Islamabad, July 17, 2026: The United States government has awarded Fulbright scholarships to 85 Pakistani students and researchers to pursue master’s and Ph.D. degrees at leading universities across the United States under its flagship academic exchange programme.
The scholarships, jointly funded by the governments of the United States and Pakistan, are administered by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP). The programme aims to equip Pakistani scholars with advanced academic and professional skills while strengthening educational and cultural ties between the two countries.
To prepare the awardees for their academic journey, USEFP organized a two-day pre-departure orientation in Islamabad.
Addressing the participants, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Andy Halus highlighted the significance of educational exchanges in strengthening bilateral relations.
“Pakistan is privileged to have one of the largest Fulbright programs in the world. It is a direct result of the strength of our partnership and Senator Fulbright’s conviction that when people learn from one another, they forge lasting connections across communities, countries and cultures,” he said.
Halus congratulated the scholars on earning the prestigious award through merit and dedication, adding that they would help shape the future of U.S.-Pakistan relations by promoting innovation, academic excellence and people-to-people ties.
The 2026 Fulbright cohort represents all provinces of Pakistan and a wide range of academic disciplines, including engineering, artificial intelligence, business, finance, public policy and the social sciences.
This year’s recipients include 71 master’s students, 14 Ph.D. scholars and six Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Fellows, who will begin their academic programmes in the United States this fall.
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including tuition fees, travel expenses, living stipends and health insurance.
USEFP Executive Director Dr. Peter Moran said the Fulbright Programme not only supports advanced academic study but also encourages scholars to engage with American communities and share Pakistan’s culture.
“The Fulbright Program enables academic pursuits in fields of critical importance. It also promotes engagement with American communities, cultural exchange and the development of lasting connections that foster mutual understanding between Americans and Pakistanis,” he said.
USEFP noted that Fulbright alumni return to Pakistan with enhanced professional expertise, strengthened research capacity and a commitment to applying their knowledge for the benefit of their communities and institutions.
Established in 1950 as a binational commission by the governments of Pakistan and the United States, USEFP has administered the Fulbright Programme in Pakistan for decades. Since 2005, nearly 3,000 Pakistanis have received Fulbright scholarships, making it one of the largest and most significant educational partnerships between the two countries.
