US Ambassador Donald A. Blome extended congratulations to 120 Pakistani students and scholars who received prestigious Fulbright scholarships to pursue Master’s and PhD programs in the United States (US).
Among the recipients were participants in the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program. The Fulbright Program, the US government’s flagship academic exchange initiative, is one of the largest in Pakistan and facilitates global academic connections.
Supported by the US government, Fulbright exchanges enable students to attend top-tier universities, conduct groundbreaking research, and foster international knowledge sharing.
To prepare departing students for their academic journey and cultural immersion, the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) organized a comprehensive two-day pre-departure orientation.
Ambassador Blome remarked, “You have succeeded through a highly competitive process, and you should take pride in your accomplishment. I’m delighted to see such a diverse group of Fulbright participants, representing various regions and backgrounds of Pakistan.”
This year’s cohort will begin studies at 66 US universities, spanning disciplines such as health, education, computer sciences, environmental studies, and social sciences.
The group comprises 102 Master’s students, 13 PhD candidates, and five Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant fellows, with women constituting 55 percent of the cohort, highlighting the program’s commitment to gender equality.
The Fulbright scholarship covers travel, living expenses, health insurance, and tuition for the entire duration of study. Rita Akhtar, Executive Director of USEFP, welcomed the scholars and encouraged them to maximize their US experience.
“The Fulbright scholarship is transformative, offering access to world-class education, research opportunities, and a diverse academic environment fostering innovation,” Akhtar emphasized.
Managed by USEFP, established in 1950 as a binational commission by the US and Pakistan, the Fulbright Program in Pakistan has supported over 2,896 Pakistanis, contributing to global solutions for shared challenges.