HEC offers undergrad scholarships

Islamabad:The Higher Education Commission has announced the opening of applications for the 'Undergraduate Scholarship Programme for Students of Gilgit-Baltistan in Top Pakistani Universities/Institutions (Batch-IV)' for the academic year 2024-25.

The scholarships aim to support students from Gilgit-Baltistan pursuing undergraduate degrees at HEC-recognised public sector universities or degree-awarding institutions across Pakistan, according to the HEC.

It said for eligibility, applicants must be domiciled in Gilgit-Baltistan, possess Higher Secondary School Certificate or an equivalent qualification, be under 22 years old by the application deadline, and meet both HEC and university admission criteria for BS programmes. Current recipients of other scholarships are not eligible. The programme will cover tuition, hostel fees, and other charges up to Rs240,000 per year, and offer monthly stipend of Rs15,000 and annual book and travel allowances totalling Rs30,000.

Shortlisted candidates will be selected based on their performance in the Aptitude Test conducted by the Education Testing Council and their academic records. A minimum score of 50 per cent on the test is required for eligibility. The test results are valid for one year.

Students already enrolled in a BS program at a public sector university or institution for up to one academic year prior are also eligible. Scholarships will be awarded based on merit, with no discrimination regarding gender, caste, race, or religion. The deadline for application submission is September 30, 2024, with the HEC reserving the right to cancel or postpone the scholarship process without prior notice.