ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has launched a Scholarship Programme aimed at providing educational opportunities for students from Gilgit-Baltistan to pursue studies in esteemed Pakistani universities and institutions.
As per an official statement from HEC, exceptional students hailing from Gilgit-Baltistan are invited to apply for the Scholarship Programme, intending to undertake undergraduate studies (four/five years BS programs) at HEC-recognized public sector universities or degree awarding institutions (DAIs).
The scholarships, available for the academic year 2023-24, in all fields of study and disciplines under the project titled “Undergraduate Scholarship Programme for the Students of Gilgit-Baltistan in Top Pakistani Universities/Institutions (Batch-III).”
Scholarship Programme Criteria for Students
In terms of eligibility criteria, candidates must hold a domicile or local certificate from Gilgit-Baltistan and possess a completed Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) or its equivalent. Applicants currently benefiting from other scholarships are not eligible to apply. The maximum age limit is 22 years as of the closing date of application submission, and candidates must meet both HEC and university criteria for admission into BS programs.
Under the scholarship programme details, it was disclosed that the support will encompass tuition fees, hostel charges (up to a maximum of Rs. 240,000 per year), a monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000, and book and travel allowances amounting to Rs. 30,000 per annum.
Shortlisting of candidates will rely on their performance in an Aptitude Test, to be conducted by the Education Testing Council, HEC, and their academic credentials, with a requirement of securing at least 50 percent marks.
Those students already enrolled in a public sector university’s BS programme prior to the advertisement or announcement (maximum one academic year/session) are also eligible to apply.
The allocation of scholarships will be purely based on merit, transcending gender, caste, race, and religion barriers. While applicants can apply to any public sector university or institution in Pakistan, any costs exceeding those outlined in Project PC-I will be the responsibility of the student.
The test result will remain valid for one year following its announcement. HEC retains the right to postpone or terminate the scholarship process at any stage without citing a specific reason.
Applications can be submitted online through the following link: Online Application Portal. Physical applications will not be entertained. The application deadline is September 30.
