Major scholarship providers
| Programme | Run by | Official site | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEC scholarships | Higher Education Commission | hec.gov.pk | Need-based and merit programmes for study in Pakistan and abroad; announced periodically. |
| PEEF | Punjab Educational Endowment Fund | peef.org.pk | Merit and need-based scholarships for Punjab students, with announced application windows. |
| Chevening | UK government scholarship | chevening.org | Fully funded master's in the UK for future leaders. |
| Fulbright | US-Pakistan exchange | usefp.org | Graduate study and research in the United States; run through USEFP in Pakistan. |
Intakes, eligibility and funding change every cycle. Read the current announcement on the official site before you apply.
What scholarships usually ask for
- Transcripts and degrees, with a minimum CGPA or division.
- A statement of purpose or essay.
- Two or three recommendation letters.
- English proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL) for study abroad.
- Evidence of financial need for need-based awards.
- CNIC, domicile and passport.
How to prepare a strong application
- Shortlist three to five programmes that match your degree level and field.
- Calculate your CGPA with the GPA calculator and aim to improve it where possible.
- Plan the timeline backwards from the deadline with the date calculator.
- Write a specific, honest personal statement and ask referees early.
- Submit before the deadline, not on the last day.
Avoiding scholarship scams
Be careful with messages that promise guaranteed scholarships, ask for an "advance fee" or ask for your bank PIN. Check the sender against the official website.
Writing a strong statement of purpose
- Open with a specific moment or problem that led you to your field.
- Show your preparation with courses, projects, work or volunteering.
- Explain why this programme and country fit your goals.
- Say how you will use the degree to contribute back.
- Keep to the word limit and proofread twice.
Choosing referees and documents
Pick referees who know your work well and give them at least a month. Request official transcripts early, and have degrees attested if required. Scan documents at good quality and name files clearly. Keep a checklist with dates, and use the date calculator to count the days left.
Money matters
Fully funded scholarships still require planning for visas, travel, health insurance and settling in costs. Convert costs with the currency converter, and compare study loans with the loan EMI calculator. Estimate your GPA with the GPA calculator, and plan test preparation using the study planner.
Other support is listed in the government schemes section, including the Punjab student e-bike scheme for transport, and government job guides for after graduation.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find real scholarship announcements?
On the websites of the awarding body: HEC, PEEF, universities and international funders. Use the table on this page.
Do I have to pay to apply?
Genuine government and international scholarships do not charge application fees to the applicant for "securing" an award. Beware of agents that promise guaranteed scholarships.
What GPA do I need?
It depends on the programme. Many ask for a minimum CGPA or first division. Check the announcement and track your grades with our GPA calculator.
When should I start preparing?
At least six to twelve months before the deadline, because transcripts, references and language tests take time.