Studying in the UK is a dream for many Pakistani students—but high tuition costs and living expenses can make it seem out of reach. Fortunately, a range of prestigious scholarships exists to support deserving applicants—from fully funded postgraduate awards to targeted grants and fellowships. This article provides a detailed look at the top scholarship options and guides you step by step on how to apply.
1. Top Scholarships Available to Pakistani Nationals
1.1 Commonwealth Scholarships
A flagship UK scholarship program specifically designed for applicants from Commonwealth countries like Pakistan, offering funding for master’s and PhD programs. Variants include:
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (including split-site and distance-learning options)
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
- Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
- Professional Fellowships
Benefits typically include full tuition, airfare, living allowances, warm clothing support, study/travel grants, and family allowances
1.2 GREAT Scholarships
Administered via the British Council’s GREAT Campaign, this program offers approximately £10,000 toward tuition for one-year postgraduate courses in participating UK universities, including Imperial College, University of Manchester, Durham, and Lancaster, among others
1.3 Chevening Scholarships
These fully funded scholarships are awarded for one-year master’s degrees across UK universities. They cover tuition, living expenses, airfares, and provide a stipend of around £3,000 per year. Applicants must demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and community impact
1.4 Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Offered by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, these scholarships fund graduate-level study at Cambridge. They cover full tuition, living costs, and travel, and require strong academic excellence, leadership potential, and intent to improve society
1.5 Clarendon Fund (University of Oxford)
All graduate applicants to Oxford are considered automatically—typically around 200 scholarships are awarded each year. It covers both tuition and living expenses
1.6 Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships (Oxford)
Designed for graduates from developing countries, this scholarship funds one-year master’s programs at Oxford, fully covering fees, living costs, and offering leadership training
1.7 Dawood Foundation Scholarship
Targeted at Pakistani students aiming for Cambridge, this merit-based scholarship covers tuition, travel, visa fees, and offers an annual living stipend of £15,000
1.8 Charles Wallace Pakistan Trust Scholarships
Designed for Pakistani PhD researchers, it offers a monthly stipend of £1,500 along with travel and visa support, though living costs and accommodation aren’t covered
1.9 HEC-Cambridge PhD Scholarship
A fully funded scholarship sponsored by HEC Pakistan and Cambridge University, supporting tuition, stipend, and airfare for PhD candidates
1.10 Additional Scholarships
- Sidney Perry Foundation: Grants for needy overseas students studying in the UK at undergraduate or graduate levels
- University of Nottingham (British Council GREAT): Example of targeted GREAT opportunities
- Kent Future Student Pakistan Scholarship: £5,000 tuition waiver for postgraduate students at the University of Kent
2. How to Apply: Step-by-Step Workflow
2.1 Research and Match Scholarships
- Identify scholarships matching your level of study (Master’s, PhD), field, and eligibility.
- Use the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) online portal for detailed info
- Check individual programs—GREAT scholarships are advertised via universities’ websites (e.g., British Council listing)
- Oxford and Cambridge scholarships (Clarendon, Gates, Weidenfeld-Hoffmann, Dawood, HEC-Cambridge) are accessed through graduate admissions systems.
2.2 Prepare Required Documents
Common requirements across scholarships include:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Passport or National ID Card (NIC)
- Statement of Purpose / Research Proposal
- Letters of Recommendation (usually 2)
- English proficiency proof (sometimes IELTS waived if criteria met)
2.3 Apply to Universities
You must first apply and receive an offer from a UK university. For many scholarships (Commonwealth, Clarendon, etc.), your university nomination or offer is a prerequisite
2.4 Follow Application Specifics
- Commonwealth applications go via national nominating agencies (HEC Pakistan) or directly on the CSC site. Deadlines are usually in December
- GREAT Scholarships require university-specific application, as listed on British Council portal
- Chevening uses its dedicated portal; ensure your leadership statement and work experience are highlighted
- Oxford/Cambridge scholarships: Their graduate admissions pages automatically consider applicants—for example, Clarendon is automatic, while Gates and Weidenfeld-Hoffmann require separate online questionnaires or interviews
2.5 Submit Applications Promptly
Submit before deadlines:
- Commonwealth: typically December
- GREAT: varies per university
- Kent Future: July
- HEC-Cambridge: around end-July
2.6 Prepare for Interviews and Follow-Up
Some scholarships include interviews or alumni engagement, like the GREAT Ambassador requirement
2.7 Visa and Pre-Departure
Upon award, start your student visa process. Scholarships like Commonwealth, Chevening, and HEC provide support letters or funds to confirm your enrollment.
3. Insider Perspective: Worth-It or Tough?
Some real students share their experiences:
“The UK doesn’t really offer any scholarships… especially the top-tier uni… Scholarships or financial aid for international students are exceptionally rare”
A master’s student who won a 100% scholarship remarks:
“Winning a 100% or 50% scholarship is definitely competitive… about 10 students win the 100% scholarship at Southampton every year”
These comments highlight the high stakes and intense competition—but also the life-changing potential.
In Summary
Here’s a quick overview:
| Scholarship | Level | Fully Funded? | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth | Master’s / PhD | Yes | Via CSC/HEC & university admission |
| GREAT | Master’s | Partial | University-specific via British Council |
| Chevening | Master’s | Yes | Chevening portal + university offer |
| Gates Cambridge | Graduate | Yes | Cambridge admission + scholarship application |
| Clarendon | Graduate | Yes | Automatic after Oxford application |
| Weidenfeld-Hoffmann | Master’s | Yes | Oxford graduate app + questionnaire/interview |
| Dawood Foundation | Master’s / PhD | Yes | Cambridge admission, apply via foundation |
| Charles Wallace Trust | PhD | Partial | Apply with UK research invitation |
| HEC-Cambridge | PhD | Yes | Through HEC & Cambridge application |
| University-specific (Kent, Nottingham, etc.) |