The Fulbright Master’s and PhD Program offers financial support for postgraduate studies in the United States. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, this prestigious initiative provides comprehensive funding, including tuition fees, essential textbooks, airfare, a living allowance, and health insurance. Furthermore, the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) also facilitates the visa application process.
Masters Requirements
- Applicants must hold:
- A four-year Bachelor’s degree, or
- A combination of a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree that totals 16 years of formal education from an accredited institution.
- If you’re a recent graduate, do apply, except for:
- MBA candidates must have a minimum of two years of professional experience.
- Public Policy/Administration candidates must have a minimum of two years of professional experience.
PhD Requirements
- Applicants must hold:
- A Master’s, M.Phil., or an equivalent degree totalling at least 18 years of formal education from a recognized institution.
- Preference is given to candidates with professional experience in:
- Teaching
- Research
- Public sector roles in Pakistan.
GRE Test and Language Requirements
Both programs are open to all academic fields except clinical medicine. Applicants must take the GRE General Test and achieve a minimum score of 145 on each section, with a higher score expected in the section most relevant to their field of study. Additionally, shortlisted candidates must demonstrate advanced proficiency in English through the Duolingo English Test.
Bond of Agreement between the US and HEC Pakistan
The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) requires all successful candidates to sign an agreement. For PhD recipients, this includes a bond with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), mandating their return to Pakistan immediately upon program completion. PhD scholars must serve in Pakistan for a duration equivalent to their scholarship period, with a minimum service commitment of two years. You fulfill the bond on a year-for-year basis, ensuring that no repayment is required if you meet the service obligation.
Application Cycle and Timeline
Applications open annually in November, with a submission deadline around February. The process reviews and conducts interviews until August and announces results in mid-September. Universities finalize placements by February, conduct visa interviews until June, and begin departures to the U.S. in July, aligning with university start dates.
Eligibility Criteria
- Pakistani citizens with strong academics who reside in Pakistan and are committed to serving the country.
- Open to all fields except clinical medicine, with priority for energy, water, health, education, environment, and climate change.
- Master’s applicants need 16 years, and PhD applicants need 18 years of education from accredited institutions.
- Must complete the program without dependents if required.
Ineligibility
- Dual U.S./Pakistan nationals or those with immediate family (spouse, parent, or child over 18) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Employees or close relatives of Fulbright, U.S. Department of State, or USAID.
- Previous Fulbright award recipients for any degree program.
- Individuals currently studying in the U.S. or holding a work, residence, or student visa in any country.
Complete Application Package
- A duly filled application form.
- Three reference letters.
- GRE score report.
- Scanned transcripts, including an explanation of the grading scale from the issuing university. Applicants should preferably submit HEC-attested documents; however, they can also submit transcripts and degrees attested by the issuing authority at the time of application.
Applicants must submit all references and required documents online, as we do not accept paper applications. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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Selection Process
- Application Screening: We review applications for completeness and eligibility.
- Shortlisting: We evaluate eligible applications based on established criteria.
- Interviews: We interview shortlisted candidates (in-person or virtually) between June and August with panels comprising U.S. and Pakistani members.
- Final Selection: We choose finalists and alternates in September and notify them via email and official letter. We inform unsuccessful applicants by email.”
The Foreign Scholarship Board in Washington, D.C, grants final approval.
What does the scholarship include?
- Full funding for graduate studies, covering tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and airfare.
- USEFP provides visa process support.
Application Deadline: March 5, 2025
Important Links:
Apply here: http://usefp.org/scholarships/fulbright-degree.cfm
Graduate Record Examination Information: https://www.usefp.org/examination-services/gre.cfm
GRE Exam Preparation resources: https://www.usefp.org/examination-services/gre-preparation.cfm
Contact our EducationUSA Advising Centers: advising@usefp.org
Visit here for general FAQs: https://usefp.org/scholarships/fulbright-degree-FAQ.cfm
