Applications for the keenly awaited 2026 Fulbright scholarship for Master’s and PhD level studies opened in December 2024, with the closing date set for March 5. The announcement received wide press coverage.
Building bridges
Funded by the United States Government, the Fulbright Program is the largest academic exchange initiative globally. This coveted scholarship supports graduate studies in the United States, covering tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and air fare.
“Fulbright is a merit-based program, so I urge students and young professionals from across the country to apply, especially those in under-served areas. It is a holistic application process, which means we see not only the achievements of the applicants but also their current hardships and future potential,” said USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar. “There is nothing quite like this scholarship – Fulbrighters form an unparalleled network of changemakers and doers in Pakistan.”
Since 2005, the Fulbright Program in Pakistan has awarded nearly 3,000 fully funded scholarships to talented students, enabling them to complete their graduate studies and contribute significantly to Pakistan’s public and private sectors. The impact of these alumni can be assessed by the continued efforts to enhance their communities with the knowledge and skills gained during their time in the United States.
The fine print
USEFP invites applications from Pakistani students and professionals across various disciplines, including energy, water, agriculture, health, education, environmental science, and climate change. Although the program does not accept applications for clinical medicine, it strongly encourages submissions in non-clinical public health areas.
To be eligible, applicants must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with a minimum score of 145 in both the Verbal and Quantitative sections. The selected candidates will be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to demonstrate their English language proficiency.
Contenders must apply online.
