Pursuing a PhD degree is a significant achievement that requires dedication, hard work, and financial resources. For Pakistani students who are interested in pursuing a PhD degree, scholarships can provide a valuable opportunity to fund their academic and research goals.
PhD scholarships for Pakistani students are available from various sources, including government agencies, universities, and private organisations. These scholarships can help cover the costs of tuition, living expenses, and other associated costs of pursuing a PhD program.
In this article, we will discuss the various PhD scholarship opportunities available for Pakistani students and their eligibility criteria.
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Top 8 PhD scholarships for Pakistani Students 2025
Pursuing a PhD degree can be a significant challenge for students in Pakistan, particularly due to the high cost of tuition, living expenses, and research costs. To address this challenge, various PhD scholarship opportunities are available for Pakistani students, providing financial assistance to support their academic and research goals.
There are many PhD scholarships available for Pakistani students. The top 8 PhD scholarships for Pakistani students are:
1. HEC Overseas Scholarship
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan offers the HEC Overseas Scholarship to Pakistani students who wish to pursue doctoral studies abroad. The scholarship is open to students from all fields of study, including engineering, sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities, and agriculture.
To be eligible, students must have completed a minimum of 18 years of education (e.g., a Master's degree) and have a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 (out of 4.0) or equivalent. Additionally, students must have a valid GRE (General) score and a valid IELTS/TOEFL score, if the language of instruction is English. The scholarship covers the costs of tuition, living expenses, and research, and it is awarded on a merit basis.
Also read: PhD abroad with scholarships (for Indian students)
2. Commonwealth Scholarship
The Commonwealth Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship offered to Pakistani students by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. This scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to Pakistani students who wish to pursue a PhD degree at a recognized university in the Commonwealth countries.
The Commonwealth Scholarship comes with a wide range of benefits, including a full tuition fee waiver, a stipend for living expenses, and financial support for travel and research costs. The scholarship also includes access to an array of support services and mentorship networks, as well as the opportunity to take part in additional training and professional development activities.
Also read: PhD in USA without GRE
3. Fulbright Scholarship
The Fulbright Scholarship Program is a prestigious, merit-based scholarship funded by the US government and designed to promote the international exchange of knowledge and skills between the US and other countries. Pakistani students have been eligible to apply for the Fulbright Scholarship since 2005. The Fulbright Scholarship Program offers a range of opportunities for Pakistani students to pursue postgraduate studies in the US.
The Fulbright Scholarship Program covers tuition, living costs, and health insurance for the duration of the student’s stay in the US. Pakistani students can choose from a wide range of disciplines and universities to pursue their studies. They must also demonstrate proficiency in English and prepare for the GRE or GMAT examinations.
Also read: Best country for Pakistani students to study abroad
4. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for Pakistani students is a prestigious and highly competitive scholarship program that enables Pakistani students to pursue their PhD studies at leading universities in Europe. The scholarship is funded by the European Commission and is only available to eligible Pakistani students.
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for Pakistani students covers the full tuition fees and other expenses such as living and travel costs associated with studies in Europe. The scholarship also provides the student with a monthly allowance to cover the costs of living and other expenses. This allowance is usually between 1000-1500 EUR per month.
Also read: Australian Scholarships for Pakistani Students
5. DAAD Scholarship
The DAAD Scholarship for Pakistani Students is a scholarship programme funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). It was established in 2006 to provide financial assistance to Pakistani students in order to pursue studies in Germany. DAAD Scholarships are available for graduate (Master’s and PhD) and postdoctoral studies, as well as for research stays and German language courses.
The scholarship is open to Pakistani students and researchers from all fields of study and research. The DAAD Scholarship for Pakistani Students covers all the costs associated with study in Germany, including tuition, travel, health insurance and a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. The scholarship also provides additional support for language courses and research trips.
Also read: UK Scholarships for Pakistani Students
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6. Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship is a fully funded international scholarship program for Pakistani students, sponsored by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding professionals from a wide range of fields, including business, science, technology, media, law, finance, and engineering.
Chevening Scholars from Pakistan are provided with a full tuition fee waiver, a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, and a return airfare from Pakistan to the UK. In addition, the scholarship provides a range of additional benefits, such as access to the Chevening Alumni Network, a mentoring scheme, and the opportunity to take up internships and fellowships.
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7. Turkish Government Scholarship
The Turkish Government Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program offered to Pakistani students to pursue PhD studies in Turkey. The aim of the scholarship is to foster stronger ties between Pakistan and Turkey and to promote the development of future leaders in both countries.
The scholarship is offered to Pakistani nationals who demonstrate outstanding academic and research potential. The program covers full tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance and other expenses related to the study. It also provides a monthly stipend to cover living expenses and additional support for research activities.
Also read: UK Scholarships for Pakistani Students
8. Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program
The Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program offers scholarships to students from developing countries, including Pakistan, who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in economics, management, science and technology, or other development-related fields.
The Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program provides full tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and travel costs to and from study locations. The scholarship is awarded for up to three years, depending on the length of the doctoral program. The scholarship can be renewed each year, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
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Pursuing a PhD degree can be a challenging yet rewarding experience for Pakistani students. The availability of PhD scholarships provides a crucial opportunity for students who may face financial barriers to achieving their academic and research goals. Scholarships not only help cover the costs of pursuing a PhD program but also provide opportunities for students to gain valuable research experience and build professional networks.
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Frequently asked questions
1. What is a PhD scholarship?
A PhD scholarship is a financial award provided to students who wish to pursue a PhD degree. The scholarship covers the costs of tuition, living expenses, and other associated costs of pursuing a PhD program.
2. Who is eligible for PhD scholarships in Pakistan?
Eligibility for PhD scholarships in Pakistan varies depending on the specific scholarship program. Some scholarships may be available only to Pakistani citizens, while others may be open to international students as well. Generally, applicants must have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field of study and meet other academic criteria.
3. What are the benefits of a PhD scholarship for Pakistani students?
PhD scholarships provide financial support for Pakistani students to pursue their academic and research goals. They help cover the costs of tuition, living expenses, and other associated costs of pursuing a PhD degree. In addition, PhD scholarships often provide opportunities for students to gain valuable research experience and build professional networks.
4. How can I find PhD scholarships for Pakistani students?
There are many sources of PhD scholarships for Pakistani students, including government agencies, universities, and private organisations. Students can search online for scholarship opportunities or consult with their academic advisors or career counsellors for guidance.
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