ISLAMABAD – British High Commissioner Jane Marriott has invited Pakistani students to apply for the prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships to study at universities in the United Kingdom.
This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Commonwealth Scholarship programme, with 46 Chevening and 47 Commonwealth scholarships awarded to Pakistani students, according to an official statement from the British High Commission in Islamabad on Friday.
These scholarship programmes have cultivated a robust network of over 1,500 Commonwealth and nearly 2,000 Chevening alumni in Pakistan. These alumni frequently convene to discuss current issues and share their experiences.
The statement highlighted the diverse backgrounds of the scholars, who represent various regions of Pakistan, including Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and the Federal Capital Territory. Notably, over 60% of this year’s Chevening scholars are women, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusivity.
Addressing the students, High Commissioner Marriott offered guidance for their upcoming year in the UK, emphasizing the opportunities ahead. “The Chevening programme helps develop a new generation of Pakistani leaders and change-makers. Many of our alumni have gone on to achieve extraordinary things back home,” she stated. “They not only benefit from studying at some of the world’s best universities but also experience the richness of living in the UK. From climate studies to football coaching, I am excited to see their future accomplishments and encourage all interested to apply early.”
One of the upcoming Chevening scholars, Fareeha Gull Hashmi, expressed her excitement about joining the University of Essex for an MA in Heritage and Museum Studies, stating, “This programme is exactly what I was looking for to help me improve heritage and cultural preservation in Pakistan.”
This year’s cohort also includes scholarships for specialized fields such as Football Science and Heritage and Museum Studies, supported by institutions like Swindon Town Football Club and the University of Essex. The scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs, and additional opportunities are available in the upcoming application cycle.
In addition, the British High Commission recently launched “Chevening Connect” in Karachi, a new debate series that brings together industry experts and Chevening alumni. The inaugural debate focused on climate leadership and the strategies needed to support Pakistan’s adaptation and resilience efforts.
Applications for Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK for the 2025-26 academic years will close on November 5, 2024. Additional opportunities, including the South Asia Journalism Programme and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies fellowship, are also available. Applications for Commonwealth Scholarships will open later this year. For more information, visit the Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship websites.
