Fulbright Scholarship Pakistan-Master’s & PhD Opportunities

The Fulbright Scholarship Program is the flagship international educational exchange initiative of the United States Government. In Pakistan, it is administered by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) and funded by the U.S. Department of State.

It provides fully funded scholarships for Master’s and PhD studies in the United States, making it one of the most sought-after opportunities for Pakistani students to pursue advanced education and research abroad.

Key Features

• Funding Body: U.S. Department of State
• Administered by: United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP)
• Degree Levels: Master’s and PhD
• Fields Covered: Almost all disciplines except clinical medicine
• Coverage: Fully funded – tuition, textbooks, airfare, living stipend, health insurance, visa costs

Eligibility Criteria

1. Nationality: Must be a Pakistani citizen (dual nationals with U.S. citizenship are ineligible).
2. Academic Requirements:
   • Master’s: Requires a 4-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent (16 years of education).
   • PhD: Requires a Master’s/MPhil or equivalent degree (18 years of education).
3. Grades: Strong academic background, usually with good CGPA / academic record.
4. Work Experience: Preferred but not mandatory; relevant research/professional experience strengthens application.
5. English Proficiency: GRE scores are required; selected candidates also take the TOEFL.

Scholarship Benefits

The Fulbright covers all major expenses, including:

• Full tuition fees
• Textbooks and academic supplies
• Return airfare (Pakistan ↔ USA)
• Monthly living stipend (housing, meals, transport, personal expenses)
• Health insurance
• Visa costs

This makes it a zero-cost opportunity for deserving students.

Application Process

1. Online Application: Submit through USEFP’s official portal.
2. National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Student Loan Scheme 2025
3. Required Documents:
   • Academic transcripts (attested)
   • GRE test scores
   • Research proposal/study objectives
   • Personal statement/essays
   • Three recommendation letters
   • CV/Resume
4. Deadline: Applications usually open in January and close in May each year.
5. Selection Process:
   • Application screening
   • Interviews (shortlisted candidates)
   • Final selection by USEFP and U.S. Department of State

Bond & Return Requirement

• After completing studies, recipients must return to Pakistan for a minimum of 2 years as per the J-1 visa requirement.
• This ensures that Pakistani society benefits from the knowledge and expertise gained in the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions