Fully Funded Scholarships in Pakistan: Fully Funded Options List 2026

Fully funded scholarships in Pakistan can remove the biggest barrier between you and a quality degree: money. If you can study but costs keep you stuck, you are not alone. The good news is that Pakistan has strong scholarship pathways that cover tuition and provide a stipend, and there are also fully funded international programs that Pakistani students win every year.

This guide keeps things simple and practical:

• A clear definition of “fully funded” (so you don’t waste time)
• A curated list of trusted local and international scholarships
• A realistic plan to prepare your documents and improve your odds
• A short FAQ you can skim before you apply

Let’s get you from “I wish” to “I applied properly.”

What “Fully Funded” Really Means (and What It Doesn’t)

The phrase “fully funded” gets thrown around a lot. In scholarship terms, it usually falls into three common formats.

(1) Fully funded (international gold standard)

Typically includes:

• Full tuition and university fees
• Monthly living stipend
• Health insurance
• Airfare (often round-trip)
• Visa, settling-in, or research support (varies)

If you are going abroad, this is the ideal structure because living costs can be higher than tuition in some countries.

(2) Fully funded (Pakistan format: tuition + stipend)

Most “fully funded in Pakistan” programs cover:

• Tuition paid to the university
• A monthly stipend for study expenses (transport, books, meals)

This is extremely valuable because it reduces the need for part-time work and helps you focus on studies.

(3) Tuition-only or partial aid (helpful, but not fully funded)

These awards reduce fees but may not cover living costs. They can still be a smart option if you have family support or a low-cost living plan, but they are not the same as a full package.

Quick rule: If a scholarship doesn’t clearly mention both tuition support and a monthly stipend (and for abroad, also insurance and travel), treat it as partial until you confirm.

A Quick Eligibility Reality Check (So You Apply Smarter)

Most scholarship failures are not because students are “not good enough.” They fail because students apply late, skip documents, or apply to programs that do not match their level.

Before you shortlist scholarships, confirm your basics:

• Your current level: Intermediate, BS, Master’s, or PhD
• Your target: study in Pakistan or study abroad
• Your financial category: need-based, merit-based, or mixed
• Your timeline: can you manage tests, documents, and deadlines?

If you are unsure, start with need-based options locally and add 2–3 international programs as long shots.

Documents You Should Prepare Once (and Reuse Everywhere)

Build a clean “Scholarship Folder” on Google Drive or your laptop. Keep everything named clearly (no “final_final2.pdf”).

Core documents:

• CNIC/Form-B, domicile (if required)
• All transcripts and certificates
• Recent passport-size photo
• A 1–2 page CV (simple and readable)
• Statement of Purpose (one strong base version)
• Two recommendation letters (or at least recommender contacts)
• Proof of income/need (salary slips, income certificate, utility bills, etc.)

For study abroad, also plan:

• Passport (valid)
• IELTS/TOEFL schedule (and GRE if needed)
• A list of programs you genuinely fit (don’t guess)

Part 1: Fully Funded Scholarships Inside Pakistan (Tuition + Stipend Options)

These are reliable pathways if you want to study at Pakistani institutions while reducing financial stress.

(1) Ehsaas (Benazir) Undergraduate Scholarship (HEC)

This is one of the most important need-based scholarships for undergraduate students in public-sector universities.

What it typically supports:

• Full or major tuition support (paid to the university)
• A monthly stipend to help with study costs

Best for:

• BS students in HEC-recognized public universities with genuine financial need

Practical tip:
Make your financial documentation tidy and consistent. Many applicants lose points due to missing or unclear proof of income.

(2) HEC Need-Based Scholarship (NBS)

HEC’s need-based scholarship system is a major support pathway in multiple public universities.

What it usually includes:

• Tuition coverage (through the university)
• A monthly stipend for students during the program

Best for:

• Students who meet need criteria and are enrolled in participating institutions

Practical tip:
Do not rely only on random posts. Visit your university’s financial aid office and ask for the exact checklist and deadlines.

(3) LUMS National Outreach Programme (NOP)

If you want a high-quality private university education but can’t afford it, LUMS NOP can be a game-changer.

What it can provide:

• Full financial support for selected NOP scholars (based on assessment)

Best for:

• High-potential students with strong academic ability and financial constraints

Practical tip:
Treat the application like a competitive admission plus scholarship. Your test prep and personal story both matter.

(4) Provincial Endowment Funds (PEEF, BEEF and similar)

Endowment funds can be excellent, especially for students who meet province-specific criteria. They often run multiple schemes (different levels, categories, and stipend structures).

Examples include:

• Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF)
• Balochistan Education Endowment Fund (BEEF)

Best for:

• Students who qualify through their province’s eligibility requirements

Practical tip:
These are not one-size-fits-all. Read the scheme title carefully and confirm whether it is tuition + stipend or a different format.

(5) HEC Indigenous PhD / Local Research Scholarships

If your goal is research and academia, HEC’s indigenous or local PhD pathways can support doctoral study within Pakistan, often with structured stipends.

Best for:

• Research-oriented students aiming for PhD study and academic careers in Pakistan

Practical tip:
Your research proposal matters. Keep it focused, realistic, and relevant to Pakistan’s needs.

Part 2: Fully Funded Scholarships Abroad for Pakistani Students (Top Global Options)

If you want to study overseas, these programs are worth serious attention. They are widely known, transparent, and frequently awarded to Pakistani applicants.

(1) Fulbright Pakistan (USA)

Fulbright is one of the most complete fully funded packages for Master’s and PhD study in the United States.

What it typically covers:

• Tuition and university fees
• Living stipend
• Health insurance
• Airfare
• Additional support depending on program rules

Best for:

• Strong academics plus leadership, community impact, and a clear plan to contribute after study

Winning edge:
Your goals should be specific. Avoid vague lines like “I want to help Pakistan.” Explain how, in what sector, and with what skill set.

(2) Chevening Scholarship (UK)

Chevening funds one-year Master’s degrees in the UK and is known for selecting future leaders.

What it typically covers:

• Full tuition
• Travel costs
• Allowances and related support

Best for:

• Applicants with leadership potential, strong communication, and credible experience

Winning edge:
Show influence and initiative. Chevening loves real examples: leading a project, mentoring others, improving a system, or building measurable impact.

(3) Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth scholarships can be a strong option for students in development-related fields and public-impact areas.

What it often includes:

• Tuition support
• Living support
• Airfare (depending on route)

Best for:

• Applicants who can connect their studies to practical development outcomes

Winning edge:
Pick a problem you truly care about education quality, public health, energy access, climate resilience, governance, or digital inclusion.

(4) Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (Europe)

Erasmus Mundus is a premium option because it can let you study in multiple European countries within one program.

What scholarships commonly cover:

• Program participation costs (tuition-like fees)
• Living allowance
• Travel and visa support (varies)

Best for:

• High-achieving students with a strong fit for a specific joint program

Winning edge:
Choose the right program first. The strongest Erasmus applications are “program-matched,” not generic.

(5) DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

DAAD supports many postgraduate routes with monthly funding structures and strong academic credibility.

What it often includes:

• Monthly stipend
• Insurance support
• Travel allowance (varies by scholarship line)

Best for:

• Students targeting Germany and fields aligned with DAAD priorities

Winning edge:
A practical plan beats fancy language. Explain what you will learn, why it matters, and how you will apply it.

(6) Türkiye Scholarships (Turkey)

Türkiye Scholarships are popular because they offer broad coverage and student support services.

What it often covers:

• Tuition
• Monthly stipend
• Accommodation
• Health insurance
• Flight ticket
• Language preparation (in many tracks)

Best for:

• Students seeking structured support at undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD level

Winning edge:
Show readiness for cross-cultural study and a clear academic direction.

(7) Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

CSC routes can be highly supportive and available across many universities and fields.

What it often covers (varies by track):

• Tuition
• Accommodation or housing support
• Monthly stipend
• Medical insurance

Best for:

• STEM, business, medicine, and applied programs depending on the university and language track

Winning edge:
Apply through official channels and verify every step. Ignore anyone promising guaranteed admission for a fee.

(8) MEXT (Japan)

MEXT offers a structured, government-supported pathway with financial support for selected students.

What it typically supports:

• Tuition-related coverage (in the scholarship format)
• Monthly stipend
• Travel allowance (depending on route)

Best for:

• Research-minded students who can handle structured selection processes

Winning edge:
A strong academic narrative plus patience. MEXT timelines can be long.

(9) GKS (South Korea)

GKS provides a comprehensive package for selected students in Korea.

What it often covers:

• Tuition
• Living allowance
• Airfare
• Medical insurance
• Language training (in many tracks)

Best for:

• Students interested in Korea’s academic environment and global industries

Winning edge:
Strong documents, clean grades, and a clear reason for your chosen program.

(10) Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)

This program is popular due to its scholarship structure and accessible European study pathway.

What it typically covers:

• Tuition waiver
• Monthly stipend
• Accommodation support (or contribution)
• Medical insurance

Best for:

• Students who want a European degree with structured funding

Winning edge:
Plan your budget even with a stipend. Costs vary by city.

(11) Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards are highly competitive and strongly aligned with development impact.

What it typically covers:

• Tuition
• Return air travel
• Establishment allowance
• Living expense contribution

Best for:

• Applicants who connect study goals with measurable development outcomes

Winning edge:
Show how your work will improve systems, not just your personal career.

(12) ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)

ADB-JSP supports graduate study in development-linked fields at partner institutions.

What it typically covers:

• Tuition
• Living allowance
• Books
• Travel
• Medical insurance
• Research support (varies)

Best for:

• Applicants in economics, management, science/technology, public policy, and related areas

Winning edge:
Demonstrate that your studies will translate into real development results.

(13) KAUST Fellowship (Saudi Arabia)

KAUST is a standout for STEM graduate study with a strong fellowship package and research environment.

What it typically includes:

• Full tuition coverage
• Monthly stipend
• On-campus housing
• Health insurance
• Relocation/travel support (varies)

Best for:

• Strong STEM candidates with research potential

Winning edge:
Demonstrate research fit: labs, interests, and readiness for graduate-level work.

(14) IsDB Scholarship Programs

IsDB offers scholarship tracks for member countries and development-focused goals. Benefits depend on the specific program category and partner institutions.

Best for:

• Applicants who match the program track and meet its academic and development criteria

Winning edge:
Follow the official handbook route, not social media shortcuts.

A Simple Way to Choose the Right Scholarship (3 Filters)

Use these filters to stop overthinking.

Filter 1: Level match

Apply only to scholarships that clearly match your current or next study level.

Filter 2: Funding match

If you need living money, avoid tuition-only programs unless you have a strong budget plan.

Filter 3: Profile match

• Leadership-heavy awards (Chevening, Fulbright): prioritize impact and communication
• Research-heavy routes (KAUST and many CSC/MEXT/GKS tracks): prioritize academic proof and research readiness
• Mixed routes (Erasmus, DAAD): prioritize fit and clarity

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Mistake 1: Applying late

Deadlines arrive fast, and document collection takes longer than expected. Start early.

Mistake 2: Using one generic SOP everywhere

A strong SOP can be reused, but it must be tailored. Update the “program fit” section for every application.

Mistake 3: Weak recommendations

Choose recommenders who know your work. Give them a one-page summary of your achievements and goals.

Mistake 4: Ignoring eligibility details

Age limits, GPA rules, work experience, and degree requirements matter. Read them carefully.

Mistake 5: Falling for “guaranteed scholarship” offers

Legitimate scholarships don’t require “guarantee money.” Pay only official fees through official portals.

A 12-Month Scholarship Plan You Can Actually Follow

If you want a clean system, follow this.

Months 1–2: Build your base

• Create a scholarship tracker (name, deadline, benefits, requirements, status)
• Draft a strong base SOP
• Build a clean CV
• Identify two recommenders

Months 3–4: Test plan

• Book IELTS/TOEFL
• If GRE is needed, set a realistic study schedule

Months 5–7: Proof and polish

• Add one “proof project” to your CV: research, volunteering, internship, portfolio, or measurable achievement
• Collect verified financial documents (for need-based programs)

Months 8–10: Apply in batches

• Apply to 3–5 programs at a time
• Customize your SOP and documents per program

Months 11–12: Interview prep and backup

• Practice answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
• Keep at least one local funded option active as a safety plan

What a Strong SOP Sounds Like (Simple Formula)

A strong SOP is clear, specific, and honest. Use this structure:

1. Your direction: what you want to study and why
2. Your proof: what you’ve done that shows readiness
3. Your gap: what skills you need and why this program is the right bridge
4. Your plan: how you will use the degree after graduation (be concrete)
5. Your fit: why this scholarship and this program (specific, not generic)

Quick FAQ

Conclusion

Fully funded scholarships in Pakistan and abroad are real opportunities. Locally, need-based programs can cover tuition and provide monthly support so you can study without constant financial pressure. Internationally, elite scholarships can cover tuition, living costs, travel, and insurance, opening doors to top universities and global networks.

The biggest advantage you can give yourself is structure: shortlist wisely, prepare documents early, tailor your SOP, and apply consistently. Scholarships reward people who plan, not people who panic.