The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced a merit-based undergraduate scholarship program for students of Gilgit-Baltistan region to study in top Pakistani universities/institutions, according to a statement received by WealthPK.

The applications have been invited from outstanding students who intend to pursue undergraduate studies (four/five years Bachelor of Science programs) from the HEC-recognised public sector universities/degree awarding institutions (DAIs).

The scholarships are being offered for the academic year 2022-23 in all areas of study/disciplines under the batch-II of the program. Deadline for receipt of applications is October 24, 2022.

As per the HEC directions, the applicants must have a domicile/local certificate of Gilgit-Baltistan. He/she must have completed secondary school certificate (SSC) and/or higher secondary school certificate (HSSC) or equivalent education. However, priority will be given to those students who have passed/completed their SSC/HSSC or equivalent from GB.

The applicants, who are already receiving any other scholarship, are not eligible to apply. The maximum age limit is 22 years as of the closing date of application submission.

The candidates will have to meet HEC and university criteria for admission to BS programs.

The scholarships will cover tuition fees, hostel fees, and other charges maximum of Rs240,000 per year, while a stipend of Rs15,000 per month will also be given. Similarly, books and travelling allowances of Rs30,000 per annum will also be given.

The candidates will be shortlisted based on their scores in aptitude tests (to be conducted by Education Testing Council, HEC) and academic credentials, in which a candidate must secure at least 50% marks. Test results will be valid for one year after the announcement of the test result date.

The award of scholarships will be purely merit-based and irrespective of gender, caste, race, and religion.

The students already enrolled in any BS program in public sector universities/institutions prior to the advertisement (maximum one academic year/session) may also apply.

The applicants can apply to any public sector university/institution of Pakistan. However, any expenditure over and above the cost given in the project PC-1 will be borne by the student.

The HEC reserves the right to postpone or cancel the scholarship process at any stage without assigning any reason.

The applicants are required to submit online applications through: https://eportal.hec.gov.pk.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk