The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has announced an exciting opportunity for students from Gilgit-Baltistan to pursue undergraduate studies at HEC-recognized public sector universities and degree-awarding institutions across the country. The scholarships, offered under the “Undergraduate Scholarship Programme for the students of Gilgit-Baltistan in Top Pakistani Universities/Institutions (Batch-IV),” are available for the academic year 2024-25 and cover all fields of study.

Eligibility Criteria:

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

  1. Domicile: Applicants must possess a valid domicile or local certificate from Gilgit-Baltistan.
  2. Educational Qualifications: Applicants must have successfully completed their Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) or an equivalent qualification.
  3. Age Limit: The maximum age limit for applicants is 22 years as of the application submission deadline.
  4. Exclusivity: Applicants currently benefiting from any other scholarship program are not eligible for this scholarship.
  5. Admission Requirements: Applicants must fulfill the admission criteria set by both HEC and the respective universities for BS programs.

Scholarship Coverage:

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including:

  • Tuition Fees: Coverage of tuition, hostel fees, and other related charges up to Rs. 240,000 per year.
  • Stipend: A monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000 to support living expenses.
  • Additional Allowances: Book and travel allowances amounting to Rs. 30,000 per annum.

Selection Process:

  • Aptitude Test: Candidates will be shortlisted based on their performance in the Aptitude Test conducted by the Education Testing Council (ETC) under HEC. To qualify for the scholarship, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 50% on the test. The test results will be valid for one year from the date of announcement.
  • Merit-Based Awards: Scholarships will be awarded strictly on a merit basis, ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates, regardless of gender, caste, race, or religion.

Important Notes:

  • Current Students: Students who are already enrolled in a BS program at public sector universities before the advertisement (for up to one academic year) are also eligible to apply.
  • HEC’s Rights: HEC reserves the right to cancel or postpone the scholarship process at any time without prior notice.

How to Apply:

Interested students must submit their applications online via the HEC portal. Here’s how to proceed:

  1. Online Submission: Complete the application form on the HEC’s official portal. Ensure that all required information is filled in accurately.
  2. Submit Application: After completing the form, click on “Submit.” Only submitted applications will be considered.
  3. Payment of Fee: Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee of Rs. 500 through the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) online facility. Details of the bank account are provided in the official advertisement.
  4. Documentation: Upload a scanned copy of the paid fee challan with the application form. Keep a copy of the application ID and payment receipt for future reference.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2024

Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues. Regularly check emails and the HEC website for updates regarding the scholarship process. For more detailed information, applicants should visit the official HEC website.

This scholarship program represents a significant opportunity for the talented youth of Gilgit-Baltistan to pursue higher education and contribute to the development of their region and the country.

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