The Faculty Development Programme in Pakistan is a commendable initiative designed to enhance the education system and build capacity in selected universities. This program aims to encourage and reward existing faculty members for their commitment to developing their teaching skills in key areas of expertise. By providing opportunities for learning abroad and pursuing a Ph.D. degree, the program aims to strengthen university academic programs, improve teaching and learning effectiveness, and foster research collaboration between partner countries.
Introduction
The Faculty Development Programme in Pakistan is an important initiative undertaken by public sector universities to enhance the quality of education and promote academic growth. This program focuses on the development of teaching skills and aims to reward and encourage faculty members to contribute to the nation-building process with their enhanced knowledge and expertise.
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Purpose of the Faculty Development Programme
The primary purpose of the Faculty Development Programme is to strengthen the education system by investing in the capacity enhancement of selected universities. By providing faculty members with opportunities to learn abroad and pursue their Ph.D. degrees, the program aims to enhance the quality of education and research at the participating institutions. This initiative also facilitates the development of research projects and fosters collaboration between partner countries.
Enhancing Teaching Skills and Education Level
The Faculty Development Programme places a strong emphasis on enhancing teaching skills and improving the overall education level. By exposing faculty members to foreign qualified faculty, the program provides a platform for knowledge exchange and the adoption of innovative teaching methodologies. Through these experiences, faculty members gain valuable insights into effective teaching techniques, curriculum development, and assessment strategies, which they can then implement in their home institutions.
Opportunities for Non-Ph.D. Faculty Members
One of the key aspects of the Faculty Development Programme is the opportunity it offers to non-Ph.D. faculty members. This program recognizes the potential of faculty members who have not yet obtained a Ph.D. degree but have demonstrated exceptional teaching capabilities. Through this initiative, these faculty members can pursue their Ph.D. degrees abroad, further enhancing their knowledge and expertise in their respective fields.
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Ph.D. Scholarships for Selected Universities
The Faculty Development Programme offers Ph.D. scholarships in specific disciplines for each participating university. The scholarships are awarded to Pakistani and AJK nationals who meet the eligibility criteria. To be eligible for the Ph.D. scholarship, applicants must have a master’s degree or M.Phil. in a relevant field. They must also meet specific academic performance requirements, such as obtaining a first division or a minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Faculty Development Programme, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:
- Being Pakistani or AJK nationals
- Having a bachelor’s or master’s degree for MS scholarships and MS/M.Phil. in a relevant field for Ph.D. scholarships
- Meeting the academic performance requirements, such as obtaining a minimum CGPA of 2.50 out of 4.0 or 60% marks for MS scholarships and a minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 or 75% marks for Ph.D. scholarships
- Fulfilling age requirements, with maximum age limits varying based on the applicant’s status as a full-time faculty member or others
- Having obtained the requisite qualification on or before the closing date of the application
Terms and Conditions
The Faculty Development Programme operates based on specific terms and conditions, which include:
- The scholarships are awarded in specific subject areas for each participating university.
- Candidates can choose a maximum of three participating universities, provided the scholarships are offered by multiple universities in the subject area.
- Applications must be submitted online, and requests for amendments will not be entertained after submission.
- The selection process may involve a scholarship test and/or interview.
- Scholarships will only be awarded once applicants secure admission in international universities with which the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has agreements.
- Awardees will have to execute a bond with HEC and the respective university, committing to serve the same university for a specified period after completing their studies.
FAQs
I meet the eligibility criteria but I am not a faculty member, can I apply?
Yes, you can apply for the Faculty Development Programme even if you are not a faculty member. However, it is important to fulfill the eligibility criteria specified for the program.
I am a faculty member at a Public/Private University not mentioned in the advertisement. Can I apply?
Yes, you can apply, subject to fulfilling the eligibility criteria. In-service candidates are advised to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current employer.
I am unable to select more than one/two universities for the subject area of my choice. Why?
The limitation on selecting universities may be due to the availability of scholarships in specific subject areas or technical issues. Please refer to the HEC website or contact the provided email address for further assistance.
I will finish my Bachelors/Masters/M.Phil. immediately after 5th March 2019. Can I apply?
No, you must have obtained the requisite qualification on or before the closing date mentioned in the advertisement.
I am currently enrolled in a Ph.D. at a local university, can I apply?
Yes, you can apply. However, if selected for an overseas scholarship, you will have to start afresh and follow the selection process independently.
How much is the funding?
The funding provided through the Faculty Development Programme covers maintenance allowance and tuition fees, as per the approval of the relevant project. It is important to note that the scholarship is sufficient only for the scholar and does not provide financial coverage for dependents.
Do I need to have prior admission to a foreign university?
No, prior admission to a foreign university is not mandatory. However, applicants are encouraged to explore suitable universities and potential supervisors beforehand.
Whom should I contact in case of any queries?
For any queries regarding the Faculty Development Programme, you can contact Ms. Sara Siraj Abbasi, Assistant Project Manager, Faculty Development Program (Overseas Scholarships), through the provided email address.
The Faculty Development Programme in Pakistan plays a vital role in enhancing education, promoting research collaboration, and building capacity in the education system. By providing opportunities for learning abroad and pursuing Ph.D. degrees, the program empowers faculty members to contribute to their respective fields and positively impact the nation’s development. Through this initiative, the participating universities and faculty members can collectively strengthen academic programs and create a conducive environment for teaching and learning.