USAID-funded Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Program (Phase-II)

About This Scholarship

The USAID Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Program (Phase-II) is a premier funding opportunity for talented but financially disadvantaged students. Operating across 30 partner universities in Pakistan, it offers a complete 100% tuition waiver, plus stipends for hostel boarding, transportation, and books. Focusing on critical disciplines like Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, and Business, it empowers students to focus entirely on their studies. A standout feature of this program is its strict 50% gender quota, dedicating half of all awards to female scholars.

Scholarship Benefits & Coverage

• Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Covered for the entire duration of the degree.
• Stipend: Covers Boarding & Lodging (Hostel) expenses.
• Transportation Allowance: Provided for university commute.
• Books & Supplies: Annual allowance for academic materials.
• Incidental Costs: Covers other academic costs as determined by the university.

Eligibility Criteria

• 1
  Nationality: Must be a Pakistani / AJ&K National.
• 2
  Gender Quota: **50% of all scholarships are strictly reserved for FEMALE students.**
• 3
  Admission: Must secure admission in one of the **30 Partner Universities** (Public & Private).
• 4
  Financial Need: Must demonstrate financial hardship (typically verified via family income/assets).
• 5
  Discipline: Available for Agriculture, Medical, Business, Social Sciences, and Engineering.
• 6
  Exclusion: Students availing other scholarships or those admitted on Self-Finance/Evening programs are ineligible.

How to Apply – Step by Step

1. 1

   Secure admission in a partner university (e.g., NUST, UAF, LUMS, SZABIST, etc.)

2. 2

   Obtain the USAID Scholarship Application Form from the university's Financial Aid Office (FAO) or HEC website.

3. 3

   Submit the filled form along with supporting financial documents (Income certificates, bills) directly to the University FAO.

4. 4

   Do NOT send applications to HEC or USAID directly.

5. 5

   Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the Institutional Scholarship Award Committee (ISAC).

Required Documents

• CNIC / B-Form
• Father/Guardian's Income Certificate
• Utility Bills (Electricity, Gas, Water) - Last 6 months
• Rent Agreement (if applicable)
• Educational Transcripts (SSC, HSSC, Bachelor's if applying for Master's)

Frequently Asked Questions