Studying in the United Kingdom is a dream for many Pakistani students due to the country’s world-class education system, globally recognized degrees, and diverse cultural exposure. However, the cost of studying abroad can be a major hurdle. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships available for Pakistani students to study in the UK in 2025. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and more, making it easier for talented students to achieve their academic goals.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Scholarships for Pakistani Students to Study in the UK (2025) that can help turn your dream into reality.
1. Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships funded by the UK government. It is offered to outstanding students with leadership potential from across the globe, including Pakistan.
What It Offers
Chevening covers full tuition fees, monthly living allowance, economy class return airfare, and additional grants. It supports one-year master’s programs at any UK university. The selection is highly competitive and based on academic excellence and leadership potential.
Requirements
- Hold a bachelor’s degree
- At least two years of work experience
- Demonstrate leadership qualities
- Have an unconditional offer from a UK university
How to Apply
Visit the official Chevening website (chevening.org) and create an account. Submit your academic documents, references, and personal statement. Applications open in August and close in early November each year.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) offers scholarships to students from developing Commonwealth countries, including Pakistan. It aims to support students who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK.
What It Offers
This scholarship covers tuition fees, airfare, and a generous monthly stipend. It is available for Master’s and PhD programs. Applicants must demonstrate academic merit and a commitment to contribute to their home country’s development.
Requirements
- A first-class undergraduate degree
- Not already studying in the UK
- Strong academic background
- Proof of financial need
How to Apply
Apply online via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) portal. You must also be nominated by HEC Pakistan through their online portal. Deadlines are typically in October.
3. GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarships are jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and UK higher education institutions. These are designed specifically for Pakistani students wishing to pursue postgraduate education in the UK.
What It Offers
Each scholarship is worth a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees. Dozens of UK universities participate in this scheme, offering a wide variety of courses. The application is straightforward, and students are selected based on academic merit and potential.
Requirements
- Have a strong academic background
- Meet the English language requirement of the UK university
- Receive an offer from a participating UK university
How to Apply
Visit the British Council Pakistan website or the scholarship page of the partner universities. Apply directly to the university and indicate your interest in the GREAT Scholarship.
4. Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships
If you’re interested in studying in Scotland, the Saltire Scholarships are an excellent opportunity. Offered by the Scottish Government in collaboration with Scottish universities, these scholarships target students from select countries, including Pakistan.
What It Offers
The scholarship awards up to £8,000 towards tuition fees for one-year postgraduate Master’s programs. It encourages students to become future leaders and contribute to global change. Strong academic background and leadership qualities are essential.
Requirements
- Pakistani citizenship
- Meet the academic entry requirements of the university
- Prove the ability to fund remaining tuition and living expenses
- Showcase leadership and ambition
How to Apply
Apply through the Saltire Scholarship portal once you have an offer from a participating Scottish university. The application includes personal statements and reference letters.
5. Charles Wallace Pakistan Trust Scholarships
The Charles Wallace Pakistan Trust (CWPT) offers scholarships to mid-career professionals and students from Pakistan to study and undertake training in the UK.
What It Offers
The scholarship covers living costs, tuition fees, visa fees, and a contribution towards airfare. It supports short-term research and professional development programs in fields like arts, heritage, and humanities. Preference is given to those who haven’t studied in the UK before.
Requirements
- Pakistani citizen aged between 30–55
- Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience
- Not studied in the UK before
- Be committed to returning and contributing to Pakistan
How to Apply
Application forms are available through the British Council Pakistan website. You’ll need to submit a CV, statement of purpose, and references.
6. University of Oxford Scholarships (Reach Oxford & Clarendon)
Oxford University provides multiple scholarships for international students, including those from Pakistan. Two of the most prominent ones are Reach Oxford and Clarendon Scholarships.
What It Offers
The Reach Oxford Scholarship is aimed at undergraduates from low-income countries and covers tuition fees, living costs, and one return airfare. The Clarendon Scholarship, for graduate students, offers full tuition and a generous stipend. Both are highly competitive.
Requirements
- Academic excellence
- Financial need (for Reach Oxford)
- Admission to the University of Oxford
- English proficiency
How to Apply
Apply to the University of Oxford by the early January deadline. If eligible, you will be automatically considered for Clarendon. Reach Oxford requires a separate scholarship application through the university portal.
7. University of Cambridge Scholarships (Cambridge Trust)
The Cambridge Trust offers a wide range of scholarships to international students, including fully funded options for Pakistani students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
What It Offers
Scholarships may cover full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. Pakistani applicants applying through standard Cambridge admissions channels are automatically considered. Academic merit and research potential are key selection factors.
Requirements
- Admission to a Cambridge program
- Strong academic background
- Financial need (for certain scholarships)
How to Apply
Apply for admission to the University of Cambridge via the university’s application portal. You will be automatically considered for Cambridge Trust scholarships.
8. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and generous scholarships globally. It is open to international students, including those from Pakistan.
What It Offers
The scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge University, including tuition fees, maintenance allowance, airfare, and visa fees. It also provides additional discretionary funding for academic development. Leadership potential and a commitment to improving lives are crucial.
Requirements
- Non-UK citizen
- Excellent academic record
- Admission to a full-time postgraduate course at Cambridge
- Leadership potential
How to Apply
Apply for a course at the University of Cambridge and tick the Gates Cambridge Scholarship option. Submit a separate Gates essay and references through the application portal.
9. University-Specific Scholarships (Various UK Universities)
Many UK universities offer scholarships specifically for Pakistani students as part of their internationalization efforts. Some popular options include those from University of Warwick, University of Manchester, University of Birmingham, and University of Bristol.
What It Offers
These scholarships vary widely and may include partial to full tuition fee waivers, living allowances, and other benefits. They often require separate applications, so students should check each university’s international scholarships page.
Requirements
- Offer of admission
- Academic excellence
- Statement of purpose
- English proficiency
How to Apply
Check the international scholarships section of each university’s website (e.g., University of Warwick, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham). Apply for admission first, then follow the scholarship instructions.
10. British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM (For Female Students)
This scholarship is aimed at women from South Asia, including Pakistan, who want to pursue postgraduate study in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the UK.
What It Offers
Funded by the British Council, this program covers full tuition, travel costs, visa, health coverage, and a monthly stipend. It empowers Pakistani women to pursue leadership roles in STEM industries. The scholarship also includes English language support if needed.
Requirements
- Be a woman from Pakistan
- Hold a degree in a STEM field
- Demonstrate financial need and leadership potential
- Receive an offer from a UK university in an eligible STEM subject
How to Apply
Applications are submitted directly to the partner universities. Visit the British Council Pakistan website for the latest list of participating institutions and programs.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship
1. Start Early and Apply on Time
Begin your research at least one year before your intended intake. Most top scholarships have deadlines 6–12 months before the course start date. Starting early gives you enough time to prepare documents and polish your application.
2. Write a Strong Personal Statement
Most scholarships require a personal statement or statement of purpose. Use this to show your academic passion, leadership skills, career plans, and why you deserve the scholarship. Be authentic and focused.
3. Secure Strong References
Choose referees who know your academic or professional background well and can vouch for your achievements and character. A detailed, positive reference can make a big difference in the selection process.
4. Highlight Leadership and Community Work
Many UK scholarships favor candidates with leadership experience or community involvement. Showcase any initiatives, volunteer work, or roles where you made a tangible impact.
Final Thoughts
Winning a scholarship to study in the UK can change your life. It gives you access to world-class education, global networks, and opens doors to international careers. With the right research, preparation, and determination, Pakistani students have a great chance to win one of these prestigious awards in 2025.
Whether you’re interested in STEM, arts, social sciences, or business, there’s likely a scholarship available to support your journey. Be proactive, stay motivated, and apply widely!
Have questions or need help applying for a UK scholarship in 2025? Leave a comment below or contact us directly – we’re here to help you succeed!
