The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has launched the third batch of its Undergraduate Scholarship Programme, specifically designed for exceptional students from Gilgit-Baltistan. This initiative aims to provide deserving students with the opportunity to pursue undergraduate studies in some of Pakistan’s most prestigious universities.
To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must meet several criteria. They must hold a domicile or local certificate from Gilgit-Baltistan and have completed their Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) or an equivalent qualification. The scholarship is not available to students who are already benefiting from other scholarships. Applicants should be under 22 years of age as of the application closing date and must meet both HEC and university admission criteria for BS programs.
The scholarship offers comprehensive financial assistance, covering tuition fees, hostel fees, and other charges up to a maximum of Rs. 240,000 per year. In addition, recipients will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000 to support living expenses. The scholarship also includes allowances for books and travel, amounting to Rs. 30,000 per year.
Candidates will be shortlisted based on their academic records and scores in the Aptitude Test conducted by the Education Testing Council (HEC). A minimum score of 50% in the ETC test is mandatory. Students already enrolled in a BS program at a public sector university/institution within one academic year/session can also apply. Scholarships are awarded purely on merit, without any bias towards gender, caste, race, or religion.
Applicants can choose any public sector university/institution in Pakistan. However, they will need to cover any expenses exceeding the project’s budget. The ETC test result will remain valid for one year after its announcement. HEC reserves the right to modify or cancel the scholarship process at any stage, without providing reasons.
Applications can be submitted online at https://eportal.hec.gov.pk. An application fee of Rs. 500, which is non-refundable, must be deposited in any HBL branch across Pakistan. Applicants must remember to bring the original fee challan copy, their original CNIC/passport, and any other required documents on the test day. Applications must be submitted by September 30, 2023.
For further information, applicants can contact Javed Hassan Awan, Project Director, Scholarships Division, Higher Education Commission H-9, Islamabad, or visit www.hec.gov.pk.
