For countless Pakistani students and their families, the dream of studying abroad is a cherished goal. Whether the aim is higher academic standards, expanded career options, or simply the chance to live in a new culture, the pull of a foreign degree grows stronger every year. Yet the single biggest obstacle will always be funding.
At Glommi, we know and understand these worries firsthand. Sound funding plans and scholarships for Pakistani students that can clear the path to study opportunities at renowned universities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA.
In the guide that follows, our international education consultancy shows you every workable way to pay for your overseas studies without sacrificing your faith, your academic honesty, or your long-term financial stability.

Why Obtaining Scholarships for Pakistani Students Has Become a Necessity

Funding is not simply about paying the bills—it opens doors that would otherwise stay locked. Securing adequate funds has long been a cornerstone of study-abroad plans, yet in 2025, the issue looms larger than ever, especially for students from developing countries such as Pakistan. Here’s why funding your higher education has gotten increasingly complex:

1. Soaring Global Education Costs

Tuition fees at popular host institutions continue to rise faster than general inflation. Statistics Canada reports that international undergraduate fees in Canada have climbed 7.6% since 2018, highlighting the growing trend of inflationary fees.(Statistics Canada). In the United States, average yearly tuition at private colleges reached $41,540 in 2024, up 5% from the previous year (College Board).
UK institutions now charge international students as much as £38,000 annually, particularly in medicine, business, and engineering (UKCISA). Without generous scholarships or savings, a single mid-tier program could cost PKR 12 to 15 million (inclusive of tuition, housing, daily spending, etc.), an amount that places tremendous strain on most Pakistani families.

2. Lack of Proof of Funds Leading to Higher Visa Rejections

For living costs alone, Canada expects at least CAD 20,635 in cash, separate from tuition fees (IRCC). The United Kingdom asks for £1,334 to £1,023 a month over nine months (UKVI). Unclear or low balances remain a top reason study visas are turned down, especially for applicants from South Asia.

3. Increased Competition for Scholarships

World-leading awards such as Fulbright, Chevening, and ANU admit a highly selective number of potential candidates.
Many scholarships likewise weigh merit and talent alongside thorough proof of financial need, particularly from students whose families earn little. Candidates who submit complete funding plans, personal statements, realistic budgets, loans, and co-sponsors usually outpace peers for each prized place.

4. Shift Toward Self-Funded Education Models

Long-standing programs such as government and university grants and scholarships now lean toward self-financing, offering only partial support. Institutions generally expect candidates to prove fiscal independence except when they seek flagship, full-ride funding.
Scholars, therefore, need mixed budgets: grants, loans, on-the-job earnings, private savings, and, ideally, one or two modest, dependable awards.

5. Limited Access to Conventional Loans in Pakistan

Pakistani students trying to avail loans also actively grapple with:

Sky-high interest rates
The need for collateral demands
shortage of Shariah-compliant education financing.

6. Rupee Volatility and Currency Pressure

Since 2020, the Pakistani rupee has lost over 70% of its value against major currencies (State Bank of Pakistan), sharply inflating tuition fees and day-to-day expenses abroad. As a result, a degree priced at PKR 5 million three years ago may now demand PKR 8 to 9 million, not because overseas costs have surged but simply due to exchange-rate losses.
A Canadian study package priced at CAD 30,000 was roughly PKR 3.6 million in 2020, yet the same amount exceeds PKR 6.3 million in early 2025 because of today's exchange rates.In this climate, scholarships, crowdfunding, tuition waivers, and Glommi's loan guidance become lifelines.

7. Post-COVID Backlogs & Policy Tightening

Between 2024 and 2025, dozens of nations imposed strict visa restrictions and added quotas for international students following the pandemic.Proof of stable, long-term funding has turned into a near-mandatory immigration ticket in leading markets.

8. Equity & Access for First-Generation Students

HEC data suggests that over 60 percent of overseas applicants in 2023-24 were first-generation university entrants. Typically, Pakistani students applying abroad lack deep financial know-how or pathways to conventional capital. Targeted counsel and timely scholarships are vital if we want higher education to remain openly accessible and attainable.

Government & Bilateral Programs

Novel funding streams often sit unused, yet they suit disciplined Pakistani students who maintain a solid GPA and high academic stats:

1. HEC Overseas Scholarships

This scheme covers nearly all tuition for MS and PhD candidates, alongside a modest monthly stipend. Priority fields include IT, public policy, engineering, and health sciences.

2. Prestigious University-Specific Programs

These respected schemes cover full fees and also hand out monthly stipends, health coverage, travel costs, and, in some cases, language lessons such as IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo Test, etc. Every scheme has its own entry rules, deadlines, and paperwork. Most ask for a strong statement of purpose, solid grades, and, sometimes, evidence of leadership or community service. Awarded directly by universities, these grants are more selective but yield substantial returns

Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
For Master's and PhD work in fields aimed at development.Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA): Gives complete support for graduate studies, including visa fees, test costs, and health insurance.
Australia Awards Scholarships:
Wide-ranging, merit-based packages for study in key development areas.
Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford): Covers every expense and ranks among the world's most venerated leadership awards.

It is important to note that the success of attaining it hinges on stellar grades, a record of service, and a personal narrative that resonates. Glommi's advisers refine each application to match the strengths and story of every applicant.

Subject-Specific & Talent-Based Grants

In addition to need or merit, some awards appeal to particular passions or life stories:

Scholarships for women pursuing STEM, such as those offered by the Schlumberger Foundation.
Grants for art and design students from schools like Emily Carr or the Istituto Europeo di Design.
Awards for athletes or musicians who compete at the varsity or conservatory level.
Most of these packages blend tuition relief with mentoring and networking during or after study.

Financial Aid & Tuition Assistance

Most institutions set aside substantial budgets each year to support students who require help. Available paths include Merit and Need-Based Awards.

1. Merit-based aid

These are given automatically to applicants with strong GPAs, high SAT or GRE numbers, or an outstanding portfolio.

2. Need-based grants

These demand documentation of income, family circumstances, or a concise essay that describes why funds are essential.

3. Need-Blind Universities

Elite US schools such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford are need-blind for international candidates—your budget does not influence the university's decision.

3. Assistantships & Work-Study

Graduate students may compete for:

Teaching assistantships (TA) are most common in humanities and social science departments.
Research assistantships (RA) are often linked to STEM labs and funded grants led by a faculty member.

These roles usually freeze tuition charges and add a monthly paycheck, making them a key funding source for many.

Budgeting for International Scholarships for Pakistani Students

Pre-Departure Planning

Standardized tests GRE, IELTS, or the SAT, may cost between PKR 70,000 and PKR 120,000. Visa fees and health insurance typically start around PKR 100,000 and can rise higher. Lock in your first month's housing before you leave; securing a place remotely saves time on arrival. Airfares vary by season and destination, so book early for better fares.
Pro Tip: Rates shift daily. Work with Glommi early to lock in favorable currency rates and set up your international bank account.
Financial Requirements Estimate for Pakistani Students—Glommi Guide (2025)

Country	Proof of Funds (Living)	Annual Tuition	Total Estimated Funds for 1st Year
Study in the United Kingdom	£10,224–13,348 (Approx PKR 3.8–5M)	£10,000–38,000 (Approx. PKR 4.4–17.3 million), varies from university and degree to degree	£20,000–50,000 (Approx PKR 8–22.3 million)
Study in Australia	AUD 29,710 (Approx. PKR 4.2 million) for 12 months living expenses	AUD 20,000–50,000 (≈ PKR 2.8–7 million) depending on institution and course	AUD 50,000–80,000 (Approx PKR 7–11 million)
Study in Canada	CAD 20,635 (Approx PKR 2.5 million) for 12 months outside Quebec	CAD 30,000–40,000 (Approx PKR 3.6–5.2 million), depending on the university and program)	CAD 50,000–60,000 (Approx PKR 6–7.7 million)
Study in the United States	USD 15,000+ (Approx PKR 4.2 million) for visa proof of support (Prudent estimate)	USD 29,150 (public) – USD 41,540 (private) ≈ PKR 6.7–10 million	USD 45,000–60,000+ (Approx PKR 11–14 million)

Shariah-compliant (Halal) Student Loans

Commercial & Islamic Banking

Meezan Bank Education Finance

Meezan Bank, launched a project alongside the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) , continues its commitment to enhancing financial literacy through its participation in the National Financial Literacy Program (NFLP). In collaboration with the SBP’s Islamic Financial Literacy Program (IFLP), Meezan Bank aims to empower individuals with essential knowledge about financial products, particularly within Islamic banking, by using a diminishing Musharakah model that meets Shariah standards.

HBL Islamic Student Finance

HBL's Student Finance is a purpose-built loan that assists learners enrolled in HEC-recognized colleges and technical schools across Pakistan. The facility meets semester- or yearly tuition, academic, and other institutional charges as they arise. Prospective borrowers aged 18 to 45 must present a valid CNIC and proof of admission. Repayment, structured either short or long-term, may be handled by the student or a sponsoring parent. The product sits within a wider, state-backed scheme that partners HBL with leading banks, including NBP, UBL, MCB, and Askari Bank.

Government & NGO Funding

Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF) provides loans and grants on merit. Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund PPAF issues microloans to rural and low-income learners. Glommi’s Ethical Loan Network partners with approved halal lenders for clear repayment terms. Loans cover approved universities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Malaysia, the UK, and the United States, offering competitive rates and easy deferral.

Main Application Portals

Centralized platforms make applying for your undergrad or master's programs, grants, and financial aid quicker . Some of the most renowned application portals include:

UCAS (UK)
Common App (USA)
OUAC (Canada)
UAC (Australia)

Also, try Scholarship Universe, Fastweb, and Glommi's internal tracker.

Here is how other Pakistani candidates have secured scholarships:

Apply to multiple programs, up to fifteen submissions, to boost odds.
Draft a persuasive personal statement; Glommi’s editors can refine it.
Build a solid academic and extracurricular record from the start.
Connect with alumni; many will share leads or formally endorse you.
Search engines—ScholarshipPortal, Yocket, and Glommi’s database—reveal fresh leads.

Conclusion

Financing a study in major educational institutes located in Australia, Canada, the UK, or the USA is possible if you plan smart, stick to your budget, and follow clear advice. Grants, Sharia-compliant loans, part-time work, and tight cost control together form a stable funding chain.
The time to move is now.
Visit www.glommi.co to:

Take our funding-readiness quiz.
Schedule your tailored session.
Start drafting SOPs and scholarship forms.

Your overseas degree starts today with Glommi; funding support is always by your side.