Hawaii scholarship offers Pakistanis degrees with $22,000 annual support
The East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship 2027 allows eligible Pakistani students to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. The fellowship provides support valued at approximately $22,000 per year.
The package covers general graduate tuition and fees, accommodation in an East-West Center residence hall, and partial support for meals and other living expenses. The estimated value is the total worth of the support package, not a cash payment of $22,000 directly to each student.
Selected students may also qualify for additional funding for field studies and conference presentations through a competitive process. However, the fellowship does not cover every expense associated with studying in the United States.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
The fellowship is open to US citizens and permanent residents, as well as citizens of eligible countries in Asia and the Pacific. Pakistani citizens are eligible to apply for the programme.
Applicants must seek admission to an eligible Master’s or doctoral programme at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. The East-West Center gives priority to candidates who show a strong interest in the Asia-Pacific region and are willing to take part in its educational, cultural and leadership activities.
Applicants generally need at least a B average, usually equal to a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, to meet the university’s minimum graduate admission standard. Some departments may require higher grades or additional qualifications, and meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission.
Pakistani applicants must submit properly attested academic mark sheets for every year of study. These records should include subjects, maximum and passing marks, marks obtained, and the division or class awarded.
English test scores and documents required
Most applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency. The minimum scores listed for the fellowship include IELTS Academic 5.5, Duolingo English Test 90, Cambridge C1 Advanced 161 and Cambridge C2 Proficiency 161.
For the TOEFL iBT, the listed minimum is 61 for tests taken before 2026, while the revised test from 2026 onward requires an overall score of 3.5. Applicants should confirm the current requirements with the university before submitting their results.
Candidates must provide the names and contact details of three references who can discuss their academic performance, work experience, leadership skills and suitability for the fellowship. They should contact their referees early to avoid delays in completing the application.
Required materials include proof of an application to the University of Hawai‘i, a CV or resume, details of three references, and the statement of objectives required by the intended academic programme. International applicants should also provide their passport biodata page if available.
Application deadline and how to apply
The deadline for the East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship 2027 is December 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm Hawaii Standard Time. Applicants should check their chosen university department’s deadline separately because some programmes may have different admission requirements or closing dates.
Candidates must complete two separate but connected applications to be considered. First, they must apply for admission to an eligible Master’s or PhD programme at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, then submit the East-West Center fellowship application through its online system.
Applicants should upload proof that they have submitted their university application, along with all required supporting documents. If proof is delayed, the East-West Center allows applicants to upload a short explanation and provide the document later.
Students should review the application carefully before submitting it because they cannot directly edit a form after submission. If changes are needed later, they must contact the East-West Center.
What other benefits does the fellowship offer?
The fellowship offers more than financial assistance for graduate studies. Selected students also take part in cultural activities, leadership development, community service and programmes designed to build connections across the Asia-Pacific region.
Living and studying with people from different countries can help fellows build international networks and gain leadership experience. Students should still plan for expenses that are not covered, including health insurance, international travel, visa fees, books, initial settling-in costs and summer tuition or accommodation.
The fellowship could be a useful opportunity for Pakistani students who want to study in the United States but need financial support. Its tuition and housing benefits may reduce some major costs, although students will still need money for other expenses.
Applicants should prepare their academic documents, English test results and references well before the deadline. Applying to the university and the East-West Center separately is important because completing only one application may not be enough.
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