Why scholarship planning matters in Pakistan’s international schools

Cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad now have many Cambridge and IB schools with fees that are high relative to local incomes. Scholarships can make these routes accessible for strong students from a wider range of families.

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1. Common scholarship types

• Academic merit scholarships based on O Level/IGCSE/Matric results or internal tests.
• A Level scholarships for students entering senior secondary (AS/A2).
• Talent scholarships (sport, debating, arts, leadership) at some schools.
• Fee concessions / bursaries for families with genuine financial need.

Examples of Pakistani schools with scholarship programmes

Karachi:

• Karachi Grammar School

  • Academic scholarships: Typically 10–40% of tuition, with higher percentages for exceptional O Level/IGCSE results. A Level scholarships can provide 20–60% fee reduction for outstanding candidates entering AS/A2.
  • Talent scholarships: Sports and arts scholarships usually 10–25% depending on level.
  • Other: Also offers sibling discounts (typically 5–10% per additional child).
  • Deadlines: Applications usually November–January for the following academic year.

• Beaconhouse School System

  • Academic scholarships: Academic excellence awards often 25–35% fee reduction. Senior‑school scholarships sometimes 30–50% for top performers.
  • Bursaries: Fee concessions can provide partial to substantial support (often 20–50%) after confidential financial assessment.
  • Deadlines: Applications often due October–December.

• The City School – Merit scholarships, usually 10–30% coverage. Applications typically November–January.

• Lahore Grammar School – Academic excellence scholarships, typically 10–40% of fees. Music and sports scholarships typically 10–25%. Applications usually November–January.

Lahore:

• Beaconhouse School System Lahore – Merit scholarships available, usually 10–30% coverage.
• Aitchison College – Academic scholarships typically 10–35% fee reduction.

Islamabad:

• Beaconhouse School System Islamabad – Academic scholarships available, typically 10–30% coverage.
• Roots International Schools – Merit scholarships, usually 10–25% fee reduction.

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2. Typical share of fees covered

Based on the schools listed above, typical coverage ranges are:

• Academic scholarships: 10–40% of tuition, with higher percentages (up to 60%) for exceptional A Level candidates.
• Talent/sporting scholarships: 10–25% depending on level of achievement.
• Bursaries: 20–50% based on financial need, with substantial support possible after confidential assessment.

Full‑fee awards are rare and usually linked to specific charitable initiatives.

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3. Eligibility and competition

Schools usually expect:

• High grades and strong teacher references.
• Good discipline and attendance records.
• For talent awards: verifiable achievements (trophies, certificates, portfolios).
• For bursaries: detailed financial disclosure.

Scholarship budgets are limited, so you should assume competitive odds, especially at well‑known schools.

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4. How to apply and when

General steps:

1. Shortlist 3–5 schools and read their scholarship policies.
2. Collect exam results, school reports and references.
3. Submit scholarship forms before deadlines (often late spring or early summer for August starts).
4. Sit any entrance/scholarship tests and interviews.

Some schools reserve awards for existing students, others actively invite new applicants.

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5. Duration and renewal

• Scholarships are often valid for one academic year, sometimes the full A Level span if conditions are met.
• Renewal depends on grades, behaviour and continued need.

Always clarify whether the award continues automatically or is reviewed annually.

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How Tutopiya helps Pakistani families

Tutopiya supports students across Pakistan by:

• Improving results in IGCSE/O Levels and A Levels, which directly drive scholarship offers.
• Providing structured support for exam technique, time management and subject gaps.
• Helping families link school‑level scholarships to later university scholarship options in Pakistan and abroad.

For families targeting international school scholarships in Karachi, Lahore or Islamabad, Tutopiya can help your child reach and maintain the academic standard schools are looking for.