Within Pakistan, there has come to be an increasing trend in the number of students opting to study abroad rather than within Pakistan. In 2022, approximately 103,190 Pakistani students travelled abroad in order to further their education at some of the most renowned universities in the world. The only thing stopping that number from doubling or even tripling is the students in Pakistan who do not even apply abroad due to a singular impeding reason: financial constraints. But there’s no need to worry at all, because 2025 brings students some of the most lenient and generous financial support options from all around the world, so international students won’t need to think twice before applying abroad. So, here are the top countries, universities, and funding options for master’s degrees:

1. United States of America

The USA is commonly known as the university hub of the world, being host to 4 of the top 10 universities globally: 1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 4. Harvard University, 6. Stanford University and 10. California Institute of Technology, according to QS World University Rankings. These are some of the most esteemed and revered institutions where thousands of students from around the world hope to study in the hopes of completing their Master’s Degrees. Other than their obvious teaching quality, the US has some of the most unique and inclusive master’s programs that help pupils increase their chances of good employment and work opportunities once their educational career has ended. For instance, Stanford University offers a master’s program in International Comparative Education, which is a 12-month full-time residential course of study. Similarly, the University of Houston offers a program in Aerospace Engineering, which is an excellent choice due to the university’s ties with the NASA Johnson Space Centre.

Other than that, the US offers several scholarships for international master’s students that help them with managing their tuition costs as well as living expenses. One of the most recognized programs in the US is the Knight Hennessy Scholarship offered by Stanford University:

Knight-Hennessy Scholarship:   

This is a fully funded scholarship for international students who have already completed their undergraduate degree and are looking to further their education through a master’s program or PhD study. These scholarships cover commute fees, tuition expenses, living allowances, and academic costs. Scholars are funded for a total of 3 years and apply for specific programs.

2. United Kingdom:

The U.K. has one of the highest intakes of international students, especially from the sub-continent in places such as India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and most importantly, Pakistan. The UK has a very distinct teaching method in comparison to most European Universities, where they encourage one-on-one and less populated tutoring styles where students have a better chance at being able to understand completely, at their own pace, the course being taught. This can be seen in places such as Oxford University. The importance found within education in the U.K. makes it a very good choice for students internationally to consider once they’ve completed their undergraduate degrees. Some of the most accredited and prestigious master’s programs reside in the United Kingdom in Universities such as Cambridge University, Imperial College London, University College London, and Oxford University. The United Kingdom is known for excellent computer science and data science master’s programs, as well as its business management courses. Oxford University and Imperial College London rank 3^rd and 12^th for their Data Science and Artificial Intelligence programs globally, highlighting just how well integrated they are within the field of education. Furthermore, understanding the expensive nature of having to travel, live, commute, and study within the UK for a master’s degree, the United Kingdom has some of the most generous and vast scholarship opportunities and funding programs designed specifically for international students:

1. The Chevening Scholarship

This scholarship award covers the payment of tuition fees, air fare to and from your home country, an arrival allowance, the cost of entry clearance (visa) application, a departure allowance, a contribution of up to £75 for TB testing wherever required, a travel top allowance and a monthly personal living stipend that covers accommodation and living cost. To be eligible for this scholarship, students must be a part of a country that the Chevening Scholarship associates with commit to returning to their country for at least 2 years after their scholarship ends, hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK masters programme and lastly, apply to three different and eligible UK University courses.

3. Netherlands:

This might come as a surprise; the Netherlands has some of the best master’s programs and funding support in the world for international students from around the world. Some of their most notable universities with high global rankings are the University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, the University of Groningen, and Erasmus University Rotterdam. Being a European nation, studying in the Netherlands can be quite expensive, however, there are several financial relaxations provided to students for them to be able to study their desired master’s course comfortably:

1. NL Scholarship (formerly the Holland Scholarship)

Financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science as well as several Dutch research institutions and universities, the scholarship amounts to 5000 euros given to students in the first year of their education. Candidates must be from non-European countries, applying for full-time bachelor’s or master’s programmes, and meet the requirements of the university they are applying to. Candidates must not already possess a degree from a university in the Netherlands.

2. ASML Technology Scholarship

This is specifically for students applying to study courses related to technology in the Netherlands. Financial support of 5000 euros is awarded to scholars for each of the 2 years studied for their Master’s Program. A personal ASML mentor is provided for guidance and professional development. For candidates to be eligible, they must: with at least a 7.5 average grade score, be avid participants in extracurriculars that show a drive for personal development and achievement, and be available on one of the assessment dates (June 5^th or 11^th)