Every year, selecting the Fulbright student cohort requires significant effort – and this year, too, was no exception. Our programs department received 1,190 applications from 135 universities across the country. Of these, 88 were chosen: 70 for master’s and 18 for PhD programs.
A meticulous process
To hone in on the most deserving candidates from over a thousand applications, the department conducted 174 interviews with 22 interview panels. Volunteers from the U.S. Embassy and Pakistani Fulbright alumni helped complete this task.
During the many months it took, our team continued to be guided by the goal of achieving as much regional and gender balance as possible. Of the nominees, 44% are women and almost half belong to remote or underserved areas.
We have high hopes for the chosen candidates and wish them the best of luck!
Seeing off the 2024 cohort
This quarter coincides with Fall semester in the United States, so we saw many send offs, including that of our fantastic 2024 Fulbright cohort. To ensure these departing students were well-equipped to navigate the academic landscape and immerse themselves in American culture, the programs department organized a two-day pre-departure orientation in Islamabad.
U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald A. Blome, congratulated the 120 students and scholars on receiving the prestigious scholarship. The group also included participants in the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program.
“You have made it through an incredibly competitive application process and you should be proud of your achievement,” Ambassador Blome said. “I’m especially pleased to see such a diverse group of Fulbright participants here, representing the many geographical regions of Pakistan and different walks of life.”
USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar encouraged them to take full advantage of their time in the United States.
“The Fulbright scholarship is a life-changing opportunity that opens doors to world-class education and research opportunities. Through this program, you will gain access to renowned faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and a diverse academic environment that encourages innovation and creativity. You will also make friendships that will last a lifetime and further people-to-people ties between our two countries,” she said.
