Study in the USA for Pakistani Students 2026-27

Study in United States for Pakistani students is a popular aspiration, driven by the country's renowned universities, diverse academic programs, and numerous career opportunities. Washington, D.C., has been the federal capital of the United States since 1800. The most commonly used language in the United States is English.

The acceptance rate of the USA for Pakistani students is 70-80%. Study in the USA for Pakistani students offers numerous benefits, including a globally recognized education and opportunities for post-study work. USA has many high ranked Public and private  universities for international students. 

The USA offers a wide array of educational courses for Pakistani students, including engineering, business management, health sciences, IT, and social sciences. The minimum IELTS score required in the USA is 6.5. Pakistani students can study in the USA without IELTS in some specific universities on the basis of MOI and other language certificates. The minimum marks required for a Bachelor’s degree are 60%-70%, and the CGPA required for a Master’s degree is 3.0. There are different students exchange programs are also available to study in USA.

The average tuition fee in the USA universities is 10,000 to 60,000 USD. The total cost of the USA is 1000 US dollars. The minimum amount of the bank statement is 16000 to 18,000 USD. The visa ratio of the USA for Pakistani students is 70%.

Study in the USA for Pakistani students key points:

Why Study in the USA Universities

Studying in the USA  for Pakistani students and other international students has many benefits. Some of the benefits are:

English-taught Programs: USA Universities offer a variety of programs in the English language for international students.

World-class Education: The education quality in Taiwan is top-notch, like other European countries.

Research Opportunities: Universities in the USA have all the modern research facilities and labs for both national and international students.

Scholarships: USA offers different partially and fully funded scholarship for Pakistani students while studying in USA, such as the USA government scholarships, Fulbright scholarship, etc.

Schengen Visa: The USA is a Schengen state and provides a facility for students to explore all European states. With one single visa, students can visit all Schengen countries.

Affordable tuition fees: The tuition fees in USA universities are very affordable for Pakistani students, ranging from 10,000 to 60,000 USD per year.

Affordability: The cost of living in Taiwan is affordable for Pakistani students. The average living cost is 1,000 to 2,500 USD per month.

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Scholarship in USA for Pakistani Students

There are different bachelors, masters, and PhD scholarships are available for Pakistani students and other international students. These scholarships are partially and fully funded.  Here is the list of top scholarships in the USA are:

• Fulbright Scholarship USA
• Humphrey Fellowship program
•  Yale University Scholarship
• Agha Khan Foundation International Scholarships
• Berea College Scholarship

1. Fulbright Scholarship USA

The Fulbright Degree Program funds graduate education for International students wanting to study in the United States. Students apply for the Scholarship in their home country, and after a long process, they can pursue a Master’s and a PhD Program in the United States. This scholarship offers several key benefits for recipients, including full funding for education, travel, living expenses, and health insurance. To be eligible for a Fulbright Scholarship to the USA, a candidate must generally be a citizen of the country of Nomination and be fluent in English.

2. Humphrey Fellowship program

The Humphrey Fellowship Program is a professional development opportunity for international mid-career professionals, offering a year of non-degree, graduate-level study in the United States. This scholarship provides different benefits, including fully-funded tuition and academic expenses, and a monthly maintenance allowance. To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be citizens of a designated country, have a Bachelor’s degree, and have proficiency in English.

3. Yale University Scholarship

The Yale University Scholarship is a grant provided to Yale undergraduates from the University’s funds. This Scholarship provides different benefits, including potentially covering tuition, room, and board, and is awarded to students whose families' financial circumstances meet the criteria. Specific requirements include demonstrating financial need, possessing a strong academic record, and often requiring English proficiency test scores.

4. Agha Khan Foundation International Scholarships

The Ag-ha Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program aims to support outstanding students from developing countries who lack the financial means to pursue postgraduate studies. This scholarship offers financial aid to outstanding postgraduate students from developing countries, covering tuition and living expenses. Applicants must have excellent academic records, a Bachelor’s degree, and demonstrate genuine financial need.

5. Berea College Scholarship

Be re College, located in the United States, offers a fully funded scholarship to international students, including those from the USA. This means that all admitted international students receive financial aid and scholarships covering 100% of tuition, room, board, and fees for their year of enrollment. The specific requirements include being an international student, not holding a 4-year college degree, not being and have dependents, and being proficient in English. 

Top Universities in the USA for Pakistani Students

1. Harvard University
2. Stanford University
3. Princeton University
4. University of Pennsylvania
5. Yale University
6. University of California
7. Cornell University

1. Harvard University

Harvard University, while a prominent American University located in Cambridge, also has a strong presence and network in the United Kingdom. This is primarily through the Harvard club of the USA, a large alumni organization uniting nearly 9,000 Harvard graduates living and working in the USA.

The acceptance rate at Harvard University is around 5%. The tuition fee of Harvard University generally starts at 56,500 USD annually. The minimum IELTS score for this University is 7.5. The minimum marks required for a Bachelor’s degree are 60%, and the CGPA for a Master’s degree is 3.0 to 3.9. This university has over 300 international students.

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2. Stanford University

Stanford University, founded in 1985, is a prestigious American University located in Silicon Valley, California. It's known for its strong focus on interdisciplinary learning, research, and innovation. It also has a presence in the USA, particularly through its Stanford University center in Oxford.

The acceptance rate at Stanford University is around 4%. The tuition fee of Harvard University generally starts at 65128 USD annually. The minimum IELTS score for this University is 7.0 or higher. The minimum marks required for a Bachelor’s degree are 60%-65%, and the CGPA for a Master’s degree is 3.5 or higher.

3. Princeton University

Princeton University is a renowned private, research-oriented university located in Princeton, New Jersey. It’s one of the Ivy League institutions and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. Princeton is known for its strong academic programs in the humanities.

The acceptance rate at Princeton University is around 4%-5%. The tuition fee of Harvard University generally starts at 65210 USD annually. The minimum IELTS score for this University is 8.0. The minimum marks required for a Bachelor’s degree are 65%, and the CGPA for a Master’s degree is 3.9. This university has over 37000 or more international students.

4. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1740 as a charity school. Largely through the efforts of Benjamin Franklin and other leading Philadelphia, it became an academy in 1751, with Franklin as president of the first board of trustees.

The acceptance rate at the University of Pennsylvania is around 4.9%-6%. The tuition fee at the University of Pennsylvania generally starts at 60920 USD annually. The minimum IELTS score for this University is 7.0-7.5. The minimum marks required for a Bachelor’s degree are 60%, and the CGPA for a Master’s degree is 2.7-3.4. This university has over 28000 or more international students.

5. Yale University

Yale University is a private Ivy League research university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701, it’s the third-oldest higher education institution in the US and boasts a rich history, extensive campus, and diverse student body. 

The acceptance rate at Yale University is around 4.9%-5%. The tuition fee at Yale University generally starts at 67,250 USD annually. The minimum IELTS score for this University is 7.0. The minimum marks required for a Bachelor’s degree are 50%, and the CGPA for a Master’s degree is 3.7-3.8. This university has over 15000 or more international students.

Admission Required Documents for Pakistani Students

• Educational Certificates
• Identity and Residence
• Domicile Certificate
• Photographs
• Equivalence certificate
• Family Registration certificates
• Admission Fee Receipt
• Complete Application Form
• Travel Insurance
• Academic Documents  

Visa Required Documents for Pakistani Students

These documents are:

•  Passport photo
•  Health insurance
•  English language proficiency certificate
•  Visa application form
•  Passport
•  Accommodation proof
•  Visa Fee
•  Proof of finances
•  Academic documents
•  Statement of bank
•  Health insurance
•  Medical certificate
•  Police Clearance Certificate
•  A strong cover letter

Cost of Living in the USA for Pakistani Students

The cost of living in the USA is relatively high, with significant variations depending on location, lifestyle, and whether you're single or a family. The median rent for an unfurnished apartment in the US is over $1,500 per month. The average cost of household food expenditure is approximately $8,100 per year. 

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Part-time Job and Income for Pakistani Students

In the US, the median weekly earnings for part-time wage and salary workers are $340, translating to roughly $1,360 per month and $17,680 annually. The average part-time salary in the USA is $35,360 per year or $17 per hour, with salaries ranging from $29,255 per year for entry-level positions to $58,887 per year for experienced workers. 

Factors Influencing Hourly Rate

In the U.S., hourly rates are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including labor supply and demand, education and experience, location, industry, and collective bargaining agreements, according to HRcertification.com. Additionally, macroeconomic conditions, government regulations, and the prevalence of unionization all play a role. 

Work Permit and Future Opportunities

To obtain a work permit in the USA, foreign nationals generally need an employer to sponsor their work visa, except for certain immigrant visas that allow self-sponsorship. Work permits are essential for foreign workers to legally work in the US, ensuring fair treatment and compliance with labor laws. 

FAQs

Q1: How to apply for student visa in USA from Pakistan?

Answer: Yes, Pakistani students can study in the USA. They will need to obtain an F-1 student visa and follow a specific application process, including submitting an acceptance letter from a U.S. university, providing financial proof, and completing the SEVIS Form I-20. 

Q2: How much money is required to study in the USA for Pakistani students?

Answer: The total cost to study in the USA for Pakistani students can vary widely, but typically falls between $25,000 and $45,000 per year. This includes tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. 

Q3: How much is a study visa for the USA from Pakistan?

Answer: The total cost for a USA student visa (F-1 visa) from Pakistan is approximately $510, including the SEVIS fee and the visa application fee. The SEVIS fee is $350, and the non-immigrant visa application fee is $160. 

Q4: Can I get a 100% scholarship in the USA?

Answer: Yes, it's possible to get a 100% scholarship in the USA, but it's highly competitive and often requires exceptional academic achievements and extracurricular activities. While many institutions offer need-based aid, some also provide full scholarships, particularly to international students. 

Q 5: What questions do US immigration officers ask students?

Answer: US immigration officers may ask international students about their academic status, study plans, and financial situation when entering or re-entering the US. They may also inquire about the student's intentions, such as when they plan to return home. 

Q6: How can I study in USA for free?

Answer: International students can study for free in the USA by obtaining a fully funded scholarship. There are many scholarships available for international and Pakistani students funded by the US government and many private organizations, to promote brilliant and deserving students.

Q7: Is IELTS compulsory for a USA study visa?

Answer: IELTS is not compulsory for Pakistani and other international students if they wish to study in the USA. Different universities accept students without IELTS. Some universities accept alternate exams also such as MOI, PTE, TOEFL, etc.

Q8: What is the application process for USA universities?

Answer: Most of the USA universities have option to apply directly at their official website or portal. Some of the major step of application process are:

• Select university and check the courses according to your education
• Check all the requirements carefully like some universities has entry and some other tests.
• Check the language requirements of the desired course or university
• Prepare all the required documents before starting the application
• Create your profile according to the given instructions
• Upload your documents and complete your application
• Always keep in check the deadlines
• Before submitting the application, double-check all the requirements and submit before the deadline and wait for next process

Q9: How long is student visa in USA?

Answer: The USA student visa duration depends on the selected program. Visa duration will same as its mentioned on the form I-20 with a grace period of 60 days after completing the degree. And secondly, it depends on the student's country  also, normally stamp visa duration is for 5 years.

Q10: Which university gives admission without IELTS in the USA?

Answer: Many universities accepts international students on the bases of MOI and other Exams like, PTE, TOEFL, DUOLINGO etc

• California State University System (CSU) (MOI)
• University of Colorado Boulder (MOI)
• University of Arkansas (MOI)
• Rice University: Accepts Duolingo.
• Drexel University: Accepts Duolingo, PTE