The USAID Scholarship 2025 is a golden opportunity for financially challenged yet academically deserving students in Pakistan, especially female candidates, to pursue higher education. In collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) offers a Merit and Need-Based Scholarship Program (MNBSP) to support students at the master’s level across Pakistan.
More than 5,300 scholarships have already been awarded under this initiative. If you are a Pakistani female student enrolled in a master’s or equivalent degree program and face financial constraints, this program is tailored for you. Let’s explore the full details, eligibility, benefits, and how you can apply.
What is the USAID Scholarship for Pakistani Students?
The USAID Merit and Need-Based Scholarship (MNBSP) provides financial assistance to academically talented yet economically disadvantaged students in Pakistan. This program is executed through HEC and offered only in 30 partner universities, including both public and private institutions.
Key Highlights:
- Exclusively for female students
- Available for master’s level programs (MBA/MS/MPhil/Teaching Education)
- Applicable only in selected partner universities
- Excludes associate degree and BA/BSc programs
USAID Scholarship 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, make sure you meet all of the following requirements:
✅ Who Can Apply?
- Only female candidates are eligible.
- Must be enrolled in one of the 30 partner public/private universities.
- Must be pursuing a Master’s, MBA, MS, or MPhil in selected fields.
- Must demonstrate financial need through documented evidence.
❌ Who is Not Eligible?
- Students in associate or BA/BSc degree programs.
- Candidates enrolled in self-financed, self-support, or evening programs with higher fee structures.
- Applicants who fail to submit accurate and verifiable documents.
What Does the USAID Merit-Based Scholarship Cover?
The HEC-USAID Need-Based Scholarship covers a wide range of academic and living expenses, including:
- Full Tuition Fee
- Books and Learning Materials
- Boarding and Lodging (Hostel Accommodation)
- Transportation Allowance
- Other related academic costs
USAID Scholarship 2025 Application Process
Follow these simple steps to apply online for the USAID scholarship through HEC’s portal:
Step-by-Step Application Guide:
- Visit the official portal: scholarship.hec.gov.pk
- Register or log in using your CNIC/B-form.
- Select “USAID Merit and Need-Based Scholarship.”
- Fill in all sections of the application form:
- Personal Information
- Educational Background
- Financial Details
- Upload all required documents in scanned PDF format.
- Print out the submitted form.
- Submit the hard copy of the application and documents to your university’s Financial Aid Office.
⚠️ Do not send documents directly to HEC. All communication must be through your university.
Important Notes
- The USAID scholarship program is always open—there is no fixed deadline.
- Students must reapply if required by their institution in the subsequent academic year.
- Scholarship selection is strictly merit and need-based.
- All applications go through an Institutional Scholarship Award Committee and final approval by HEC’s Scholarship Management Committee.
Selection & Disbursement Process
- Institutional Scholarship Award Committee (ISAC) reviews and shortlists applicants.
- The list is forwarded to HEC for final approval.
- HEC disburses the funds to the universities.
- Universities transfer the scholarship amount directly to selected students.
Partner Universities (Selected List)
- Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad
- COMSATS Institute of Information Technology
- Lahore College for Women University
- University of Punjab
- Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi
- University of Peshawar
- University of Balochistan
📍 For a complete list of eligible universities, check with your institution’s Financial Aid Office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It is a merit and need-based scholarship for financially disadvantaged students, particularly women, pursuing master’s-level education.
The USAID Scholarship is among the most impactful for graduate-level students facing financial constraints.
Currently, USAID, Ehsaas, and PEEF scholarships are open for applications.
Maintain a strong academic record, show verified financial need, and apply through official HEC channels.
Female students enrolled in selected master’s programs at one of the 30 partner universities.
Minimum academic performance varies by university, but maintaining a CGPA above 2.5–3.0 is generally expected.
Final Thoughts: A Life-Changing Opportunity for Pakistani Female Students
The USAID Merit and Need-Based Scholarship 2025 is a powerful initiative to promote higher education for women in Pakistan. It not only covers educational expenses but also empowers recipients to build a better future.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t miss this opportunity. Apply now and take a step toward a brighter, independent tomorrow.
📩 Visit scholarship.hec.gov.pk and start your application today.
