Question 1

Is the first consultation free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your first session, in our Lahore office or online, is free and carries no obligation.

Question 2

When should I start planning?

Accepted Answer

Ideally 8 to 12 months before your intake. Shorter timelines are possible for some countries and intakes, so talk to us either way.

Question 3

I live outside Lahore. Can you still help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We counsel students across Pakistan on WhatsApp and video calls, and the whole process can be handled online.

Question 4

Can my parents join the sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Parents and sponsors are welcome in every session, and their documents are part of the visa file.

Question 5

Can I study abroad with a study gap?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the gap is explained and documented: work experience, courses, family reasons or freelancing. Some countries and universities are more flexible than others.

Question 6

Can I study abroad with low grades?

Accepted Answer

Often yes. Foundation, pathway and college programmes exist for many profiles. We match you to universities that will realistically accept you.

Question 7

How many universities should I apply to?

Accepted Answer

Usually four to eight, mixing ambitious, realistic and safe choices.

Question 8

Do I need HEC or IBCC attestation?

Accepted Answer

Many universities and embassies ask for attested documents. We tell you exactly which ones your applications need.

Question 9

Do I need IELTS to study abroad?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Many universities accept PTE, TOEFL or Duolingo, and some accept a waiver based on English-medium education. Visa requirements can be stricter than university ones.

Question 10

Which is easier, IELTS or PTE?

Accepted Answer

Neither is easier for everyone. PTE suits students comfortable with computers and fixed formats; IELTS has a face-to-face speaking test.

Question 11

How long is an English test valid?

Accepted Answer

Usually two years from the test date.

Question 12

How much bank balance do I need for a student visa?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the country, city, course length and how much tuition you have already paid. We calculate the exact figure for your case.

Question 13

Can my parents sponsor me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Funds in a parent’s name are usually accepted with proof of relationship, a sponsorship letter and evidence of the source of funds.

Question 14

Can I work while studying?

Accepted Answer

Most destinations allow part-time work during term and full-time work in holidays, within limits set by the visa.

Question 15

What happens if my visa is refused?

Accepted Answer

We read the refusal letter, explain the reasons and reapply only when the file is genuinely stronger. Ask the university about its deposit refund policy before you pay.

Question 16

Do I need to return to Pakistan after Fulbright?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Fulbright students travel on a J-1 visa, which normally requires two years in Pakistan after the programme before some US visas can be used.

Question 17

Can I choose my US university?

Accepted Answer

You list preferences, but placement is arranged through the programme based on your field and profile.

Question 18

Do I need a GRE?

Accepted Answer

Test requirements can change between cycles. Check USEFP’s current call before you register.

Question 19

Can I apply to Chevening without an offer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You need to apply to three courses, but you only need an unconditional offer by the July deadline if you are selected.

Question 20

Does Chevening count part-time work?

Accepted Answer

Work experience is counted in hours, so part-time and volunteer work can count towards the 2,800 hours.

Question 21

Which UK universities can I choose?

Accepted Answer

Most UK universities and many courses are eligible. Check Chevening’s course search.

Question 22

Can I apply directly to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission?

Accepted Answer

No. Candidates must be nominated by an approved body. In Pakistan, that is HEC.

Question 23

Is there a PhD route?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Commonwealth PhD Scholarships exist alongside the master’s scheme, with similar nomination rules.

Question 24

Is there one Erasmus Mundus deadline?

Accepted Answer

No. Each programme sets its own, mostly between November and February.

Question 25

Can Pakistani students apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Erasmus Mundus scholarships are open to students worldwide.

Question 26

Do I need a separate application for Gates Cambridge?

Accepted Answer

You complete the Gates section within the Cambridge graduate application.

Question 27

Is there a Rhodes constituency for Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

Constituencies change over time. Check Rhodes House’s list of current constituencies and the global route for your year.

Question 28

Do I need to apply separately for Clarendon?

Accepted Answer

No. Eligible applicants who apply by the funding deadline are considered automatically.

Question 29

Do I need separate applications?

Accepted Answer

Yes, one to Knight-Hennessy and one to your Stanford graduate programme.

Question 30

Is Chevening fully funded for Pakistani students?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It covers tuition (up to a cap), a monthly living stipend, return flights, the visa cost and allowances for one year of master’s study in the UK.

Question 31

How many Pakistanis get Chevening each year?

Accepted Answer

It varies. The September 2024 cohort had 43 Pakistani Chevening scholars; the 2026 send-off was for 33 scholars across Chevening and Commonwealth combined, reflecting UK budget cuts.

Question 32

What is the Chevening success rate?

Accepted Answer

Globally around 1,400 awards are made each year from tens of thousands of applications, so the success rate is roughly 2–3 percent. It varies by country and year.

Question 33

Do I need IELTS to apply for Chevening?

Accepted Answer

Chevening itself does not set a separate English requirement in recent cycles, but you must meet the English requirement of the university you will attend, which usually means IELTS or another accepted test.

Question 34

Can I apply for Chevening without work experience?

Accepted Answer

No. You need at least 2,800 hours of work experience, roughly two years full-time, by the application deadline. Part-time and voluntary work count.

Question 35

Can I apply for a PhD or two-year master’s with Chevening?

Accepted Answer

No. Chevening funds one-year taught master’s degrees. For a PhD, look at Commonwealth PhD scholarships or university-funded PhDs.

Question 36

When are Chevening interviews held?

Accepted Answer

Usually between February and April after the October deadline, with results in June.

Question 37

Can I reapply if I am rejected?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many scholars succeed on a second or third attempt with stronger essays and more experience.

Question 38

Who runs Fulbright in Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), based in Islamabad, runs the Fulbright competition for Pakistani applicants on behalf of the US government.

Question 39

How many Pakistanis get Fulbright each year?

Accepted Answer

It varies with US funding: 189 students were funded in 2022, and USEFP was placing 88 students for the August 2025 intake.

Question 40

How many people apply for Fulbright in Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

USEFP reported about 900 applications for the 2026 Fulbright Program.

Question 41

Is the GRE required for Fulbright Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, recent cycles have required the GRE General Test, with a preference for at least 145 in each section. Competitive applicants usually score higher.

Question 42

Can I apply for Fulbright with 14 years of education?

Accepted Answer

Not for a master’s. You need at least 16 years of education for a master’s and 18 years for a PhD.

Question 43

Is clinical medicine eligible?

Accepted Answer

No. Clinical medicine is excluded; non-clinical public health is eligible.

Question 44

Do I have to return to Pakistan after Fulbright?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Fulbright grantees are on a J-1 visa subject to the two-year home residency requirement, so you must spend two years in Pakistan before certain US visas or a green card.

Question 45

When is the Fulbright deadline?

Accepted Answer

The 2027 cycle closed on 1 April 2026. The next cycle usually opens early in the year with a spring deadline; check USEFP’s website.

Question 46

Can I apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship directly from Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

Not for the main master’s and PhD awards. You complete the CSC application, but you must be nominated by HEC, Pakistan’s national nominating agency.

Question 47

What HAT score do I need?

Accepted Answer

For the 2027–28 call, HEC required a HAT score of at least 60 out of 100.

Question 48

Do I need work experience?

Accepted Answer

No, work experience is not required for Commonwealth Master’s or PhD Scholarships, though relevant experience can strengthen your development case.

Question 49

Is there an age limit?

Accepted Answer

HEC’s 2027–28 call stated there is no upper age limit.

Question 50

What does the scholarship cover?

Accepted Answer

Tuition, return airfare, a monthly stipend, a thesis grant and other allowances, at rates set by the CSC each year.

Question 51

Can I apply to Commonwealth and Chevening in the same year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as you meet both sets of rules. If offered both, you can only accept one.

Question 52

When is the deadline?

Accepted Answer

For 2027–28 the CSC deadline was 20 October 2026 at 16:00 UK time. HEC’s own deadlines can be earlier, so follow the HEC call.

Question 53

How many Pakistanis win Commonwealth Scholarships?

Accepted Answer

In 2024, 47 Pakistani Commonwealth scholars went to the UK. Numbers vary with UK funding.

Question 54

How many Pakistanis get Erasmus Mundus scholarships?

Accepted Answer

Pakistan has ranked first in the world four years running: 166 in 2022, 192 in 2023, 189 in 2024 and 114 in 2025.

Question 55

Is Erasmus Mundus fully funded?

Accepted Answer

Yes for top-ranked applicants: tuition and insurance are covered, plus a contribution to travel and installation and a monthly allowance of around €1,400.

Question 56

How many programmes can I apply to?

Accepted Answer

You can apply for a scholarship to a maximum of three Erasmus Mundus programmes in the same year.

Question 57

When are the deadlines?

Accepted Answer

Most programmes have scholarship deadlines between late October and January for study starting the following September.

Question 58

Do I need IELTS?

Accepted Answer

Most programmes require IELTS, TOEFL or an equivalent; some accept other proof of English. Check each programme.

Question 59

Can I bring my family?

Accepted Answer

The scholarship is for you; family members need separate funding and visas, and moving between countries makes this harder.

Question 60

Is there an application fee?

Accepted Answer

Most Erasmus Mundus programmes do not charge an application fee, but check each programme.

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