Studying in Pakistan can be a strong option for international students because the country has a large higher education system and many universities that appear in international rankings. Times Higher Education lists 99 universities in Pakistan in its current overall World University Rankings, with Quaid-i-Azam University listed as the highest-ranked institution in Pakistan.
Here are the top scholarships in Pakistan for international students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees in Pakistan.
Top Scholarships in Pakistan for International Students
1. Shahid Hussain Foundation Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Academic expense support for eligible undergraduate students at LUMS
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
The Shahid Hussain Foundation Scholarship was established at LUMS in 2017 for international undergraduate students who are nationals of SAARC member countries, excluding Pakistan. Eligible applicants must meet LUMS admission requirements, be citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, or Sri Lanka, and must not be of Pakistani origin or hold Pakistani citizenship documents. Earlier Shahid Hussain Foundation information noted a PKR 5 million donation to sponsor the academic expenses of 15 students for the 2020-21 academic year, so applicants should check the current LUMS scholarship page for the latest coverage and availability.
To apply for the scholarship, applicants need to apply through the LUMS online admission application and complete the required form. They should also be prepared to submit relevant supporting documents, such as diplomas, transcripts, and other documents required by LUMS by the stated deadline.
2. Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Tuition fees, subsistence and housing allowance, book allowance, medical insurance, travel, and research subsidy
- Eligible Degree/s: MBA
The Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) is offered in Pakistan through Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). At LUMS, the scholarship is linked to the MBA program at the Suleman Dawood School of Business and gives eligible applicants from ADB developing member countries in Asia and the Pacific the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in management.
The scholarship may cover tuition fees, subsistence and housing allowance, book allowance, medical insurance, travel, and research subsidy. To be considered, applicants must meet the LUMS MBA admission requirements and the ADB-JSP eligibility rules, including having a bachelor’s degree, at least two years of full-time professional work experience, and being no more than 35 years old at the time of application. LUMS also notes that ADB-JSP availability depends on donor funding and is not guaranteed every year.
Applicants should apply to the LUMS MBA program and indicate their interest in ADB-JSP according to LUMS instructions. LUMS requires applicants to provide consent for the ADB-JSP scholarship after being shortlisted for admission.
3. HEC Scholarship for OIC Least Developed Countries
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Tuition fee waiver, stipend for living expenses, accommodation allowance, book allowance, travel allowance
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The HEC Scholarship for OIC Least Developed Countries is a Government of Pakistan scholarship for students from least-developed OIC countries, including Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Comoros, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Gambia, Togo, and Uganda. Applicants for bachelor’s programs must have completed 12 years of school education, while applicants for master’s and Ph.D. programs must meet the relevant degree and admission requirements of HEC and the host university.
If awarded the scholarship, the scholar may receive a tuition fee waiver of PKR 150,000 per year, an annual stipend of PKR 120,000 for bachelor’s students, PKR 144,000 for master’s students, or PKR 240,000 for Ph.D. students; an annual hostel allowance of PKR 78,000 for bachelor’s students or PKR 96,000 for master’s and Ph.D. students; an annual book allowance of PKR 10,000 for bachelor’s students or PKR 20,000 for master’s and Ph.D. students; and return air ticket expenses up to PKR 150,000.
To apply for the scholarship, applicants should apply through the OIC General Secretariat or their respective governments via embassies and list their preferred Pakistani universities and programs according to HEC instructions. After completion of documentation, HEC issues a No Objection Certificate for academic purposes.
4. HEC Allama Iqbal Scholarship for Afghan and Sri Lankan Nationals
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Fully funded for Afghan students; fully or partially funded for Sri Lankan students, depending on the award
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The HEC Allama Iqbal Scholarship covers separate HEC scholarship opportunities for Afghan and Sri Lankan nationals. For Afghan nationals, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that Phase III of the Allama Iqbal Scholarships offers 4,500 fully funded scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate study in Pakistani universities. The Afghan scholarship covers tuition fee, living allowance, book allowance, hostel dues, and a travel allowance once during the study period.
For Sri Lankan nationals, the Allama Iqbal Scholarships are part of the Pak-Sri Lanka Higher Education Cooperation Programme and provide opportunities for Sri Lankan students to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies in Pakistan. HEC information states that fully funded Sri Lankan awards cover tuition fees, hostel charges, a book allowance, and a maintenance allowance, while partially funded awards cover tuition fees only. Applicants should check the current HEC and Pakistan High Commission announcements for the latest intake rules, deadlines, tests, and award type.
To apply, applicants should complete the relevant online HEC application process for their nationality and follow the instructions for tests, interviews, and document submission. Shortlisted candidates may be required to take a scholarship test and attend an interview, depending on the intake and country-specific process.
5. GC University Lahore Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: 50%, 85%, or full fee waiver
- Eligible Degree/s: BA/BSc (Hons), MS/MPhil, Ph.D.
GC University Lahore offers scholarships for international students pursuing BA/BSc (Hons), MS, MPhil, and Ph.D. programs. For BA/BSc (Hons) students, the scholarships are the Iqbal Scholarship, Salam Scholarship, and GCU Scholarship. For MS, MPhil, and Ph.D. students, the scholarships are the Iqbal Research Scholarship, Salam Research Scholarship, and GCU Research Scholarship.
For BA/BSc (Hons) applicants, the Iqbal Scholarship covers the full fee for applicants with 80% marks or the equivalent in A-Level or 12 years of education. GC University Lahore lists preferences for students from Sri Lanka, Syria, Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Kosovo, Bosnia, and other countries. The Salam Scholarship covers 85%, and the GCU Scholarship covers 50%, with selection decided by the Scholarship Committee. For the Salam and GCU Scholarships, preference is given to applicants from war-torn countries, female students, and minority communities in their respective countries.
For MS, MPhil, and Ph.D. applicants, the Iqbal Research Scholarship covers the full fee for students with an outstanding academic or publication record, a strong research proposal, and strong references. The Salam Research Scholarship covers 85%, and the GCU Research Scholarship covers 50% for students with excellent academic records, publications, strong research proposals, and good references.
GC University Lahore notes that these scholarships do not cover a monthly stipend, hostel accommodation, airfare, research expenses, or medical insurance. Applicants should check the official scholarship page for the latest availability, eligibility, and application process.
Tuition fees are one of the biggest barriers for international students intending to pursue studies away from their home countries, but scholarships in Pakistan can help reduce or remove that cost. The scholarships mentioned above are a good starting point for students looking for funded study opportunities in Pakistan. Dig deeper and find the one that is suitable for you.
We hope this article on the best scholarships in Pakistan for international students was helpful. If you’re interested in studying abroad, make sure to check out the Study in Pakistan and Available Programs for International Students pages for more articles.
