The Fulbright Scholar Program 2027 is now open for Pakistani PhD holders and senior professionals who want to lecture or do post-doctoral research at a US university for up to 10 months. Applications are submitted online through USEFP, and the last date is 28 October 2026. You need an invitation letter from a US university before you apply, so start now.
| Organisation | United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) |
|---|---|
| Programme | Fulbright Scholar Program 2027 |
| Type | Lectureship, post-doctoral research, or both |
| Duration | Up to 10 months in the US |
| Qualification | PhD or terminal degree in your field |
| Fields | All disciplines except clinical medicine |
| English test | Not required |
| Last date | 28 October 2026 |
| How to apply | Online only (paper forms not accepted) |
| Official website | usefp.org |
Who can apply for the Fulbright Scholar Program 2027 in Pakistan
This is not the Fulbright master’s or PhD degree scholarship. It is meant for people who have already finished their doctorate, such as university faculty, researchers and senior professionals.
- You must hold a PhD or the terminal degree in your field.
- Scholars and professionals from every discipline can apply, except clinical medicine.
- You need a strong command of written and spoken English. No English test score is required.
- You need a clear research or teaching proposal that links your work in the US to your work in Pakistan. USEFP calls the proposal the most important part of the application.
- If you apply for the lectureship option, you must show that you can teach at university level.
Who is not eligible
- People who completed their PhD within the last two years.
- People who have been to the US for research or another long-term educational programme within the last five years.
- Dual US and Pakistani nationals, and people whose spouse, parent or child over 18 is a US citizen or permanent resident.
- Employees and dependents of USEFP or the US Department of State.
- People already studying in the US or living on a work or residence visa in any country.
Fulbright Scholar grant benefits
The US Government grant covers:
- Return airfare
- A living stipend
- An incidental research allowance
- Health insurance
- Funding for one accompanying dependent
- Help with the visa process from USEFP
You may take more family members, but only one dependent is funded. The rest are your own responsibility. Selected scholars start in the fall of the following year.
How to apply for the Fulbright Scholar Program
- Contact a US college or university in your field and get at least one invitation letter. You must upload it with your application.
- Write your project proposal: what you will do in the US, why that host institution, and how it will help your work in Pakistan.
- Arrange three reference letters. USEFP provides a reference letter form on the programme page.
- Open the USEFP Fulbright Scholar Program page and click Apply Now to reach the online application.
- Fill in the form, upload the invitation letter and supporting documents, and make sure the references are submitted.
- Submit everything online before 28 October 2026. Incomplete applications are not considered.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying without an invitation letter. It is required at the time of applying, not later.
- Choosing referees only for their big names. USEFP advises picking people who know your work and character well.
- Leaving the US university contact to the last week. Faculty replies can take time, and the deadline does not wait.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date for the Fulbright Scholar Program 2027?
USEFP lists the deadline as 28 October 2026. Applications are accepted online only.
Can a fresh PhD graduate apply?
No. If you completed your PhD within the last two years, you are not eligible for this cycle.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for the Fulbright Scholar Program?
No English proficiency test is required, but you must have excellent written and spoken English.
Looking for more funded options? See our HEC Quaid-e-Azam Memorial Fellowship 2026 guide and the latest scholarships for Pakistanis.
Note: Always confirm details on the official website before you apply or pay any fee. Great Pak Times is not affiliated with any government body.
Source: United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP). Checked 7 October 2026.