Posted By: Editor

Introduction

Higher Education Commission (HEC) aims to elevate the socio-economic position of the needy & deserving students by providing access to quality education through needs-based scholarships. Government of Pakistan has also duly acknowledged the financial constraints barring students from acquiring higher education and has thus earmarked substantial funds for the improvement of education sector.

According to the national income statistics (by GOP) 80 percent of the families in Pakistan cannot afford the expenses of sending even one boarder to a local public university. Pakistan finished last among a group of 40 countries ranked by the Percentage Share of Enrollment in Private Higher Education (A study by World Bank, 1994) , Higher Education: The Lessons of Experience, 1994). On September 11, 2002 the GOP formed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) through a Cabinet Ordinance with a "mandate to transform institutions of higher education into world class seats of learning."

In pursuance of the Government's initiative of providing financial relief to meritorious but deprived students, an agreement of US$ 7.33 million in July 2004 is signed with United State Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide grant for scholarships in the field of Agriculture and Business Administration at undergraduate & graduate level.

Objective

To provide opportunities for academically qualified, yet financially needy, Pakistani students to continue university studies in selected partner universities of Pakistan in the fields of agriculture and business administration, especially from remote and rural areas of Pakistan (FATA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Southern Punjab, Balochistan, and Northern Sindh).

To enhance the institutional capacity of the Higher Education Commission of the Government of Pakistan and local public and private sector universities in designing and implementing need and merit based scholarship Projects. Scholarship is not restricted to tuition only, but extends to accommodation and living expenses.

The program defines the term "merit" by the admission percentage level/marks set by a particular university or HEC for all students. "Financial need" is defined as per mutually agreed and approved evaluation criteria set by USAID and HEC.

This program provides an opportunity for talented students who are financially disadvantaged and are incapable of meeting higher education costs at 11 partner institutions/universities in the fields of business and agriculture.

The initial scope of the project includes 1000 scholarship. However, 407 additional slots were approved with the mutual consent of Planning Commission and USAID .The ECNEC has approved additional 400 scholarships under this scheme on December 2010. The 1407 Scholarships were awarded so far and the rest will be awarded in 2011-12.

Scholarship Details

The scope of the project includes 1807 number of scholarships for the students who meet the eligibility criteria. The scholarships are bifurcated as follows:

The Merit and Needs based Scholarship Project has been in operation since 2004. Eleven (11) public & private institutions are participating in the program while more than 1407 scholarships have been successfully awarded at the participating institutions.

Scholarship Compositions

Comprehensive scholarship is offered under the program. The scholarship provides funds for the following expenses:

1. Tuition Fee,
2. Lodging,
3. Transportation,
4. Books,
5. Other Academics Costs

Students at both private & public sector institutes have found the scholarship extremely helpful in sustaining their educational expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Scholarships are available at undergraduate & graduate level in the prescribed disciplines (Agriculture Sciences & Business Administration) at the Partner Pakistani universities and degree awarding institutions.
2. Students need to secure admission in the approved discipline at the participating institution as per their admission policy and be enrolled in Undergraduate / Graduate programs.
3. Only those students who will enroll in first professional year in the respective courses offered by the participating institutions are eligible to apply.
4. Applicant must be from the rural areas of Pakistan.
5. The eligibility of a candidate is linked to neediness of the candidate as determined & assessed by the financial background of his/her family.

Focused area

Focused area in the financial assistance & scholarships are as follows:

• Prefered Geographical Location
  The focus will be remote areas at the national level with emphasis given to needy females and students from FATA, Khyber Pukhtunkhawa, Southern Punjab, Balochistan, and North Sindh.
• 25% Female Seats
  Women's participation in the education sector is very low. This activity will ensure that at least 25% of the awarded scholarships go to women, especially those coming from remote and vulnerable areas of Pakistan, who are financially needy, and meet admission criteria of the selected 11 partner universities.

University Advancement Program

• University Advancement Program
  University Advancement program is about creating awareness about higher education, building relationships and generating support for the universities academics, research, infrastructure and others. It is accomplished by comprehensive strategic efforts to incorporate strategic communications, alumni relations, community, government, non-government, industries, corporations and individual relations, development, and resource planning and administration.
• Vision
  Augment higher education in the country with quality standards through participation and contribution of our valuable stakeholders in order to create future for our students and community by satisfying all stakeholders involved.
• Mission
  To involve stakeholders in private support for HEC and partner universities by building trustworthy relationships through meaningful interactions and convincing.
• Objectives
  Encourage, develop and secure private contributions for higher education to enhance core support Increase the level of funding from private sides in terms of contributions as well as contributors Build and enhance understanding and relationship among the Universities alumni, friends, opinion leaders and community for philanthropic support to higher education throughout country

Success Stories

• Mr. Muhammad Shahid Hameed
  Mr. Muhammad Shahid Hameed said "My father is pensioner (Army Rtd) with income of Rs. 7,000/- per month and was difficult for him to support his higher education". He said that only through the HEC-USAID financial support that enabled him to complete his higher studies without any difficulty. Now I am working as Assistant Branch Manager in "New Jubilee Life Insurance Company" @ Rs. 75000/-per month.
• MehwishYaseen Lecturer (PMAS,AAUR)
  I belong to a mediocre class having five sisters and no brother. My father died when I was only 4 years of age. My mother struggled very hard for our well being and higher education. My elder sisters played their role to make me reach up to the university level and I too worked very hard to support myself financially by taking part time tuitions. With the grace of Allah almighty & financial support by HEC-USAID Funded Merit & Needs Based Scholarship Program I have completed MSc from PMAS-AAUR. Now I have been appointed as a Lecturer in my mother institute, PMAS-AAUR, Department of Horticulture after completion of my degree".
• Raza ul Haque-Business Consultant (Chevron International)
  HEC-USAID scholarship has helped me in fulfilling my dream of graduating from one of the best Business school in Pakistan. Being a sole bread winner of my family, it was difficult for me to leave my job and pursue my Masters education. On top of it, studying in LUMS meant relocating to a different city. Through HEC-USAID scholarship, I was able to overcome all these financial difficulties and graduated with distinction from my alma mater. LUMS equips with you with a degree that is recognized globally. Due to my education credentials, I was hired to work for multinational energy giant, Chevron Corp. I take immense pride in the fact that I got enrolled in Chevron International Gateways Program, one of the first two individuals from Pakistan to be selected in that program. Having benefited from this wonderful scholarship, we now have a greater responsibility in giving back to our society. Though impact may be on a very small micro level, but I try my utmost to contribute towards betterment of my fellow beings by sharing knowledge, experience and the monetary benefits that I have gained during this course of my education and working".
• Mr. Syed Zeeshan Ali
  I am extremely thankful for the award of HEC-USAID Scholarship for my MBA studies at IBA Karachi. The scholarship provided me an opportunity to do my MBA from IBA which I could not have financially afforded without the HEC-USAID Scholarship. The scholarship has been generous in funding my studies along with monthly maintenance stipend which enabled me to concentrate on my education without any financial problems. I sincerely hope that not only the HEC-USAID Scholarship is continued at IBA, it will be increased further to provide a chance to deserving students aspiring to study at IBA and other prestigious institutes and universities in the country. I once again thank the HEC-USAID Scholarship and look forward to their success in their noble contribution towards the development of young talent in Pakistan and hence promising a brighter future for the nation.
  "

FAQS

• Will USAID funded Merit &Need Based Scholarship assist the students to study in USA?
  US Need Based Scholarship will be offered to the students who are going to be enrolled in selected participating Pakistani Universities. This scholarship will not assist the students to study in US Universities.
• Does this scholarship provide any partial assistance to the students who are studying in other Pakistani Universities?
  This scholarship will not provide any partial assistance to the students who are studying in other Pakistani Universities/Institutions.
• How and when do I apply for financial assistance? Do I need to re-apply every year?
  You will apply directly to the relevant university for the admission and after seeking admission you will apply for the financial aid. The financial aid form will be made available with the administration office of the relevant university and after filling up this form will be returned to the same office. Once you are selected under this program, you don't need to apply again every year.
• What is the eligibility for these scholarships?
  Those Students, who are expected to get admission in the offered discipline of participating university for academic session spring/fall 2011 and can't pursue their education because of financial constraints, are eligible to apply.
• What kind of expenses will cover under this scholarship program?
  Scholarships cover full tuition fee for entire course (i.e. 2 years graduate & 4 undergraduate years courses). Scholarship also provides living expenses, costs of transportation, books and any other ancillary requirements of the student.
• Can I apply for admission in any of the participating university for admission?
  Yes you can apply in any of the participating university when the offer the admission.
• How can apply for the university admission?
  Please see the participating university schedule for the admission in the relevant programs.
• How can I receive an application form?
  The application form is available on HEC website and participating University web site/Financial Aid Office.
• I did my matriculation, can I apply for this scholarship?
  No, these scholarships are only for Undergraduate and Graduate level.
• I am studying in Third semester of the relevant course, am I eligible for this scholarship?
  These scholarships are for those students who are planning to get admission in the relevant course of the participating universities and will be enrolled in spring/fall session 2011 are eligible to apply.
• I am already availing financial assistance/scholarship from university / institute. Am I eligible for this scholarship?
  No, the students already availing financial assistance/scholarship from universities/institutes are not eligible to apply.
• Which are the Selected Participating Universities?
  You can see the details of selected participating universities on the official Website of Higher Education Commission Islamabad.
  
• If Spring Intake is not available in any of the participating Institute/university then students of Fall Intake are eligible for USAID funded Merit & Need Based Scholarship?
  Yes, If Spring Intake is not available then students of fall intake will be considered eligible to apply for scholarships.
• Is it possible to transfer the win scholarship from selected University / Institute to other University/Institute?
  As per provision it's not possible to transfer the scholarship from selected University/Institute to any other University/Institute.
• I have won the USAID funded Merit & Need Based Scholarship, Could I change my subjects/field of study?
  As per rules & regulations, the subject/discipline change is not allowed after award of scholarship.
  
  

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