HEC Opens Applications for Afghan Students Under Pakistan 4,500 Scholarship Program

In a significant step to strengthen educational and cultural ties, the Government of Pakistan has launched a major scholarship program for Afghan students, offering 4,500 fully funded opportunities in leading Pakistani universities. This initiative will allow Afghan students to study in various fields, including Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Management Sciences, Computer Science, and other academic disciplines.

Aiming to Build Stronger Ties Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

According to officials, the scholarships are part of Pakistan’s broader vision to promote regional stability and cooperation. The initiative aims to:

• Strengthen bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries.
• Encourage people-to-people contact by bringing Afghan youth to Pakistan for higher education.
• Support Afghanistan’s reconstruction by developing skilled human resources that can contribute to the nation’s rebuilding efforts.

By educating Afghan students in Pakistan, the government hopes to foster a sense of friendship and partnership that extends beyond politics, focusing on the shared cultural, historical, and social bonds between the two nations.

Full Financial Support for Students

The scholarship package is designed to provide complete financial relief to students so they can focus solely on their studies. The program covers:

• Full tuition fees for the duration of the degree.
• Monthly living allowance to help with food, transport, and other daily needs.
• Book allowance to cover academic expenses.
• Hostel accommodation dues, allowing students to live comfortably at university campuses.

This ensures that Afghan students can study in Pakistan without worrying about financial stress, making it one of the most generous scholarship schemes available to them.

Opportunities Across All Levels of Higher Education

The scholarships are open for multiple academic levels, giving opportunities to both fresh graduates and professionals looking to further their education:

• Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s degrees)
• MS/M.Phil Programs (Master’s degrees)
• PhD Programs (Doctoral research degrees)

This broad coverage allows Afghan students to choose the academic path that best suits their career ambitions.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

For Undergraduate Programs:

• Must have completed 12 years of education (equivalent to high school or intermediate).
• Age must be between 17 and 23 years.
• At least 60% marks in general subjects.
• At least 65% marks for Medicine and Engineering programs (based on IBCC Pakistan equivalency formula).

For MS/M.Phil Programs:

• Maximum age limit: 35 years.
• Must have completed 16 years of education.
• A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of 4.0 in the previous degree (bachelor’s or master’s).

For PhD Programs:

• Maximum age: 35 years for non-faculty applicants, 40 years for faculty members.
• Must have completed 18 years of education.
• A minimum 3.0 CGPA out of 4.0 in MS/M.Phil or equivalent degree.

Application Process — Only Online Submissions Accepted

Applicants must submit their forms online at http://pakafghan.hec.gov.pk.

• The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has provided a step-by-step user manual on the website to guide students.
• Hard copy submissions will not be accepted, making it important for applicants to carefully complete the online process.
• Students are advised to prepare their academic documents, equivalency certificates, and other required information before starting the application.

Deadline for Applications

The last date to apply is September 30, 2025. Afghan students are strongly encouraged to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues with the portal.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Education has always been one of the strongest tools for building peace and progress. For Afghanistan, which has faced decades of conflict and instability, these scholarships represent a chance to prepare a new generation of doctors, engineers, scientists, managers, and educators who can lead the country toward a brighter future.

At the same time, Pakistan benefits by creating long-term goodwill among Afghan youth, many of whom may return home as ambassadors of friendly relations between the two countries.

Encouragement for Afghan Youth

Officials have urged Afghan students with strong academic records to apply and take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Studying in Pakistan will not only give them access to quality higher education but also allow them to experience cultural exchange, international exposure, and professional growth.

The announcement of 4,500 fully funded scholarships for Afghan students is being widely seen as a gesture of goodwill and regional cooperation. It highlights Pakistan’s commitment to education as a tool for peace and development in South Asia.

For complete details, application guidelines, and updates, Afghan students are advised to visit the official HEC website.

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