The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced the opening of scholarship applications for students from Gilgit-Baltistan, offering them the opportunity to pursue undergraduate studies at public sector universities or degree-awarding institutions recognized by HEC.
The scholarships are for the academic year 2024-25 and are part of the “Undergraduate Scholarship Programme for the Students of Gilgit-Baltistan in Top Pakistani Universities/Institutions (Batch-IV).” This initiative covers a wide range of fields of study, aiming to provide comprehensive educational support to the region’s students.
Eligibility criteria:
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a domicile or local certificate from Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Have successfully completed their Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) or an equivalent qualification.
- Not be a recipient of any other scholarships.
- Be under the age of 22 at the time of application.
- Meet the admission requirements of both HEC and the respective universities for the chosen BS programmes.
Scholarship benefits:
The scholarship package includes:
- Coverage of tuition, hostel, and other academic fees up to Rs. 240,000 annually.
- A monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000 to support living expenses.
- An additional Rs. 30,000 per year to cover book and travel expenses.
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Selection process:
Candidates will be selected based on their academic records and performance in an Aptitude Test administered by the Education Testing Council (ETC), HEC. A minimum score of 50% on the test is mandatory for consideration, with the results valid for one year.
Students who are already enrolled in a BS program at a public sector university or institution, provided they have not completed more than one academic year before the advertisement, are also eligible to apply. The scholarships will be awarded purely on merit, with no discrimination based on gender, caste, race, or religion. Applications are open for admission to any public sector university or institution across Pakistan.
Application procedure:
Interested candidates must submit their applications online through the HEC portal. It is crucial that applicants complete the entire application process, including clicking the “Submit” button, to ensure their applications are considered. Applicants are advised to retain their application ID and payment receipt for reference.
A non-refundable processing fee of Rs. 500 must be paid via Habib Bank Limited (HBL) using their online facility, with the bank details provided in the official advertisement. A scanned copy of the paid fee challan should be uploaded with the application.
Deadline:
The application deadline is set for September 30, 2024. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues. They should also regularly check their emails and the HEC website for updates on the application process. The HEC reserves the right to cancel or postpone the scholarship process without prior notice.
For more information, visit the official HEC website here.
