Overview of the Scholarship Program

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has launched a scholarship program specifically for students from Gilgit-Baltistan who are planning to pursue undergraduate studies. This opportunity is part of the “Undergraduate Scholarship Program for the Students of Gilgit-Baltistan in Top Pakistani Universities/Institutions (Batch-IV)” for the academic year 2024-25. The program supports students enrolling in 4- or 5-year Bachelor’s (BS) degree programs at HEC-recognized public sector universities or degree-awarding institutions in Pakistan. The scholarship is available for all fields of study, aiming to help deserving students from Gilgit-Baltistan achieve their educational goals.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for this scholarship, you need to fulfill the following requirements:

• You must have a domicile or local certificate from Gilgit-Baltistan. This certificate verifies your residency in the region and qualifies you for this specific scholarship.
• You should have completed your Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) or an equivalent qualification by the time you apply. This is necessary to ensure that you have the required educational background for undergraduate studies.
• If you are currently receiving any other scholarship, you are not eligible for this one. The scholarship is meant to assist students who do not have other forms of financial support.
• Applicants must be 22 years old or younger on the application submission deadline. This age limit ensures that the scholarship targets younger students who are at the start of their undergraduate studies.
• You must meet the admission criteria set by both the HEC and the university you are applying to for the BS programs. This means you need to fulfill all the academic and entry requirements specified by the university.

Scholarship Coverage

The scholarship provides financial support that includes:

• The scholarship covers tuition fees, hostel fees, and other related charges up to Rs. 240,000 per year. This substantial amount helps cover the major costs associated with higher education.
• You will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000. This stipend is intended to help with daily living expenses while you are studying.
• An annual allowance of Rs. 30,000 is provided for books and travel expenses. This helps cover the costs of textbooks and any travel related to your studies.

Important Notes

• You must take an Aptitude Test administered by the Education Testing Council (ETC) of HEC. To be considered for the scholarship, you need to score at least 50% on this test. The test results are valid for one year from the date they are announced.
• If you are already enrolled in a BS program at a public sector university or institution, and have been studying for up to one academic year before the scholarship advertisement, you are still eligible to apply.
• Scholarships will be awarded based on merit. This means the selection will be based on your test scores and academic credentials, without any discrimination based on gender, caste, race, or religion.
• The scholarship is available for any public sector university or institution in Pakistan, not limited to specific universities. This provides a wide range of options for where you can study.
• HEC reserves the right to cancel or postpone the scholarship process at any time without prior notice. This means the program’s availability could change based on HEC’s decisions.

How to Apply

• Applications must be submitted online via the HEC’s official portal. Make sure to fill out all required fields in the application form accurately.
• Ensure that your application is complete before submission. Incomplete applications will not be considered, so double-check that all information is provided.
• After completing the application, click on “Submit” to ensure it is officially recorded.
• A non-refundable fee of Rs. 500 must be paid through the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) online facility. Detailed instructions for payment will be included in the scholarship advertisement.
• You must include a scanned copy of the fee challan (payment receipt) with your application. This serves as proof that you have paid the application fee.
• After submitting your application, keep your application ID and payment receipt safe for future reference and potential follow-ups.

Deadline

• Application Deadline: You must submit your application by September 30, 2024. Be sure to complete and submit your application before this date to be considered for the scholarship.

Additional Information

• Check your email and the HEC’s official website frequently for any updates or changes regarding the scholarship process.
• For more information and to apply, visit the HEC’s official website. This site will provide further details and instructions related to the scholarship program.

By following these guidelines and meeting the eligibility requirements, you can apply for and potentially benefit from this scholarship, which will support you financially throughout your undergraduate studies.