Scholarships can help Pakistani students looking to study in the UK pay tuition fees and potentially cover some living expenses and travel costs. Specific programmes have specific eligibility requirements, documents and deadlines.
If you are researching UK scholarships for Pakistani students, start early. Some 2027 scholarship dates are already published, while others have not yet been announced. You should never treat a previous year’s closing date as a confirmed 2027 deadline. Always check the official scholarship provider before submitting an application.
As last updated in September 2026, this guide covers major funding options, university scholarships, eligibility, benefits, documents, deadlines and application tips.
Types of UK Scholarships for Pakistani Students
UK scholarships fall into three broad categories.
Fully funded scholarships
Fully funded scholarships can cover most major study costs. Two of these are the Chevening and Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships. The awards may cover tuition, living expenses, travel and other expenses, depending on the award.
Partially funded scholarships
Partial awards normally reduce tuition rather than paying for the whole degree. A university may offer a fixed fee reduction, such as £2,000, £4,000 or £7,000. These scholarships can still make a significant difference to your budget, but you should plan how to pay the remaining tuition and living costs.
University-specific awards
UK universities often create scholarships for international students or applicants from particular countries. Some are merit-based, while others depend on the course, level of study, location or nationality. They may be automatic after an offer or require a separate application.
You can also read our guide to Study in the UK from Pakistan: Complete 2027 Guide
Major UK Scholarships for Pakistani Students in 2027
Chevening Scholarship
Chevening is a UK Government scholarship for future leaders and is available to eligible Pakistani applicants. The 2027–28 application cycle is currently open. For Pakistan, applications close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Applicants must be citizens of an eligible country, commit to returning to the country of award for at least two years, hold a qualifying undergraduate degree and have at least 2,800 hours of post-degree work experience. Eligible work experience may include employment, volunteer and internship activities.
The award covers tuition, economy travel, arrival and departure allowances, visa costs, a TB-testing contribution where required, a travel top-up and monthly living allowance. Rates are dependent on location and may change annually.
Applicants must select three eligible UK master’s courses and receive an unconditional offer from at least one of these courses by the official deadline.
Official sources: Pakistan (Chevening Scholarship), Chevening eligibility criteria, and Application timeline | Chevening
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers Master’s Scholarships for eligible citizens of low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including Pakistan. The 2027/28 application window is scheduled to open on 8 September 2026 and close at 16:00 BST on 20 October 2026.
These awards support full-time taught master’s study linked to the programme’s development themes. The CSC states that awards cover approved tuition fees, return airfare, a living allowance and other approved support. Current published funding rates can change, so applicants should rely on the award terms for their intake.
Eligibility depends on the specific programme. For the Commonwealth Master’s route, applicants generally need a relevant first degree and must be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship. Candidates are assessed on academic merit and development impact, with study plans also considered for master’s applications.
Pakistan is listed among eligible Commonwealth countries, but applicants must follow the current programme and nominating-agency requirements.
Official sources: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships – Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK and HEC Announcements Commonwealth Scholarship Programme (Master’s & PhD) for Academic Year 2027-28
GREAT Scholarships
GREAT Scholarships are jointly funded by the UK Government’s GREAT Britain Campaign, the British Council and participating UK universities. They normally provide at least £10,000 towards tuition for one-year taught postgraduate courses.
Pakistan is on the list of eligible countries. In the 2026–27 cycle, several universities participated, including Cardiff University, City St George’s, Keele University, Northumbria University, Robert Gordon University, SOAS, The University of Manchester, UCL, the University of Bath, the University of Glasgow, the University of Leicester and the University of Portsmouth.
Applicants must be Pakistani passport holders and permanent residents, hold an undergraduate degree, be interested in the proposed subject, and meet the University’s English-language requirement. Meanwhile, scholars are expected to actively participate in the programme and keep in touch with the British Council and the university.
The 2026–27 Pakistan page cannot confirm a 2027 deadline or university list. Check the official Study UK Pakistan page and individual university pages when 2027–28 information is published.
Official Sources: Pakistan | Study UK and GREAT Scholarships | Study UK
UK Scholarships for Pakistani Students at Universities
Alongside major national programmes, Pakistani students should check university funding pages. These awards are often partial and may be linked to academic performance, course choice or nationality.
The University of Manchester has already released the information for 2027 for Pakistani students. It offers over 350 international awards for students who plan to start in September 2027, and over £6 million in total scholarship funding in participating countries. The award for South Asian master’s level applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is £12,000 as a tuition fee discount.
For the master’s award, applicants must be international fee-paying students domiciled in Pakistan, hold an eligible full-time, on-campus master’s offer by 25 April 2027 and submit the scholarship application by the same date.
Manchester also offers undergraduate Global Futures awards up to £36,000 over three years to a selected group of applicants from South Asia.
Bristol’s Think Big scheme offered postgraduate awards of £6,500, £13,000 and £26,000 for 2026 entry. These are not finalised 2027 awards.
The 2026–27 GREAT programme included universities such as UCL, SOAS, Cardiff, Bath, Leicester and Northumbria. Check both the national and university pages.
Official sources: Scholarships | Information for students from Pakistan | The University of Manchester, Global Futures Scholarship | International | The University of Manchester, and International scholarships | International students | University of Bristol
Scholarship Eligibility: What Do You Usually Need?
The eligibility for the scholarship will depend on the scholarship, but generally Pakistani Students should check:
Academic record: Some awards require a high grade in the undergraduate program or a certain classification. Commonwealth and Chevening have set academic requirements, but the University may have its own.
Nationality and residency: Some scholarships require Pakistani citizenship and/or permanent residence in Pakistan. For instance, GREAT mentions Pakistani passport holders and permanent residents.
Course and study level: Check whether the award is for undergraduate, master’s or PhD study. Chevening is typically for one-year taught master’s courses, while Commonwealth Master’s is for full-time taught master’s courses.
Work experience: For the current cycle (2027-28), Chevening expects at least 2,800 hours of work experience after completion of your undergraduate degree.
Financial need: Commonwealth Master’s applicants must be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship.
English language: You must meet the English requirement set by the university or scholarship. A scholarship award does not automatically remove a university’s language requirement.
Documents Required
Depending on the programme, the following may be required:
Passport or identity information
Academic certificates and transcripts
Evidence of work experience (if applicable)
CV or employment history
Personal statement or scholarship essays
Course Selection/University Information
Reference/recommendation letters
English-language evidence where required
Information for research proposal and supervisor for relevant PhD awards
HAT result for the HEC Commonwealth process
Any additional financial, residency or eligibility evidence requested by the scholarship
Don’t upload incorrect, incomplete or altered files. Incorrect or incomplete information may lead to rejection or disqualification.
Application Process and Deadlines
A sensible scholarship process is:
Shortlist awards that match your degree level, subject, nationality, residence and experience.
Check the official deadline, time zone and submission system.
Confirm that your preferred university and course are eligible.
Prepare transcripts, certificates, references and other evidence.
Answer each question directly with specific examples.
Submit early so missing documents or technical problems can be fixed.
For the 2027–28 cycle, Chevening’s confirmed closing date is 6 October 2026. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships have a confirmed 8 September to 20 October 2026 application window. GREAT’s 2027–28 Pakistan dates have not yet been officially announced on the current British Council page.
University deadlines differ. Manchester currently lists 30 March 2027 for eligible undergraduate Global Futures applications and 25 April 2027 for master’s applicants. Cardiff lists 30 June 2027 for the relevant undergraduate scholarship. Check each university before applying.
How to Write a Strong Scholarship Application
Respond directly to each question on the scholarship application rather than repeat your CV. Demonstrate evidence: describe actions, problems encountered, actions taken and outcomes.
Connect your previous experience, proposed course and future goals. Describe the value of your course to your plans and how you will apply your learning after you graduate.
Give clear examples from education, work, voluntary activities or projects, wherever possible, including measurable outcomes. If it’s an award that focuses on leadership, show leadership through real-life experience. In Commonwealth, be sure to relate your study to development challenges and desired effects.
Answer each part of the question within the word limit. Edit for clarity; maintain an honest and personal application.
Common Mistakes and Rejection Reasons:
Applications can fail at different stages. Common problems include:
Applying despite not meeting an eligibility rule
Missing the deadline or submitting in the wrong system
Giving inaccurate academic or employment information
Using generic essays that could apply to any applicant
Failing to answer every part of a question
Weak or unclear career goals
Providing examples without explaining the result
Ignoring course-specific requirements
Submitting incomplete documents
Exceeding word limits
Using copied or AI-generated material where prohibited
Treating a scholarship as guaranteed funding before receiving an award
Some programmes screen applications for eligibility before assessment. Chevening, for example, states that ineligible applications are rejected and that applications are screened for plagiarism. This makes accuracy and originality essential.
Can Students Apply for Multiple Scholarships?
Students can certainly apply to several scholarships, but the rules vary. If you are applying for a scholarship, you don’t have to exclude a second scholarship. There are some awards, however, that can’t be mixed and matched with certain funding streams or may need to be self-funded.
For instance, Manchester scholarship terms will not allow certain awards to be held simultaneously. In addition, Chevening will accept only one Chevening Scholarship application per application time.
Read the funding and exclusivity conditions for every award before accepting funding.
FAQs
Can Pakistani students get fully funded UK scholarships?
Yes. Pakistani students can apply for eligible fully funded programmes such as Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships. Eligibility, selection and available awards vary by programme and year.
What is the best UK scholarship for Pakistani students?
There is no single scholarship that suits everyone. The most suitable choice will be based on your level of study, course, academic standing, work experience, finances, and future goals. Check the official eligibility and funding requirements before applying.
Is Chevening available for Pakistani students?
Yes. Chevening has announced the Pakistan application cycle 2027-28. The application will open on 4 August 2026 and close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
What is the last date of the Commonwealth Scholarship in Pakistan?
For the 2027–28 cycle, the CSC deadline is 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST. HEC Pakistan also lists 20 October 2026 at 4:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time. Applicants must complete both required applications.
How much does a GREAT Scholarship provide?
For the 2026–27 programme, GREAT Scholarships provide £10,000 towards tuition for selected one-year taught postgraduate courses. The 2027–28 Pakistan programme details have not yet been confirmed on the current British Council page.
Can undergraduate students apply for UK scholarships?
Yes. Some university scholarships are available to international undergraduate students. Major government programmes such as Chevening are for postgraduate study, so check the study level carefully.
Do I need IELTS for a UK scholarship?
It depends on the scholarship and university. Some scholarships state that applicants must meet the university’s English-language requirement. Check the course and scholarship rules rather than assuming that IELTS is always compulsory or always waived.
Do I need a university offer before applying for a scholarship?
Sometimes. The process differs by programme. Chevening allows applicants to apply before holding an unconditional offer, but an unconditional offer from an eligible course is required by its later deadline. Some university scholarships require an offer before the scholarship application, so always check the specific rules.
Conclusion
When comparing UK scholarships for Pakistani students, accurate information and early planning are essential. Compare funding types, check eligibility and record deadlines early.
For 2027 entry, some important dates are already confirmed, including the Chevening and Commonwealth windows, while other programmes are still waiting for their 2027 announcements. Do not use an old deadline as proof of a future closing date.
If you need help choosing suitable UK universities, understanding scholarship requirements or preparing your study plan, The Providers Global can help you review your options and application requirements. You can also explore our guides on UK Student Visa Requirements for Pakistani Students in 2027 and Cheapest UK Universities for Pakistani Students.
Scholarships are competitive, and no consultant, university or adviser can guarantee funding, admission or visa approval. Always confirm the final scholarship conditions with the official provider before applying or making financial commitments.
Contact The Providers Global to discuss your study abroad plans.