Scholarships in India for Pakistani Students 2025

India is one of the most accessible and attractive destinations for Pakistani students, offering world-class education, cultural richness, and affordable tuition fees. Scholarships are particularly important, helping Pakistani students pursue studies without financial stress.

Why Study in India?

• High-Quality Education: India is home to top-ranked universities such as IITs, AIIMS, University of Delhi, and Jamia Millia Islamia.
• Affordable Tuition Fees: Many scholarships further reduce costs.
• Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Pakistanis can adapt easily due to shared culture and language familiarity.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Government, university, and private scholarships are widely available.
• Global Recognition: Indian degrees are recognized worldwide, especially in engineering, medicine, and IT.

Major Scholarships for Pakistani Students

1. Indian Government Scholarships

• ICCR Scholarships (Indian Council for Cultural Relations)
• Fully funded scholarship by the Indian Government.
• Covers tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and travel.
• Available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.

Eligibility:

• Pakistani citizen.
• Strong academic record.
• Age limits vary depending on program.

Application Tip: Apply online via the ICCR portal with recommendation letters and SOP.

2. University-Specific Scholarships

Key Points:

• Scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or program-specific.
• Some programs require entrance exams or portfolios, especially for medicine, engineering, and arts.
• Partial scholarships may cover tuition only; living costs may need additional funding.

3. ADB-Japan Scholarship Program

• Available for master’s programs in selected Indian universities.
• Fully funded, covering tuition, travel, and living costs.

Eligibility:

• Students from developing countries, including Pakistan.
• Relevant work experience for certain programs.
• Strong academic record.

4. Private & Foundation Scholarships

• Many Indian foundations and corporations offer scholarships to international students.
• Focus areas include engineering, IT, business, medicine, and social sciences.
• Example: Tata Scholarships for International Students.

Tuition Fees vs Scholarships

Scholarships in India significantly reduce the financial burden for Pakistani students seeking high-quality education.

How Scholarships Cover Living Costs

• Accommodation: Dormitories or hostel allowances.
• Monthly Stipends: ₹10,000–₹30,000 depending on scholarship.
• Travel Allowances: For international travel in some government scholarships.Medical Insurance: Some scholarships include health coverage.
• Example:  ICCR scholarships often include tuition, accommodation, ₹20,000 monthly stipend, and travel costs.

Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Students

• Strong academic record (usually above 65–75%).
• English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80–90) for English-taught programs.
• Documents required: Passport, academic transcripts, SOP, CV, recommendation letters, and language certificates.
• Some scholarships require motivation letters, entrance exams, or interviews.

Tip: Always check scholarship-specific eligibility criteria before applying.

Step-by-Step Scholarship Application Process

• Research Scholarships – Government (ICCR), university-specific, ADB-Japan, or private foundations.
• Prepare Documents – SOP, CV, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and language certificates.
• Submit Applications – Online via university portals or ICCR portal.
• Follow Up – Track deadlines and provide additional documents if requested.
• Receive Acceptance & Scholarship Offer – Usually within 4–12 weeks.
• Apply for Student Visa – Submit scholarship and admission letters along with proof of financial means.

FAQs – Scholarships in India for Pakistani Students

Q1. Are fully funded scholarships available?
Yes, ICCR and ADB-Japan scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, living costs, and travel.

Q2. How competitive are these scholarships?
Highly competitive; strong academics, SOP, and recommendations are essential.

Q3. Is knowledge of Hindi required?
Not mandatory for English-taught programs, but learning basic Hindi helps in daily life.

Q4. Can Pakistani students work while studying?
Yes, students can work part-time subject to visa restrictions.

Q5. Which universities are recommended for Pakistani students seeking scholarships?
University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Banaras Hindu University, and IITs.

Final Thoughts

India offers a wide range of scholarships, making it feasible for Pakistani students to pursue high-quality education, cultural exposure, and career growth. Government programs like ICCR, ADB-Japan, university scholarships, and private foundations provide full or partial coverage for tuition, living costs, and other benefits.

Early preparation, strong academics, and timely application submission are essential for success in 2025. Pakistani students should explore multiple scholarships to maximize their chances.