Many Pakistani students want to study in uk because British universities offer strong education, global recognition, and better career opportunities. But high tuition fees and living costs can make it difficult to afford. That’s why top scholarships in uk are a key option for students who need financial support. Fully funded programs like Chevening and Commonwealth can cover tuition, living expenses, and travel, while other awards may reduce tuition costs through university funding. In this guide, you will get clear information on the best scholarship options, IELTS alternatives like MOI, and how to apply for the latest intake.
Quick overview Table
| Scholarship | Level | Coverage | English test |
| Chevening | Master’s | Tuition + Stipend + Travel | NO Ielts required/ MOI accepted |
| Commonwealth | Master’s & PhD | Tuition + Stipend + Travel | |
| Gates Cambridge | Master’s & PhD | Tuition fees only | |
| Rhodes | Postgraduate | Tuition + Stipend + Travel |
4 Fully Funded UK Scholarships for Pakistani Students
Below is a clear list of fully funded UK scholarships, including the universities and subjects they support, the stipend you can expect, eligibility criteria, and how you can apply to take advantage of them—if you want to cut the fluff, save time, and improve your approval chances by up to 85%, contact best study abroad consultants in lahore for guidance, otherwise continue reading and apply on your own.
1) Chevening Scholarship (Fully Funded – Master’s)
The Chevening Scholarship is funded by the UK Government and supports outstanding Pakistani students for a one-year Master’s degree at any UK university. It is one of the most competitive and respected fully funded scholarships for future leaders. And below is the the coverage which include:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living stipend (approx. £1,200+ depending on location)
- Return airfare
- Visa costs and additional allowances
| Level | One-year Master’s degree |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Universities | All UK Universities |
| Application Deadline | Usually August – November (varies each year) |
| Work Experience | Minimum 2 years (2,800+ hours) |
| English Requirement | Fluency in english language |
| Ideal Candidate | Future leaders with strong goals and impact plan |
Eligibility Criteria for Chevening Scholarships
- Bachelor’s degree
- At least 2 years of work experience
- English proficiency (as required by your chosen university)
- Strong leadership and career vision
2) Commonwealth Scholarship (Master’s & PhD – Fully Funded)
Commonwealth Scholarships are founded by UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for students from Commonwealth countries like Pakistan who show academic strength and development impact. What It Covers are given below:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend (approx. £1,347)
- Airfare and travel expenses
Commonwealth Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Pakistani nationality
- 50–60% academic score minimum
- English proof required by university
- Strong academic and development-focused profile
Universities & Subjects Supported (Examples)
Commonwealth Scholarships support UK universities and a wide range of eligible courses. Below are examples from commonly listed participating universities and popular areas of study.
| Supported Universities | Commonly Supported Subjects |
| University of Oxford | Public Health |
| University of Cambridge | Data Science |
| Imperial College London | Cyber Security |
| University College London
(UCL) |
Global Health and Development |
| King’s College London | International Development |
| University of Manchester | Environmental Management |
| University of Warwick | Renewable Energy and Decarbonisation
Technologies |
| University of Edinburgh | Biomedical Engineering |
| University of Glasgow | Human Rights |
| University of Bristol | Education for Sustainable Futures |
Note: Universities and subjects can change by year and scheme, so always confirm from the official list for your intake.
3) GREAT Scholarships (Tuition Support for Pakistani Students)
GREAT Scholarships are supported by the UK Government (via FCDO) and the British Council. They are designed to help Pakistani students reduce the cost of a one-year postgraduate (Master’s) course in the UK. This scholarship is not fully funded, but it is one of the strongest tuition-support options and can make studying in the UK much more affordable.
What GREAT Scholarships Cover
- £10,000 toward tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate course
- Students usually pay living costs, travel, and other expenses on their own
Why It Matters
This award is a good choice if you have a strong academic profile but need tuition relief. It’s also helpful if you want to combine it with savings, family support, or other funding sources.
Eligibility
Each university sets its own criteria, but most commonly look for:
- Strong academic background
- Admission to an eligible postgraduate course
- A clear study plan and motivation
- English requirement as per university policy (some may accept MOI, others may require IELTS)
Universities Offering GREAT Scholarships
GREAT Scholarships are university-specific, and eligible for One-Year Postgraduate Courses.
| Anglia Ruskin University | Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford |
| Aston University | Lancaster University |
| Cardiff University | Nottingham Trent University |
| Durham University | Royal College of Art |
| Imperial College London | Sheffield Hallam University |
| Keele University | Teesside University |
| The University of Manchester | University of St Andrews |
| University of Glasgow | University of Strathclyde |
| University of Nottingham | University of the West of England |
| University of Reading | University of Warwick |
How and When to Apply
- Apply directly through the university’s official website
- Deadlines differ by university, so apply early and follow the exact instructions
4) PTDF Scholarship (Petroleum & Energy Fields – Fully Funded)
The PTDF Scholarship is a strong fully funded option for Pakistani students who want to study postgraduate programs related to petroleum, oil & gas, energy, and engineering at selected UK universities. It is designed for capable candidates who can contribute to industry growth and technical development.
What It Covers
- Full tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Travel costs
Eligibility
- 60% or above in Bachelor’s
- 50–59% may be considered with relevant industry experience
- Relevant academic or industry background in petroleum/energy fields
- IELTS is not always explicitly required by PTDF, but the university may require English proof (IELTS or accepted alternative)
Application Timeline: February – March (commonly opens for a limited window)
UK Universities Offering PTDF Scholarship
| University of Birmingham | University of Sunderland |
| University of Aberdeen | University of Strathclyde |
| University College London | University of Southampton |
| Robert Gordon University | University of Reading |
| Newcastle University | University of Portsmouth |
| Lincoln University | University of Nottingham |
| King’s College London | University of Manchester |
| Imperial College London | University of Liverpool |
| Heriot-Watt University | University of Kent |
| Durham University | University of Glasgow |
| Cranfield University | University of Dundee |
| Coventry University | University of Central Lancashire |
| Brunel University Pathway College |
Tip: PTDF fields and partner university lists can change, so always confirm the latest list and eligible programs from the official PTDF portal before applying.
Application Tips for 2026–27 Intake
Fully funded scholarships are applied for through official portals. If you need study abroad support and don’t know what to do, StudyWES is here to guide you and suggest the best path. Otherwise, follow these application tips below.
- Apply through official portals only
- Prepare transcripts, SOP (Statement of Purpose), references, and CV
- Contact universities directly to ask about IELTS waivers or MOI acceptance
- Highlight how your studies will benefit Pakistan’s development
- Track deadlines carefully
Key timelines to remember:
- Chevening: August – November
- Commonwealth: Around December (via HEC Pakistan)
- PTDF: February – March
Faqs
Can I apply to more than one UK scholarship at the same time?
Yes. You can apply to multiple scholarships (Chevening, Commonwealth, PTDF, university awards), as long as you meet each program’s rules and deadlines.
Which UK scholarships are best for Master’s students from Pakistan?
Choose Chevening or Commonwealth as your top options for a Master’s. Use GREAT Scholarships to reduce tuition costs, but don’t expect full funding from them.
How competitive are fully funded UK scholarships?
Highly competitive. Strong academics, a clear study plan, leadership evidence, and a well-written SOP can improve your chances
