The Higher Education Commission (HEC) launched a Scholarship Programme for Gilgit-Baltistan students interested in studying at top Pakistani universities or institutions.
According to an HEC official, applications have been invited from outstanding Gilgit-Baltistan students planning to pursue undergraduate courses (four/five five-year BS programmes) at HEC-recognised public sector universities/degree awarding institutions (DAIs).
Under the project titled “Undergraduate Scholarship Programme for Students of Gilgit-Baltistan in Top Pakistani Universities/Institutions (Batch-III),” scholarships are being granted in all fields of study or disciplines for the academic year 2023-24.
The official stated that the applicants must have a Gilgit-Baltistan domicile or local certificate and have completed the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC)/ Equivalent. Applicants who are already receiving another scholarship are ineligible to apply, and the maximum age limit is 22 years as of the application deadline.
For admission to BS programmes, candidates must meet HEC and university prerequisites. According to the official, the scholarship will cover tuition, housing fees, and other charges up to Rs. 240,000 per year, a stipend of Rs. 15,000 per month, and books and travel allowances up to Rs. 30,000 per year.
The candidates will be shortlisted based on their performance in the Aptitude Test (which will be administered by the Education Testing Council, HEC) and their academic credentials, in which they must receive at least 50%.
Students who were enrolled in any BS Programme at public sector universities/institutions previous to the advertisement or announcement (for a maximum of one academic year/session) are also eligible to apply. Scholarships shall be awarded only on the basis of merit, regardless of gender, caste, colour, or religion.
The candidate may apply to any Public Sector University/Institution in Pakistan; however, any expenses incurred in excess of those specified in Project PC-I must be met by the student.
The test results will be valid for one year after they are announced, and HEC reserves the right to postpone or cancel the scholarship procedure at any time for any reason.
The application can be submitted online at http://eportal.hec.gov.pk, but paper copies will not be accepted. The deadline for application submission is September 30.
