UK scholarships for Pakistani students range from partial university awards to fully funded government programmes. The best known are GREAT Scholarships (£10,000 towards a one-year master’s), Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships. Here is what each offers and when to apply.
GREAT Scholarships Pakistan
Run by the British Council with UK universities, GREAT Scholarships give £10,000 towards tuition for a one-year taught postgraduate course. You must hold a Pakistani passport, live in Pakistan, have an undergraduate degree and meet the university’s English requirement. You apply to the participating university, and each university sets its own deadline – typically in spring for September entry.
Chevening Scholarship
Chevening is the UK government’s fully funded scholarship for a one-year master’s, covering tuition, a monthly living allowance and travel. Applicants need work experience and a clear plan to return and contribute in Pakistan. The 2027/28 round opened on 4 August 2026 and closes on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. The next round usually opens in August.
Commonwealth Scholarship
Commonwealth Scholarships fund master’s and PhD study in the UK. Pakistani applicants apply through the Higher Education Commission (HEC). For 2027/28 the HEC deadline is 20 October 2026. Master’s applicants need a first-division bachelor’s degree representing 16 years of education, PhD applicants a first-division master’s, MS or MPhil (17–18 years), and all applicants a HAT score of at least 60 out of 100. There is no upper age limit.
University scholarships for Pakistani students: examples
- Queen’s University Belfast: automatic undergraduate awards of £3,500–£4,000 and postgraduate awards of £2,000–£5,000 for eligible international students; the Pakistan Academic Excellence Award of £7,500 (5 awards, online application, deadline 17 July 2026 for 2026 entry); £6,000 Queen’s Business School scholarships.
- University of Nottingham – Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship: 50% or 100% of master’s tuition; Pakistan is an eligible country. The 2026/27 deadline has passed – watch for the 2027/28 round.
- University of Bristol – Think Big: tuition discounts for overseas master’s students; for September 2026 entry you needed an offer by 24 April 2026.
Amounts and deadlines change every year – we check the current round for each university on your shortlist.
Fully funded scholarships in the UK
Fully funded awards (Chevening, Commonwealth and some university or research council PhD studentships) are very competitive. Apply early, and apply for partial awards at the same time so you have a fallback.
University scholarships for international students
Many universities give international merit scholarships or early-payment discounts, often worth a few thousand pounds off the first year’s fee. They are usually awarded with your offer, based on your grades – some need a short application. These awards can make a lower-fee university even more affordable; see our cheapest universities in the UK list.
How to write a winning scholarship application
- Start 9–12 months before your intake – deadlines come before university deadlines.
- Show leadership and impact with specific examples, not general claims.
- Link your course to a clear career plan in Pakistan.
- Get strong references from people who know your work well.
- Prepare a good English test score if the scholarship asks for one.
UK scholarships for Pakistani students: our help
We match you with scholarships you are eligible for, plan your deadlines and give feedback on your statements. We also plan your funding so your visa evidence is ready if a scholarship covers only part of the cost – see our UK student visa guide.
Scholarship timeline for a September intake
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| August–October (a year before) | Chevening round opens and closes (2027/28 closes 6 October 2026); HEC Commonwealth deadline (20 October 2026); prepare references and essays. |
| October–December | Apply to universities early – many merit scholarships need an offer first. |
| January–April | GREAT and university scholarship deadlines; Chevening interviews. |
| May–July | Results; accept your offer, plan the remaining funds for your visa. |
Documents you will usually need
- Degree certificates and transcripts.
- A personal statement or scholarship essays.
- Two references (academic or professional).
- A CV showing work experience and leadership.
- English test results, if required.
- An offer letter from the university (for most university scholarships).
GREAT Scholarship universities
Participating universities change every year. Recent lists for Pakistan include University College London, the University of Manchester, the University of Bath, Cardiff University, the University of Glasgow and SOAS University of London. Check the British Council page for this year’s list and subjects before you apply.
Fully funded university scholarships
A few universities fund the full cost of study for outstanding international students: Gates Cambridge (University of Cambridge) and the Clarendon Fund (University of Oxford) cover tuition and living costs for postgraduate study. They are among the most competitive awards in the world and usually close in the autumn or winter before entry, often with the course application itself.
Masters scholarships for Pakistani students: realistic expectations
Most students fund their studies through a mix of family savings, a partial scholarship and part-time work. Fully funded awards are life-changing but go to a small number of applicants each year. A strong plan applies for several scholarships while budgeting as if none come through.
Figures checked on 3 October 2026. Official sources: GREAT Scholarships Pakistan · Chevening application timeline · Queen’s University Belfast – Pakistan scholarships · University of Nottingham – Developing Solutions. Rules change – we confirm the latest position at your consultation.
Reviewed by Yasir Khan, British Council registered consultant, LAMTANS Consultants. Last updated 3 October 2026.