UK Scholarships for Pakistani Students In 2024: How to apply

Are you a Pakistani student searching for scholarship opportunities to further your academic pursuit in the UK? If yes, you are lucky to be in the right place. We understand that the United Kingdom is home to an array of scholarships opening doors to international education; hence, we are happy to share these opportunities with you.  

This article explores the several UK scholarships available for Pakistani students to access diverse fields of study,  from arts and sciences to engineering and business. We will discuss their various eligibility criteria,  key deadlines, and application process to help you achieve your dream of schooling abroad.

List of UK Scholarships for Pakistani Students 

Here are top 4 UK scholarships open for Pakistani students in 2023: 

1. Chevening Scholarship

Chevening Scholarship is a UK scholarship program that offers a monthly personal living allowance (stipend) to cover accommodation and living expenses. The monthly stipend varies between £917 to £1134, which depends on whether you are studying in the UK or outside of the UK.

Chevening Scholarship applications for 2024/2025 scholarships are open in August, with its deadline on November 1, 2024. Here are the eligibility criteria for Chevening Scholarship applicants must fulfill:

• Applicants must be a citizen of Pakistan and intend to return there after completing their studies.
• Applicants must have an undergraduate degree that enables them to gain entry to a postgraduate program at a UK university.
• Applicants must have at least two years of work experience.
• Applicants must meet the Chevening English language requirement.
• Applicants must apply to three eligible UK university courses and receive an unconditional offer from one of these choices by the Chevening deadline.

2. Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship

The Commonwealth Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship program that offers between £1,000 to £1,250 monthly stipend that covers the full tuition fees,  living expenses,  return tickets,  and arrival expenses of students.

Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship is open for Pakistani students who want to further their masters in any international country member of the Commonwealth organization such as the UK,  Rwanda,  Zanzibar,  Ghana,  Malaysia, etc.

Applications for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships for the 2023/24 academic year will be open by 15 November 2024. The deadline date will be 10 January 2025. However,  here are the eligibility criteria for Commonwealth Scholarship applicants must fulfill:

• Applicants must be a citizen of a commonwealth country.
• Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree.
• There is no upper age limit.
• Candidates must know they will study in a lower or middle-income country.
• Applicants must have earned a 2:1 or higher in their undergraduate degree. 

3. Rhodes Scholarship

A Rhodes Scholarship covers all University and College fees, a living stipend of £18,180 per annum covering the student allowance including health insurance, visa, and two economy class flights – to and from the UK – for the beginning and end of studies in Oxford.

Remember that over 95 students are selected each year from eligible countries such as Australia, Bermuda,  China,  Canada,  Nigeria,  India,  Israel,  Pakistan,  UAE,  US, Senegal,  Sierra Leone etc.  The Rhodes Scholarship application date varies between countries but is usually around July to October 2024.

Here are certain requirements applicants must fulfill to be considered eligible for the Rhodes Scholarship:

• Applicants must have a high standard of English to meet the University of Oxford’s English language proficiency requirement.
• You must be aged between 18 to 24 on 1st October 2024.
• Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree with an academic grade that meets or exceeds the specific entry requirements of their chosen full-time course at the University of Oxford.

4. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

A Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a program that covers the full expenses of studying at Cambridge, which includes tuition fees, maintenance assistance, one economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course, and inbound visa costs & the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge. The scholarship offers between £18,700 to £20,000 for 12 months.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship is open for Pakistani students who want to pursue their Master’s/Ph.D. degree or postgraduate education, whether full-time or part-time.  The application date will begin on 4 September 2024.

However,  deadline dates vary between US citizens and non-US residents. For US citizen residents, the application deadline is 11 October 2024, whereas for non-US citizens, the deadline is between 5 December and 4 January.

Here is a list of eligibility requirements for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship:

• Applicants must be a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
• Applicants must apply to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses of study – Ph.D.,  MSc, or MLitt or a one-year postgraduate course, whether full-time or part-time.
• Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA, but if the academic requirement of the course is a first, a minimum 3.7 GPA is required.

Before you apply, check if the Gates Scholarship is real or fake.

Benefits of UK Scholarships for Pakistani Students

Here are the benefits of UK scholarships for Pakistani students:

1. Quality Education

UK universities are renowned for their high-quality education and rigorous academic programs, providing students with a strong foundation for their future careers.

2. Diverse Cultural Experience

Studying in the UK exposes Pakistani students to a diverse and multicultural environment, allowing them to interact with people from all around the world and broaden their horizons.

3. Global Networking

UK scholarships offer opportunities to connect with fellow students, professors, and professionals from various backgrounds, helping students build a valuable global network that can benefit them in their careers.

4. Career Opportunities

A UK education can enhance employability and open up international job prospects, as degrees from UK universities are widely recognized and respected by employers worldwide.

5. Research Opportunities

Many UK universities are at the forefront of research in various fields. Scholarships might allow students to engage in cutting-edge research projects and contribute to advancements in their respective disciplines.

6. Financial Support

UK scholarships help alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs, making a UK education more accessible for Pakistani students.

How to Apply for UK Scholarships as a Pakistani Student

Here’s how to apply for UK scholarships as a Pakistani student:

1. Research

First things first,  look for scholarships that are open to Pakistani students specifically. Check the websites of UK universities, government-sponsored programs, private organizations, and scholarship databases.

2. Eligibility

Next,  you should carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship. Make sure you meet the academic, language proficiency, and any other requirements.

3. Choose Scholarships

Now, shortlist scholarships that align with your field of study and academic goals. Pay attention to application deadlines.

4. Prepare Documents

Ensure to gather all necessary documents like transcripts, certificates, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Some scholarships might also require standardized test scores like IELTS or TOEFL.

5. Application Form

Fill out the scholarship application form accurately and completely. Take your time and provide all the required information.

6. Personal Statement

Write a strong and compelling personal statement highlighting your achievements, aspirations, and reasons for applying. Tailor it to each scholarship if necessary.

7. Letters of Recommendation

Request letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or professionals who can speak to your abilities and character.

8. Submit Application

Complete the online application process as outlined by each scholarship. Ensure all required documents are uploaded.

9. Interviews

Some scholarships might require an interview. If you are selected, prepare for the interview by researching common interview questions and practicing your responses.

10. Follow Up

Keep track of the application deadlines and follow up if necessary. Make sure all documents have been received and your application is complete.

11. Wait for Results

Scholarship decisions can take time. Be patient and await communication regarding the outcome of your application.

12. Acceptance

If you’re offered a scholarship, carefully review the terms and conditions. Accept the offer by the specified deadline.

Conclusion

In summary,  there are several scholarship opportunities in the UK in 2024 for Pakistani students dreaming of studying outside their borders.  Education in the UK is expensive and runs into thousands of pounds per annum, which can be challenging for most students.

However,  the good news is that there are fully funded scholarships you can apply for that will cover every expense between 2 to 4 years of your study courses.  So you don’t need to worry. All you need to do is research available scholarships,  apply to as many as possible, and follow up to see which scholarship accepts your application.  Good luck to you!