The scholarships can be used on a range of courses, including medicine, engineering, business administration and international relations. But they come with a catch – recipients must return to their home country after completing their studies.

“This requirement to serve their country of origin upon graduation is proof that this is not a brain drain scholarship project but one that actually aims to help developing countries benefit from their human capital,” Brazilian envoy Alfredo Leoni told Pakistan’s Express Tribune.

“This is not a brain drain scholarship project but one that actually aims to help developing countries benefit from their human capital”

Brazil has offered scholarships to students from developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Caribbean since the 1960s.

There are around 2,700 subsidised foreign students in the country, all of whom must return to their countries after finishing their courses.

The ambassador, who is also the honorary president of the Pak-Brazil Friendship Association, said Brazil’s multicultural society and established Muslim community would appeal to Pakistanis.

“According to recent studies, Brazil is one of the happiest countries in the world,” he added.

Those eligible for the scholarships must be between 18 and 25 years old and have finished secondary education. Living expenses and accommodation are not part of the package, but students who can’t fund themselves may apply for aid from another subsidy scheme once in Brazil.

“The universities [also] give need-based grants to students in the form of meal plans and lodging,” Leoni said.