Cornell University, an Ivy League leader in education and research, offers incredible opportunities for Pakistani students to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in the U.S. Though there are no country-specific scholarships exclusively for Pakistani nationals, Cornell remains one of the most generous American institutions when it comes to need-based financial aid and graduate fellowships for international students. Here’s how you can benefit.
Undergraduate Scholarships – 100% Need-Based Aid
Cornell University provides 100% need-based financial aid to undergraduate international students, including Pakistani applicants. This means if you're accepted and demonstrate financial need, the university will cover the full gap between what your family can afford and the total cost of attendance.
Required Application Materials for Aid:
Document | Requirement |
---|---|
CSS Profile | Mandatory |
Income Statement/Tax Returns | Mandatory |
School Transcripts | Required |
Bank Statements | Optional (but helpful) |
Note: You must apply for financial aid at the same time you apply for admission.
Graduate Funding – Fellowships & Assistantships
Graduate students from Pakistan can access multiple funding opportunities across Cornell’s departments. These include:
Teaching Assistantships (TA)
Research Assistantships (RA)
Fellowships (like the Sage Fellowship)
These packages typically include:
Full tuition coverage
Monthly stipend
Health insurance
Professional development support
Pakistani students are also eligible to bring external funding such as:
Fulbright Master’s/Ph.D. Scholarships (through USEFP)
HEC Pakistan Scholarships
Private sponsorships from Pakistani organizations
Eligibility & Requirements (Quick View)
Program Type | Requirements | Funding Type |
---|---|---|
Undergraduate | High grades, CSS Profile, need-based aid application | 100% need-based aid |
Master’s/PhD | Research focus, academic excellence, GRE/IELTS/TOEFL | Fellowships & Assistantships |
External Scholarships | Fulbright, HEC | Fully funded, including Cornell admission |
Step-by-Step Guide for Pakistani Applicants
Choose a Program: Visit admissions.cornell.edu to explore your desired program.
Prepare Documents: Academic transcripts, personal statement, recommendation letters, test scores (SAT/GRE/IELTS).
Apply for Aid: Complete the CSS Profile and provide supporting financial documents.
Apply for Admission: Submit your Common App (for undergrad) or departmental application (for graduate).
Track & Follow Up: Keep an eye on deadlines and ensure documents are submitted on time.
Tips for Pakistani Students
Apply early: Financial aid and graduate fellowships are limited.
Highlight leadership: Especially for Fulbright or competitive fellowships.
Demonstrate impact: Show how Cornell education will benefit Pakistan.
Consider external aid: Don’t rely only on Cornell—USEFP, HEC, and others can boost your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can Pakistani students get full scholarships at Cornell University?
Yes, undergraduate students can receive full need-based aid; graduate students can get fully funded assistantships and fellowships.
Q2: Is there a separate scholarship for Pakistani citizens?
No, but Pakistani students are eligible for general international financial aid and external scholarships like Fulbright or HEC.
Q3: Do I need to apply for financial aid when applying for admission?
Yes, undergraduate applicants must apply for aid alongside their admission application.
Q4: What are the chances of receiving funding for a Master's program?
Very high in research-based programs if you have strong academic and research credentials.
Q5: Can I use HEC or Fulbright funds at Cornell?
Absolutely. Cornell accepts major external scholarships from Pakistan and globally.
Pros
Full tuition coverage at Cornell
Access to top Ivy League education
Renewable funding for up to four years
Cons
Does not cover living expenses
Highly competitive selection process
Mainly for Indian citizens; limited eligibility for Pakistani students