Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan is extending fully funded undergraduate scholarships to students from Gilgit-Baltistan, aiming to close the educational divide between this region and more urbanized areas of the country. This scholarship is available to students under 22 years who have completed their intermediate exams, including those already enrolled in undergraduate programs since Fall 2023.

According to Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, the scholarship program covers tuition, hostel fees, a monthly stipend, books, and travel expenses. Approximately 250 students from Gilgit-Baltistan have already benefited from this initiative, taking up undergraduate studies across various public sector universities in Pakistan. The application deadline for the current batch is set for September 30, 2024.

HEC has been actively promoting this opportunity through a series of awareness sessions held at the Karakoram International University’s main campus in Gilgit, its sub-campus in Hunza, and the University of Baltistan in Skardu. These sessions were led by Mr. Muhammad Raza Chohan, Adviser (Scholarships) at HEC, who emphasized the importance of this scholarship for the development of the youth in Gilgit-Baltistan and the broader socio-economic growth of Pakistan.

Project Director HEC, Mr. Javed Hassan Awan, detailed the application process during these sessions, informing students that the selection tests would be conducted in mid-October, with specifics to be communicated via email. He also discussed additional scholarship opportunities available beyond this program.

During the sessions, Mr. Raza Chohan encouraged the students to set clear educational goals and strive for excellence, underscoring the transformative power of education. The HEC team also met with university management and faculty to discuss strategies for motivating and assisting students to take advantage of these scholarships.

Acting Vice Chancellor of KIU, Dr. Abdul Razzaq, expressed gratitude towards the HEC for its special focus on supporting students from the Gilgit-Baltistan region through this scholarship scheme.