraints. With awards of up to $5,000, it provides invaluable assistance.

Steps to Apply for Need-Based Scholarships

These steps will help you to maximize your chance of getting Need-based Scholarships in the USA:

• Research need-based scholarship options

• Submit financial aid applications like FAFSA, CSS Profile

• Provide financial documents like tax returns, bank statements

• Write essays explaining your financial situation

• Ask recommenders to focus on character and obstacles overcome

Field-Specific Scholarships

Many U.S. scholarships target specific undergraduate or graduate study areas, like STEM, business, public policy, global health, arts, and more. Field-specific aid comes from universities, organizations, corporations, and philanthropic foundations. Recipients are chosen based on merit, need, diversity aims, or a combination.

Top Field-Specific Scholarships in the USA for Pakistani Students

To help you along the way, we’ve compiled a list of popular field-specific scholarships available in the USA for Pakistani students.

Engineering:

1. AACE International Scholarships: AACE International Scholarships is open to both undergraduate and graduate students in various engineering disciplines. Successful applicants can receive up to $5,000 to support their academic endeavors.

2. International Gas Turbine Institute Scholarships: If you’re interested in gas turbine technology, this scholarship is for you. Graduate students can receive up to $2,500 to further their studies in this field.

Medicine:

3. PA Foundation International Fellowship: If you are considering a Physician Associate (PA) program, this fellowship covers tuition and fees, providing a significant financial boost to your medical education.

4. Global Health Scholarships at the University of South Florida For medical students passionate about global health, this scholarship covers tuition, ensuring that financial constraints won’t hinder your aspirations.

Business:

5. Kofi Annan Business Scholarship at the University of Maryland: Designed for MBA students from developing countries, this scholarship offers a full tuition waiver, easing the financial burden of your business education.

6. John Potash Scholarship at Harvard: As an international student in business management, you have the chance to receive up to $10,000, bringing you closer to achieving your career goals.

Social Sciences:

7. Rajawali Foundation Scholarship at Harvard Kennedy School: If you’re interested in public policy graduate studies, this scholarship covers full tuition fees, making your educational pursuits more accessible.

8. Wien International Scholarship at Brandeis University: This scholarship is available to international students across majors, including social sciences, and covers full tuition, providing an excellent opportunity to excel in your chosen field.

STEM:

9. AIAS Foundation Scholarships: As an undergraduate architecture student, you may be eligible for scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,500, helping you focus on your studies.

10. Google Lime Scholarship: Students in computer science or related majors can apply for this prestigious scholarship, which offers a generous $10,000 award.

Agriculture:

11. Borlaug LEAP Fellowship: If you are pursuing graduate studies in agriculture, this fellowship covers tuition, provides a monthly stipend, and includes health insurance, ensuring a worry-free academic journey.

12. International Agriculture Scholarship at the University of Tennessee: This scholarship covers tuition and fees, making it easier for you to delve into the field of agriculture.

Computer Science:

13. Adobe Research Women in Technology Scholarship: Female students studying computer science can apply for this $10,000 award, promoting gender diversity in the tech industry.

14. Palantir Scholarship for Women in Technology: Women in technology fields, including computer science, can receive up to $7,000 through this scholarship, empowering them to thrive in their academic pursuits.

Law:

15. The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund: For students pursuing social justice, these need-based scholarships offer up to $15,000, supporting your commitment to making a positive impact on society.

16. The Educational Foundation of the National Association of Muslim Lawyers: Muslim law students in the US can apply for scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $3,000, helping you fulfill your legal aspirations.

Healthcare:

17. Global Health Corps Fellowship: If you are interested in global health equity, this fellowship provides a stipend, health insurance, and other benefits, fostering your passion for healthcare.

18. NHSC Scholarship: Students pursuing primary care medical degrees can benefit from this scholarship, which covers tuition, fees, and a stipend, in return for service in underserved areas.

Steps to Apply for Subject-Specific Scholarships

Make sure to follow the steps while applying for Subject-specific scholarships in the USA:

• Find scholarships for your major/field of study

• Showcase passion and achievements in your area of interest

• Get faculty from your department to recommend you

• Apply directly through the university department or external organizations

Government Scholarships

These are funded by U.S. government bodies like the State Department, USAID, Fulbright, and others. Goals often include educational exchange and building ties between the U.S. and other countries like Pakistan. Examples are Fulbright Foreign Student awards and USAID South Asia scholarships.

Best Government Scholarships in the USA for Pakistani Students

These scholarships cover various fields and provide full financial support for your studies.

There are so many government scholarships in the USA for Pakistani Students some of the best are as follows:

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

This scholarship is for Pakistani students who want to pursue graduate degrees in fields like STEM, business, public health, arts, and more.

2. USAID Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship

If you’re interested in undergraduate or graduate studies in fields like engineering, agriculture, business, and others, this scholarship can help you achieve your dreams.

3. Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program

If you’re a young Pakistani graduate with a passion for teaching, this program allows you to teach the Urdu language in US colleges while pursuing your postgraduate studies.

4. Critical Language Scholarships

This scholarship, offered by the US State Department, allows you to undertake intensive language study in critical languages like Urdu. It covers summer programs.

5. Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship 

For those seeking graduate studies in fields like business, law, journalism, public administration, economics, and more, this fellowship is a great opportunity.

6. Global Undergraduate Exchange Program 

If you want to experience one year of non-degree study at a US college, this program covers tuition, living costs, and other allowances.

7. International Leaders in Education Program 

Offering funding for up to 4 years, this program supports Pakistani students study undergraduate and graduate studies.

8. Boren Scholarships 

If you’re a US undergraduate looking for language and culture immersion or STEM programs abroad, including Pakistan, this scholarship can be a perfect fit.

9. Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

This scholarship is specifically for US undergraduates with limited financial means, providing opportunities to study or intern abroad.

Steps to Apply for Government Scholarships

Consider these steps while applying for Government Scholarships in the USA:

• Identify government-funded scholarship programs

• Check eligibility criteria carefully as per nationality

• Gather and submit all required documents

• Apply via designated application portals

• Stay in touch with the relevant consulate/embassy

University Specific Scholarships

Individual American colleges and universities offer scholarships and financial aid from their institutional funding sources. Award criteria, processes, and aid amounts vary widely by school. Generally, the most generous packages are provided by elite universities with large endowments.

Here are some scholarships offered by different universities:

1. New York University Stern School of Business 

Anson Scholarship for Excellence & Howard Greenberg Scholarship: These scholarships cover full tuition fees for graduate business studies.

2. University of Michigan  

Regents Merit Scholarship and Michigan International Scholarship: These scholarships provide full tuition coverage for undergraduate international students.

3. University of California, Berkeley 

Fully Funded Education Abroad Program: This scholarship offers full funding, including tuition, living costs, and travel expenses, for a one-year exchange program at UC Berkeley.

4. Washington University in St. Louis – McDonnell International Scholars Academy

Exceptional undergraduate applicants can receive full funding, covering tuition, room, board, and travel expenses.

5. University of Oregon – American Pathway Program 

This scholarship covers tuition, fees, health insurance, and housing deposits for undergraduate study.

6. Arizona State University – Barack Obama Scholars Program

This program covers tuition, fees, housing, meals, travel, a laptop, and books for undergraduate global leaders.

7. University of Florida – UF International Center Scholarship

Offers financial assistance ranging from $5,000 to $12,000 towards undergraduate tuition and fees.

8. Carnegie Mellon University – 

Full tuition scholarships for undergraduate study based on need and merit.

9. Harvard University

Full funding of tuition and living expenses based on financial need for undergraduate international students.

10. Yale University 

Full Tuition and stipend for undergraduate study based on need.

Steps to Apply for University-Specific Scholarships

These steps will help you to maximize your chance of getting University Specific Scholarships in the USA:

• Look for scholarships offered directly by target universities

• Coordinate with the university financial aid office

• Apply for university scholarships along with admission application

• Submit supplemental essays if required

• Notify admissions officers about intent to apply for university scholarships.

Note: After getting admission and scholarships in your selected university and type of scholarship in the USA you have to apply for a Student visa

Conclusion:

USA Scholarships for Pakistani Students provide immense opportunities to gain world-class education, skills, and experiences at leading American universities through fully funded undergraduate, graduate, and research programs that support bright young minds to achieve their potential. The application process takes hard work, but Pakistani students who get in gain access to top-notch academics, multicultural experiences, useful connections, and life-changing opportunities overseas. This equips them to come back and make meaningful impacts at home. With proper planning, research, and compelling applications that convey their strengths, Pakistani students have excellent prospects to secure merit, need, or subject-specific scholarships and join the many inspirational success stories of graduates who studied in the US and rose to global prominence. The rewards of an American education make the effort worthwhile for focused students to open doors to a brighter future.