Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships for Afghan Students: A Chance to Study in Pakistan

The Government of Pakistan is committed to providing quality education and capacity building opportunities to Afghan youth through the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships. This initiative aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan while enhancing people-to-people contacts. Under this program, scholarships are offered to 4500 Afghan students in various fields such as Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Management, and Computer Science. The scholarships cover living allowance, book allowance, hostel dues, and university tuition fees, making it a comprehensive support system for Afghan students pursuing higher education in Pakistan.

Introduction

The Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships for Afghan Students (Phase-III) is a significant initiative by the Government of Pakistan. Its primary aim is to empower Afghan youth through quality education and contribute to the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan. This scholarship program not only supports academic pursuits but also fosters a stronger bond between Pakistan and Afghanistan by promoting people-to-people contacts.

Scholarship Levels

The Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships are available at different academic levels, catering to the diverse educational needs of Afghan students:

Undergraduate Level

The undergraduate scholarships are designed for Afghani students who have completed 12 years of education or its equivalent. Applicants should be between 17 and 23 years of age before the closing date of the application. Minimum marks of 75% in Shahadatnama (Afghanistan) or 60% as per IBCC equivalency are required. Medical and Engineering students must fulfill the specific admission criteria set by the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC) and Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) respectively.

Graduate Level (MS/M.Phil.)

At the graduate level, scholarships are offered for MS/M.Phil. studies. The age limit for non-faculty members is 35 years, while for faculty members, it is 40 years. Candidates should have completed 16 years of education and achieved a minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 in their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

PhD Level

For Afghani students seeking to pursue a Ph.D., the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships provide valuable support. The age limit for non-faculty members is 35 years, and for faculty members, it is 40 years. Candidates should have completed 18 years of education (MS/M.Phil. degree) and obtained a minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 in their previous degree.

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Objectives of the Scholarship Program

The Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships for Afghan Students (Phase-III) are driven by the following objectives:

1. Sponsor Afghani students for quality education in Pakistan.
2. Establish professional linkages between institutions in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
3. Promote human resource development to contribute to the reconstruction of Afghanistan.
4. Foster people-to-people contacts and strengthen the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
5. Create goodwill among the people of Afghanistan towards Pakistan.
6. Provide an opportunity for Pakistani universities to attract students from neighboring countries and provide them with quality education.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships, Afghan students must meet the following criteria:

Undergraduate

• Completion of 12 years or equivalent education.
• Age limit of 17-23 years before the closing date of the application.
• Minimum marks of 75% in Shahadatnama (Afghanistan) or 60% as per IBCC equivalency.
• Medical and Engineering students must fulfill the admission criteria set by PM&DC and PEC respectively.

MS/M.Phil.

• Age limit of 35 years for non-faculty members and 40 years for faculty members.
• Completion of 16 years of education.
• Minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 in Bachelor’s/Master’s degree.

PhD

• Age limit of 35 years for non-faculty members and 40 years for faculty members.
• Completion of 18 years of education (MS/M.Phil. degree).
• Minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 in MS/M.Phil. degree.

Terms & Conditions

Applicants are required to fill in the necessary information through the online application process. Amendments to the application will not be entertained after submission. Awardees are not permitted to hold any other scholarship or stipend during the fellowship period. Candidates currently availing any other scholarship are not eligible to apply for the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships. For undergraduate scholarships, the maximum age limit is 23 years, and applicants should have completed their 12th-grade exams no later than 2018. The merit list will be prepared based on the online data/information provided by the applicants. Misrepresentation of information at any stage will result in the termination of the application process.

How to Apply

To apply for the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships, Afghan students can follow these steps:

1. Visit the Higher Education Commission (HEC) website: http://pakafghan.hec.gov.pk.
2. Apply online by filling in the required information.
3. Refer to the attached “User Manual” for detailed guidance on the application process.
4. The last date for submission of the online application form will be announced.
5. Please note that hard copies of the application will not be entertained.

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