The Higher Education Commission (HEC) today approved a significant expansion of the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship Programme, extending its reach to Central Asian and other allied nations and incorporating Master”s level studies for the first time.
The decision was made during the inaugural meeting of the Project Steering Committee at the Commission Secretariat on Tuesday, a high-level assembly chaired by HEC Chairman Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar.
Key attendees included HEC Executive Director Dr. Zia Ul Haq, Beaconhouse National University Vice Chancellor Mr. Moeed Yusuf, and former Ambassador Mansoor Ahmed Khan. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Economic Affairs Division, and the Planning Commission also participated in the deliberations.
Project Director Mr. Jahanzeb Khan presented the committee with a briefing on the programme”s background and progress, noting that the first phase, under the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, was initiated for Bangladesh in November 2025.
The steering body reviewed proposals for the second phase, deliberating on the allocation of academic awards for the new countries, the addition of MS level grants, and an increase in the number of scholarships designated for Bangladeshi students in future cycles. The panel also discussed holding educational expos in two selected allied nations.
Dr. Akhtar directed that the scholarship scheme be announced online for all designated Central Asian and friendly countries, with the number of grants to be determined by the volume of applications received from each nation. The committee also formally endorsed the inclusion of MS level scholarships and the plan for additional awards for Bangladesh.
Furthermore, the panel approved a proposed executive leadership training programme for individuals from Central Asian and friendly nations, which will be coordinated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In his concluding remarks, the HEC Chairman emphasised the importance of providing comprehensive facilitation to international students and ensuring their issues are addressed through appropriate channels.