Every student appears with a dream of getting a bright future but this is not an easy pathway for many students because of financial issues specifically in developing countries like Pakistan. When students reach higher levels of studies, many domestic and financial issues stop them from fulfilling their dreams. Pakistan is undoubtedly full of talented students, but how could they get financial support to achieve high goals? In response to this many universities in Pakistan and other international universities offer scholarships, if students are aware of their complete procedure they will get the best scholarships which can provide ease to them in their bright future. 

Why do scholarships matter?

For students who face financial issues on their way to their studies at the graduation level or next, scholarships serve as gateways to reduce this financial barrier. Scholarships help them focus on their studies and grow their talent by removing the stress of earning to support them in their studies. Scholarships cover tuition fees, travel expenses, and study material. In addition to solving this financial issue scholarships provide benefits to students to find opportunities for developing networks and mentorship at international levels.

Here are the best scholarships for Pakistani students after graduation at the international level which would be helpful for those who are seeking fully funded scholarships after graduation: 

1. DAAD scholarship in Germany

DAAD is a highly prestigious German scholarship provider that provides many scholarships for international students, including Pakistan at the doctoral level, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels.

Eligibility criteria: student must have completed 16 years of education with relevant work experience ( many postgraduate programs demand this)

Application deadline: it may vary from program to program but it is usually between October and December.

Documents required: Previous degree transcript and 2 recommendation letters from the last institute where students have been reading, SOP( statement of purpose), English proficiency letter, or any English language course certificate like TOEFL or German language certificate( if applying for pHD then research proposal is mandatory.

Merits: it covers tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses, and provides access to different universities and research centers.

Demerits: It is highly competitive and needs detailed documentation along with an excellent academic record

Pros and cons: Get the opportunity to study at renowned universities on best scholarships and make quality networks but it’s challenging for students to learn the German language and also need details documentation.

2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (United States America)

Fulbright offers fully funded scholarships at master’s and PhD levels. USA started this program to promote mutual understanding between the USA and other countries.  Here are some points regards to requirements of Fulbright programs:

Eligibility Criteria:  For Pakistani students minimum of 16 years of education and a strict commitment to return to their native country after studies. 

Application Deadlines: Usually in March.

Documents required: GRE scores. ILTES or Certified English language course, Statement of purpose recommendation letters, and work experience( if required).

Language: IELTS with 6.5 bands and TOEFL minimum score of 90.

Merits: Coverage of tuition fees, living stipends, and cultural development programs.

Demerits: highly competitive and excellent GRE score required.

Pros and cons: Provides opportunities for study abroad and access to network potential for best culture exchange but it is highly competitive and students have to come which creates hindrances in their career growth.

3. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (Europe)

EMS  is a fully funded scholarship for joint master’s degrees in Europe. Surprisingly allowing students to study in different universities across the continent. The following are the requirements for Erasmus Mundus Scholarships : 

Eligibility criteria: 16 years of education with high academic scores and works or research experience.

Application deadline: Mostly between November and January but also depends upon programs.

Language: TOEFL with a minimum score of 90 or  IELTS  with minimum bands of 6.5 

Documents required:  Academic transcripts, letter of recommendation, English language certificate ILETS/TOEFL, and statement of proof.

Merits: Travel and accommodation costs with full coverage of tuition fees, and multiple cultures and educational systems exposure. 

Demerits: Needs extraordinary profile and intensive application procedure.

Pros and cons: Cultural experience and global perspective, provide opportunities for internship and research but highly competitive selection process and challenge to understand multi-country structure.

4. Chevening Scholarships

This is the UK government’s international programme which is funded by commonwealth and partner organizations along with the development office. This scholarship offers a great opportunity for future leaders and influencers to study for one year’s masters in the UK.

Eligibility criteria: 16 years education with 2800 hours of experience, must be part of commonwealth countries (Pakistan included in this), commitment to returning to home country after completion of masters for at least 2 years.

Language: UKVI or simple ILTES with minimum bands of 6-6.5 also some universities accept MOI.

Documents Required:  Good academic records . 2 recommendation letters, English language certificate, SOP, and work experience ( if applicable)

Merits: Provide a platform for academic excellence and culture exchange, open for all subjects.

Demerits: Must return to home country after completion of education.

5. Commonwealth Scholarships for  PhD and Master’s 

As Pakistan comes in a commonwealth zone. This scholarship is intended for all those students who belong to Commonwealth countries. This program intends to provide another opportunity to study in the UK at the master’s and PhD levels.

Eligibility criteria: Excellent academic records with 16 years of education, the candidate should belong to commonwealth countries, and the candidate has to provide a HAT test score.

Application deadline: Typically between September and October 

Documentation: Academic transcript with CGPA of 3.5 minimum, 2 recommendation letters, and English language certificate ( if have then one admission letter) 

Merits: Provides airfare, tuition fees, and personal maintenance costs.

Demerits: Most prestigious but highly competitive.

Scholarships from private organizations and foundations

Some private organizations and foundations offer scholarships that are more flexible than government scholarships they are mostly for specific programs only but provide support for research work. Students should avail themselves of these scholarships that will support them in financial ways. 

Here are prominent private scholarships for talented students : 

1. The Ford Foundation

This is a global philanthropic organization that improves people’s lives through advocacy, grantmaking, and investments. It focuses on problems such as social justice, human rights, and education. Ford scholarships are for those students who have completed graduation in social justice-related subjects and want further research on environmental stability. 

Eligibility criteria: Pakistani students who have completed graduation in social justice subjects and have good academic records.

Application deadlines: Vary from program to program.

Language requirement: Depends on the institution and program. 

Documentation: If have then research the proposal. Recommendation letters, and academic transcripts.

Merits: Fully funded coverage on living expenses, tuition fees, travel costs, and life maintenance costs.

Demerits: Selective and highly competitive.

2. Scholarship by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

Andrew Foundation provides this scholarship for those students who want to research social sciences and arts-related courses. The general requirements for this scholarship are the same as others but the exceptional part is this student must have of academic background in humanities and social sciences. 

Language: Varies according to program and institute

3. The Gates Foundation

The Gates Foundation’s main aim is to eliminate poverty, improve health strategies, and make education common for everyone. For this purpose, this foundation avails students with fully funded scholarships who want to do research work for the warfare of society. This scholarship allows studying at the University of Cambridge in the UK.

Eligibility criteria: This scholarship is for Pakistani students who have excellent academic records with leadership potential. 

Language: Depends upon the institution and program.

Documents: Research proposal (if applicable), recommendation letters, and academic transcripts.

Merits and demerits: Fully funded tuition fee and cover other living expenses but highly competitive.

How to apply?

Finding the best scholarships all depends upon your research and criteria. Students must thoroughly seek guidelines for the best scholarship according to their eligibility and subject, then apply. Always check the deadline before applying for scholarships and your eligibility, gather all your required documents, ( recommendation letters, language certificates, academic documents, etc), highlight your academic excellence and achievements, tailor your application, and consult your teacher or mentors for guidance and feedback. 

Note: always thoroughly search official websites for scholarships and when apply