The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has concluded the initial phase of its undergraduate scholarship scheme for students from Gilgit-Baltistan, recording a near-total scholarship utilisation ratio of 99.4 percent.
According to HEC information today, the commission reported that out of a sanctioned target of 335 scholarships, the opportunity was availed by 333 students from the region. To ensure a comprehensive, merit-based selection, HEC had initially extended provisional scholarship offers to 430 candidates.
Of the students who benefited from the initiative, 312 scholars are currently pursuing undergraduate degrees at leading public sector universities, while 11 students have already graduated. The programme also maintained a balanced gender participation, with 182 male and 151 female students enrolled, representing an approximate 55:45 male-to-female ratio.
Launched in 2021, the scholarship plan aims to provide talented students from Gilgit-Baltistan with access to quality higher education. The financial package covers tuition fees, hostel charges, and provides allowances for living expenses, books, and travel. The stated objective is to equip youth with modern education to meet future challenges and foster development in their local area and the country.
Following the successful implementation of phase-I, the HEC aims to sustain and further expand such educational opportunities for students from other underserved and remote regions of Pakistan.