Achieving a scholarship to study in a UK university is a dream for many! The same is the case for UK scholarships for Pakistani students. These scholarships provide opportunities for students to explore beyond boundaries and gain knowledge. There are a variety of scholarships like undergraduate, graduate, and UK PhD scholarships for Pakistani students. Let’s explore the 12 best UK scholarships for Pakistani students in this article!
12 Best Scholarships for Pakistani Students in UK
The United Kingdom offers abundant opportunities for Pakistani students looking to advance their education. A variety of scholarships simplify the path for students by making academic dreams achievable while reducing the financial challenges of studying abroad. Here are the most popular UK scholarships for Pakistani students.
1. Chevening Scholarship
Deadline: Early November 2025
Amount Granted: Fully funded
Eligibility Criteria: You have to be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country like Pakistan, possess 2 years of work experience, have an undergraduate degree. You also need to return to your home country for at least 2 years after your scholarship ends.
Application Process: Apply online through the Chevening application portal. Select your courses and program, and submit the required documents.
The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious fully funded British scholarship for Pakistani students in UK. It is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. This scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, return airfare, and other allowances.
2. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
Deadline: December to February 2025
Amount Granted: Full tuition fees, living expenses, and other allowances
Eligibility Criteria: You must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country, hold a degree of at least upper second-class honors, and demonstrate financial need
Application Process: Apply online through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s Online Application System and submit the required documents.
The Commonwealth scholarship and Fellowship Plan is a scholarship program offered by the UK government to students from Commonwealth countries like Pakistan. This fully funded scholarship for Pakistani students in the UK covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and living costs for the entire duration of the chosen course of study.
3. Rhodes Scholarship
Deadline: August 2025
Amount Granted: Full tuition fees and a stipend for living expenses
Eligibility Criteria: Must be a citizen of a Rhodes-eligible country, hold a bachelor’s degree, and meet specific academic and personal criteria.
Application Process: Submit an online application form with academic records, personal statements, and references.
The Rhodes Scholarship, a highly competitive program by the Rhodes Trust, is open to students worldwide. This UK scholarship for Pakistani students covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Students must be between the ages of 19 and 25 with a bachelor's degree to apply for this scholarship.
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Deadline: 7 January 2025
Amount Granted: Full tuition fees and a stipend for living expenses.
Eligibility Criteria: Must be applying for a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge and demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
Application Process: Apply through the University of Cambridge’s graduate application form and submit additional documents required by Gates Cambridge Foundation.
The Gates Cambridge UK scholarship for Pakistani students, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is a great opportunity for Pakistani students. This scholarship for Pakistani students in UK covers tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and many other allowances. Students with a high academic record and a desire to challenge themselves are preferred by the organization.
5. GREAT UK Scholarships for Pakistani Students
Deadline: April-May 2025
Amount Granted: Covers tuition fees
Eligibility Criteria: Must be a citizen of Pakistan, hold an offer from a participating UK university, and meet the academic criteria of the university.
Application Process: Apply for a course at a participating UK university and submit its scholarship application form.
The GREAT UK Scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for Pakistani students to pursue a one-year postgraduate degree at top universities in the UK. Funded by the UK government in partnership with various UK institutions, the scholarship typically grants £10,000 towards tuition fees, making higher education more accessible for talented students.
University-Specific Scholarships
The college or institution provides the funding for these scholarships. There are various UK universities scholarships for Pakistani students who show a high academic standard. University-specific scholarships for Pakistani students in UK offer distinct opportunities for students willing to step out of their comfort zone. Here are some noteworthy university-specific UK scholarships for Pakistani students.
6. Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Program
Deadline: January 2025
Amount Granted: Full tuition fees and a stipend for living expenses.
Eligibility Criteria: Must apply for a new graduate program at the University of Oxford, be from an eligible country, and demonstrate leadership potential.
Application Process: Apply to Oxford for an eligible graduate program and complete the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement Form
The University of Oxford and the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust jointly present the Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Program. This initiative aims to support talented and ambitious Pakistani students pursuing full-time graduate studies by giving scholarships to the University of Oxford. Additionally, scholars gain access to various professional development opportunities, including seminars, workshops, and networking events.
7. University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarship
Deadline: 24 April 2025
Amount Granted: Covers tuition fees
Eligibility Criteria: Must hold an offer from the University of Manchester and meet its academic criteria.
Application Process: Apply for a course at the University of Manchester and submit the scholarship application form.
The University of Manchester offers the Global Futures Scholarship, a golden opportunity for Pakistani students seeking postgraduate degrees. This UK scholarship for Pakistani students covers full tuition fees for the entire duration of the postgraduate degree. It's awarded to applicants demonstrating good academic record, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a meaningful contribution to their chosen field.
8. University of Warwick Chancellor's International Scholarship
Deadline: January-February 2025
Amount Granted: Full tuition fees and a stipend for living expenses.
Eligibility Criteria: Must be applying for a postgraduate degree at the University of Warwick and demonstrate high academic standards.
Application Process: Apply through the University of Warwick’s graduate application form and submit additional documents required for the scholarship.
The University of Warwick Chancellor's International Scholarship is a sought-after opportunity for Pakistani students aiming to pursue a Master's degree at the university. This scholarship offers £10,000 in financial support for a year and is evidence of the university's dedication to helping deserving international students.
9. Cranfield University Scholarship
Deadline: January-May 2025
Amount Granted: Covers tuition fees
Eligibility Criteria: Must be applying for a postgraduate degree at Cranfield University and meet academic criteria.
Application Process: Apply through Cranfield University’s graduate application form and submit additional documents required for the scholarship.
These scholarships are a part of a broader initiative by the British Council to support international students. Additionally, Pakistani students may also be eligible for the Punjab Endowment Education Fund (PEEF), although this is specifically for PhD studies at top-ranked universities like Cranfield. If you are keeping studying outside the UK, you can take a look at German scholarships for Pakistani students!
Private Scholarships
Private organizations also offer scholarships that cover various expenses and tuition fees for UK scholarships for Pakistani students. Non-profits, businesses, foundations, or private contributors usually provide the funding for these scholarships. Here are some notable private UK scholarships for Pakistani students:
10. Dawood Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: October 2025
Amount Granted: Covers full tuition costs and a portion of the living allowance
Eligibility Criteria: Students should be citizens of Pakistan, have a strong academic record, and have the offer of admission from the University of Cambridge for a postgraduate course.
Application Process: Apply for the postgraduate program at the University of Cambridge, and then apply for the Dawood Foundation Scholarship by filling out its form.
The Dawood Foundation Scholarship is a fully-funded UK scholarship for Pakistani students wishing to pursue higher education at the University of Cambridge. The Dawood Foundation is sponsoring this scholarship, which offers up to £15,000 in annual living allowance in addition to full tuition reimbursement. Here are some reasons why you should study in the UK.
11. British Council Charles Wallace Pakistan Trust Award
Deadline: 30 June 2025
Amount Granted: £18,000 per year
Eligibility Criteria: Be a Pakistani national, residing in Pakistan, aged between 30 and 55. Show a written invitation from a UK institution or arts body for a PhD on any aspect of Pakistan studies.
Application Process: Submit a research proposal, and fill out the visitor application form. You also need to submit your CV, a chapter from your PhD dissertation, and personal details.
The British Council Charles Wallace Pakistan Trust Award is a UK scholarship for Pakistani students pursuing postgraduate degrees. Apart from the award granted, it also provides an enormous research grant of up to £4,000. It includes orientation and cultural awareness training, along with the opportunity to participate in the British Council's Professional Development Programme.
12. Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
Deadline: December to February 2025
Amount Granted: Full tuition fees and a stipend for living expenses.
Eligibility Criteria: Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country, hold a first degree, and demonstrate financial need.
Application Process: Apply through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s Online Application System and submit the required documents.
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme is offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission to Pakistani students aiming for a master's degree at any UK university. The individuals honored with this award are truly exceptional students who have done an outstanding performance in high school or graduation and have showcased consistency.
These UK scholarships for Pakistani students not only provide financial assistance but also open doors to enhanced career prospects, exposure to new cultures, research opportunities, and valuable networking connections. With determination and the right guidance, Pakistani students can successfully secure these scholarships and embark on a rewarding educational journey in the UK. An incredible opportunity for students looking to ease their financial burden is amberscholar, which provides $12,000 in scholarships for those pursuing higher education at their dream university.
The world of knowledge awaits, and these scholarships serve as the key to unlock its doors. Students should not keep their options limited and must be open to exploring newer challenges and opportunities. So keep your options open worldwide. You can also keep Canada as your option in the list of studying abroad countries. It can also be a great choice due to many reasons. Know more about it by checking out scholarships for Pakistani students in Canada.