Pakistani scholars and professionals with a PhD can now apply for the US-funded Fulbright Scholar Program 2027, which covers lectureship or research stints at American universities starting Fall 2027. Applications close October 28, 2026.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC), working with the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), has opened applications for the Fulbright Scholar Program 2027, giving Pakistani academics and professionals a chance to spend up to ten months at a US college or university.
The US government-funded program supports a lectureship, postdoctoral research, or a combination of both, with study or research expected to begin in Fall 2027. Successful applicants receive round-trip airfare to the United States, a living stipend for the duration of their stay, an incidental research allowance, health insurance, help with their US visa application, and full funding for one dependent.
The program is open to candidates from all academic disciplines except clinical medicine. Applicants must be Pakistani citizens currently residing and working in Pakistan, hold a PhD or other terminal degree in their field, and demonstrate strong written and spoken English. Those applying for a lectureship should also have university-level teaching experience. According to USEFP, the research or lecturing proposal an applicant submits is the most heavily weighted part of the application, so candidates are encouraged to clearly explain their planned work in the US and how it connects to their work in Pakistan.
Certain applicants are not eligible, including those who completed a PhD within the last two years, anyone who has spent significant time on a research or long-term educational visit to the US within the past five years, dual US-Pakistani nationals, those with a US-citizen or permanent-resident spouse, parent or child over 18, and employees or dependents of USEFP or the US Department of State. Candidates currently studying in the US or holding a work or residence visa elsewhere are also excluded.
Applications must be submitted online through USEFP's website, as the organization does not accept paper applications and will not consider incomplete submissions. Along with the application form, candidates need to arrange three reference letters and an invitation letter from a host US institution before the deadline.
The application window closes on October 28, 2026. Scholars selected for the program are expected to share Pakistani society and culture with their US hosts and to apply what they learn toward Pakistan's development once they return.