The UK is renowned for its world-class universities and is a dream destination for many Pakistani students.The UK provides more than just a degree; it’s a multicultural experience that can change your life.What’s the best? You don’t have to be wealthy because Pakistani students can apply for a lot of fully funded scholarships.
Why Study in the UK?
The UK is a top choice for Pakistani students due to its world-class universities, shorter degree durations, and globally recognized qualifications. Students can work part-time during studies and apply for a post-study work visa after graduation.With fully funded scholarships like Chevening and Commonwealth, studying in the UK becomes more affordable and accessible.
The UK’s Flagship Award, the Chevening Scholarships
Funded by the UK FCDO, the Chevening Scholarship offers aspiring leaders from Pakistan a fully funded one-year Master’s degree at any UK university in any field.
What It Covers
- The entire cost of tuition
- Living allowance per month
- Flight back to the UK
- Allowances for arrival and departure
- Reimbursement of the visa application fee
Who Can Apply?
- Must be a Pakistani national.
- Possess a bachelor’s degree
- Possess a minimum of two years’ worth of work experience (2,800 hours) through employment, internships, or volunteer work.
- Excellent leadership abilities and a determination to return to Pakistan after completing one’s education
Required Documents:
- A passport that is valid
- Transcripts and certificates of education
- A pair of references
- An unconditional offer from a university in the UK (you can apply before receiving it)
- 4 personal essays are required.
Timeline
- Each year, applications typically open in August and close in early November.
- Interviews take place from February to April.
- Final judgments are made by June.
- September or October is when the course starts.
Commonwealth Scholarships
The UK’s Commonwealth Scholarships, funded by the CSC, support students from low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan who can’t afford to study in the UK.
What It Covers:
- Full cost of tuition
- Stipend per month (about £1,347 per month)
- Return travel expenses
- Allowance for warm clothing
- Study travel grant and thesis
Programs Covered:
- Master’s Degree (1 year)
- PhD Programs (3-4 years)
Who Can Apply?
- A Pakistani national or permanent resident is required.
- possess a first-class bachelor’s degree; a master’s degree is preferred for a PhD.
- Unable to pay for a scholarship to study in the UK
- Make plans to support Pakistan’s growth.
Required Documents:
- Certificates and transcripts of study
- Purpose Statement (SOP)
- Research proposal or study (for PhD)
- Two scholarly sources
- Evidence of citizenship in Pakistan
- TOEFL/IELTS (some universities may waive this)
Timeline:
- Applications are accepted in September and October.
- Deadlines typically occur in December.
- By June, the selection results will be made public.
University-Specific Scholarships in the UK
For Pakistani students, many UK universities provide fully or partially funded scholarships based on merit, leadership, need, or subject excellence, which lowers the cost of studying in the UK.
University of Oxford
The Reach Oxford Scholarship supports students from developing countries like Pakistan who can’t study locally due to economic, political, or educational challenges.
- Degree Level: Undergraduate only (Bachelor’s)
- Fields: Any subject except medicine
- Coverage:
- Full tuition fee
- College and living expenses
- Return airfare
Eligibility:
- Pakistani national
- Strong academic background
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must have applied and received admission to Oxford
Application Timeline:
- Apply to Oxford via UCAS by October 15
- Scholarship application opens in January
- Final deadline: Mid-February
How to Apply:
- Apply for admission through UCAS
- Once accepted, submit the Reach Oxford scholarship form via the Oxford Scholarships page
University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham offers several funding opportunities for Pakistani students, including fully funded Commonwealth Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships, and regional awards.
Key Details:
- Degree Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate
- Coverage:
- Up to £10,000 tuition fee discounts
- Additional awards based on academic merit
Eligibility:
- Pakistani student applying for full-time programs
- Excellent academic performance
- Meet program-specific entry requirements
Application Timeline:
- Entry deadlines vary by program, usually between January and June
- GREAT Scholarship deadline: typically late March
How to Apply:
- First apply to the degree program via Birmingham Admissions
- Then apply for scholarships via Scholarships for Pakistan
Scholarships by HEC
HEC Overseas Scholarships (Fully Funded for MS & PhD)
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan offers multiple Overseas Scholarships to students who wish to pursue MS, MPhil, or PhD programs abroad — including in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Pakistani/AJK national
- Minimum 16 years of education for MS/MPhil
- First division or 3.0 CGPA+ in previous degrees
- Valid HEC aptitude test score (HAT/GRE General)
- Field of study must be relevant to Pakistan’s national development needs
Timeline:
- Advertised once or twice a year
- Apply through https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk
Bond Requirement:
- All HEC-funded scholars must return to Pakistan after completing their studies and serve in Pakistan for a specific period (typically 3–5 years).
- The bond must be signed before departure and includes a legal financial guarantee.
Documents Required:
- Attested educational transcripts
- HEC attestation certificate
- Statement of Purpose
- University admission letter (if already available)
- CNIC, domicile, and passport
- Two reference letters
British Council’s Women in STEM Scholarships
These scholarships aim to empower women from South Asian countries, including Pakistan, to pursue postgraduate degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields.
Eligibility:
- Female Pakistani national
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM subject
- Not currently residing or studying in the UK
- Must show financial need
- Committed to promoting STEM in Pakistan after graduation
Timeline:
- Usually opens in February–March
- Deadlines vary by university (typically in April–May)
Where to Apply:
- Directly through participating university websites
- Check updates via British Council Pakistan
Step-by-Step Application Guide for UK Scholarships
When to Start – Timeline Planning
The scholarship journey starts much earlier than most students expect. Ideally, you should begin preparing at least 12–18 months before your intended UK intake.
Sample Timeline for September 2026 Intake:
| Month | What to Do |
|---|---|
| July–Sep 2025 | Research courses and scholarships, shortlist universities |
| Oct–Nov 2025 | Begin scholarship applications (Chevening, Commonwealth) |
| Dec–Jan 2026 | Finalize university applications |
| Jan–Mar 2026 | Prepare for interviews & submit missing documents |
| Apr–May 2026 | Get final decisions and scholarship awards |
| June–July 2026 | Apply for Tier 4 (Student) visa |
| Aug 2026 | Book flights, arrange accommodation |
| Sep 2026 | Fly to the UK and begin studies |
Starting early gives you more time to polish your application, improve your English skills, and prepare strong SOPs and references.
Required Documents – What You Need
Here’s a detailed checklist of documents most UK scholarships require:
| Document | Required For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport | All | Must be valid for at least 6 months |
| Academic Transcripts | All | Attested and up-to-date |
| Degree Certificates | All | Bachelor’s/Master’s depending on level |
| Personal Statement/SOP | All | Tailored for each scholarship |
| CV / Resume | All | Include achievements, skills, experiences |
| Letters of Recommendation | All | Academic and/or professional |
| Proof of English Proficiency | All | IELTS, TOEFL, or waiver letter |
| Admission Offer Letter | Some | Some scholarships require conditional or unconditional offers first |
| Research Proposal | PhD | Detailed proposal with methodology |
| Work Experience Letter | Chevening | Minimum 2 years required |
| Financial Documents | Some | Required for need-based funding |
Tip: Scan and organize all documents in folders by month so you can quickly upload or attach them when needed.
English Language Requirements
Most UK universities and scholarships ask for proof of English proficiency. The most accepted tests are:
| Test | Required Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0) |
| TOEFL iBT | 88–100+ |
| PTE Academic | 60–65+ |
| Duolingo (some unis) | 105–120+ |
Alternatives/Waivers:
- Some UK universities waive IELTS if you studied your previous degree in English and provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter.
- Check specific university requirements.
Tip: Take your English test at least 6 months before deadlines so you have enough time to retake it if needed.
English Language Requirements
Most UK universities and scholarships ask for proof of English proficiency. The most accepted tests are:
| Test | Required Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0) |
| TOEFL iBT | 88–100+ |
| PTE Academic | 60–65+ |
| Duolingo (some unis) | 105–120+ |
Alternatives/Waivers:
- Some UK universities waive IELTS if you studied your previous degree in English and provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter.
- Check specific university requirements.
Tip: Take your English test at least 6 months before deadlines so you have enough time to retake it if needed.
Visa Process for Scholarship Students
If you’ve secured admission and/or a scholarship, it’s time to apply for the UK Student Visa (Tier 4).
What You’ll Need:
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university
- Passport
- Financial proof (scholarship letter or personal bank statement)
- TB test certificate
- Visa fee: £490
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year
🎯 Application Steps:
- Fill visa application at gov.uk/student-visa
- Upload documents
- Book a biometric appointment at your nearest visa application center (VFS Global)
- Wait for a decision (usually 3 weeks)
What to Do After Receiving an Offer
Once your university and scholarship offer are confirmed:
- Accept the offer by replying to the university/scholarship email
- Submit missing documents if required
- Apply for a visa immediately
- Arrange accommodation (university dorms or private housing)
- Join university WhatsApp/Facebook groups
- Prepare for travel get health checkups, vaccinations, etc.
Pro Tip: Carry printed copies of all your documents while traveling.
Conclusion & Recap
We go over all steps of your UK scholarship journey in this last section of the guide, from selecting the best opportunity to getting your visa approved. Maintain your motivation and keep going even if you don’t succeed the first time. Inspiring success stories of Pakistani students who succeeded will also be shared, along with useful resources like YouTube channels, Facebook groups, and tools to help you along the way. Your UK dream is closer than you may have imagined, so don’t forget to get the free checklist and get applying wisely!
FAQS
Can I apply for multiple UK scholarships at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships (e.g., Chevening, Commonwealth, university-specific), but you must accept only one if selected for more than one fully funded award.
Do I need IELTS to apply for UK scholarships?
Most scholarships and universities require an English proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL, though some may waive it if your previous degree was in English and you provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate.
Are these scholarships available for undergraduate students from Pakistan?
Yes, scholarships like the Reach Oxford Scholarship offer fully funded support for undergraduate students. However, most fully funded options are available at the postgraduate level.
Do I have to return to Pakistan after completing my degree on scholarship?
For scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, or HEC, students are usually required to return and contribute to Pakistan’s development. Always check the specific terms of each scholarship.
What if I don’t get selected the first time?
Don’t give up! Many students are selected on their second or even third try. Use feedback, improve your SOP, gain more experience, and try again the next year persistence pays off.
