UC Berkeley Scholarships for Pakistani Students

Introduction

The University of California, Berkeley — ranked among the top public universities in the world is a dream destination for students worldwide. For talented students from Pakistan, studying at UC Berkeley is not only a possibility but a path to a globally respected degree. While international students are required to cover tuition and living expenses, several scholarship opportunities and financial aid options make education at UC Berkeley more accessible.

In this blog post, we explore UC Berkeley scholarships for Pakistani students, including eligibility, available funding, application process, and tips for success.

Choose UC Berkeley

• Ranked among the top 5 public universities globally
• Home to 35,000+ students, including thousands of international scholars
• Hub for innovation, research, and social impact
• Strong South Asian student community, including Pakistani Student Association (PSA)

Types of Scholarships & Financial Aid for Pakistani Students

Undergraduate Scholarships

UC Berkeley does not offer need-based financial aid to international undergraduate students, including those from Pakistan. However, there are limited merit-based and external scholarships available:

Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholarship (Highly Competitive)

• Berkeley’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarship
• Limited availability for international students
• Requires exceptional academic and leadership performance

Berkeley International Office Scholarships

• Small-scale scholarships offered through the Berkeley International Office (BIO)
• Based on academic merit and financial need
• Apply through: https://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu

External Scholarships (for Pakistani Students)

• USEFP – Fulbright Undergraduate Program (not currently offered but may resume)
• Pakistan Higher Education Commission (HEC) Scholarships
• Private organizations like PEEF, Habib Foundation, and EdWise International also support overseas study

Graduate Scholarships & Funding

Graduate students (Master’s, PhD) have better chances of securing financial support at UC Berkeley:

Teaching & Research Assistantships (TA/RA)

• Offered by academic departments
• Include tuition remission and monthly stipend
• Apply directly through your program

Graduate Fellowships

• Awarded by the Berkeley Graduate Division
• Based on academic achievement and research potential
• Often part of your admission offer

Fulbright Program (Pakistan – USEFP)

• Fully funded scholarships for Master’s and PhD programs
• Covers tuition, living expenses, and travel
• Administered by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP)
• Website: https://www.usefp.org

HEC Overseas Scholarships

• HEC offers fully-funded scholarships for Pakistani students pursuing postgraduate studies in the U.S.
• Must apply through https://www.hec.gov.pk

Eligibility Requirements

For Undergraduate Students:

• Intermediate (FSc) or A-Levels with high academic performance
• TOEFL/IELTS for English proficiency
• Competitive application and personal insight essays

For Graduate Students:

• 16 years of education (Bachelor’s degree)
• Strong GPA (minimum 3.0/4.0)
• GRE/GMAT (varies by program)
• TOEFL/IELTS
• Research experience (for PhD)
• Statement of purpose and letters of recommendation

Tips to Increase Your Chances

• Apply early and submit a complete application
• Write a strong Statement of Purpose or Personal Insight Questions
• Highlight leadership, community work, and academic achievements
• Reach out to faculty for research assistantships (graduate level)
• Apply to external scholarships in Pakistan in parallel

Useful Resources

• UC Berkeley International Students Office
• UC Berkeley Financial Aid
• USEFP – Fulbright Pakistan
• Berkeley Graduate Division Scholarships

Final Thoughts

Getting into UC Berkeley as a Pakistani student is competitive — but with determination, planning, and the right scholarship strategy, it’s within reach. Graduate students have broader access to funding, but undergraduates can also benefit through external sponsors and limited Berkeley-based aid. Start preparing early, aim high, and let your achievements shine through every part of your application.

Apply now