The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has officially opened applications for its Undergraduate Scholarship Programme specifically designed for students from Gilgit-Baltistan. This initiative, now in its fourth batch, aims to support talented students from the region in pursuing undergraduate degrees at top HEC-recognized public sector universities and degree-awarding institutions across Pakistan for the academic year 2024-25.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Domicile Requirement: Applicants must hold a valid domicile or local certificate from Gilgit-Baltistan.
2. Educational Background: Candidates must have completed their Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) or an equivalent qualification recognized by the HEC.
3. Age Limit: The maximum age limit for eligibility is 22 years as of the application deadline.
4. No Concurrent Scholarships: Applicants currently benefiting from other scholarship programs are not eligible for this scheme.
5. Admission Requirements: Candidates must satisfy the admission criteria set by both the HEC and the respective university for their desired BS program.

Scholarship Benefits:

The scholarship offers extensive financial assistance to cover various educational expenses, including:

• Tuition and Hostel Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees, hostel charges, and other related costs up to Rs. 240,000 per year.
• Monthly Stipend: A monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000 to support students’ living expenses.
• Additional Allowances: An annual allowance of Rs. 30,000 for books and travel.

Selection Process:

• Aptitude Test: Candidates will be shortlisted based on their performance in an Aptitude Test conducted by the Education Testing Council (ETC) under HEC supervision. To qualify, candidates must secure at least 50% on the test. The results will be valid for one year from the date of announcement.
• Merit-Based Selection: Scholarships will be awarded purely on merit, ensuring that deserving students receive the support they need to succeed, regardless of gender, caste, race, or religion.

Key Points to Note:

• Existing Students: Students who are already enrolled in a BS program at public sector universities or institutions before the advertisement—up to a maximum of one academic year—are also eligible to apply.
• HEC’s Discretion: HEC holds the right to cancel or modify the scholarship program at any stage without prior notice.

How to Apply:

Interested students should follow these steps to apply for the scholarship:

1. Online Application: Submit the application through the HEC’s official online portal. Ensure all required fields are accurately filled.
2. Final Submission: After completing the application form, click the “Submit” button. Only fully submitted applications will be processed.
3. Processing Fee: Applicants must pay a non-refundable processing fee of Rs. 500 through Habib Bank Limited (HBL) online. The bank details are available in the official advertisement.
4. Supporting Documents: Upload a scanned copy of the paid fee challan with the application form. Retain a copy of the application ID and payment receipt for your records.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2024

The deadline for submitting applications is September 30, 2024. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of the deadline to avoid any last-minute complications. For the latest updates and detailed information, applicants should regularly check their emails and visit the HEC website.

This scholarship represents a significant opportunity for students from Gilgit-Baltistan to access quality higher education and contribute to the socio-economic development of their region. Through this initiative, HEC aims to empower the youth of Gilgit-Baltistan, enabling them to achieve academic excellence and pursue successful careers in various fields.