Speaking at a briefing on Thursday, USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar said, “We are very fortunate that we have the world’s largest Fulbright programme in Pakistan. Opportunities for Pakistani students to study in the US have never been greater, and we want to encourage students in remote and disadvantaged parts of the country to apply.”
In 2011, Fulbright scholarships had allowed over 386 Pakistanis to study in the US. This is one example of the US government’s long-term commitment to the education of Pakistanis and to increasing mutual understanding between both countries. Since USEFP’s inception more than 60 years ago, nearly 4,000 Pakistanis and more than 800 Americans have participated in USEFP administered exchange programmes.
The Fulbright Programme is just one of many US-government funded educational, professional, and cultural exchange programmes in Pakistan. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and students from FATA and other remote or economically disadvantaged regions are strongly encouraged to apply. All disciplines are eligible, with the exception of clinical medical fields.
Applications are especially encouraged in energy, water and agriculture. More information about the programme as well as standardised testing and free educational advising services can be found on the USEFP website at www.usefpakistan.org.