How to Apply for Pakistan Government Scholarships In 2026, the Pakistani government will continue to offer more scholarships to students from Pakistan and around the world who want to go to college. This guide lists the main scholarships, lists the requirements to get one, lists the benefits, and lists the papers that applicants need to send.
Overview of Government Scholarships in Pakistan (2026):
In Pakistan for 2026, there are three main types of government scholarships:
- National (Domestic) Scholarships: These are for students in Pakistani colleges.
- International Scholarships: These are for schools that let you study abroad.
- Special strategic and regional initiatives: focusing on study, bringing people together in the region, and training the best
The goal of these programs is to encourage access based on merit and need, representation from the region, and the ability to do advanced study
Do these scholarships provide regional educational support?
Yes, Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan scholarships aim to include students from underdeveloped regions. They cover full tuition and living expenses, promoting equal educational opportunities and helping students from remote areas access quality higher education and career development resources.
National (Domestic) Government Scholarships – 2026
These scholarships are for students enrolled in public sector universities in Pakistan.
1. Benazir Undergraduate Scholarship (BISP)
- Level: Undergraduate
- Eligibility: Newly admitted students with family income below PKR 45,000/month
- Coverage:
- Full tuition fee
- Monthly stipend (~PKR 4,000)
- Focus: Financially disadvantaged families, with priority for female students
2. HEC Need-Based Scholarships
- Level: Undergraduate & Master’s
- Eligibility: Financially deserving students at participating universities
- Coverage:
- Full or partial tuition fee
- Living allowance
- Selection Criteria: Verified financial need and academic performance
3. Indigenous PhD Fellowship (Phase-II)
- Level: PhD
- Eligibility: Pakistani or AJK nationals with minimum 3.0 CGPA in MS/MPhil
- Coverage:
- Monthly stipend
- Tuition fee
- Book and research allowance
- Purpose: Strengthening local research capacity
4. Gilgit-Baltistan & Balochistan Scholarships
- Level: Undergraduate
- Eligibility: Domicile of Gilgit-Baltistan or Balochistan
- Coverage: Full academic expenses for 4–5 year degree programs
- Focus: Supporting students from underdeveloped regions
Check Also: What Are 30000 Scholarships for Students of Punjab in 2026?
Benefits of Pakistan Government Scholarships:
- Full Financial Support: These grants pay for everything, including tuition, room and board, and sometimes even research or book allowances, so students don’t have to worry about money while they study.
- Access to Quality Education: They give students the chance to study at the best public universities in Pakistan or other countries, where they can benefit from advanced courses, knowledgeable professors, and state-of-the-art research centers.
- Opportunities Based on Merit and Need: Scholarships are meant to encourage students who do well in school and help students who are struggling financially. This makes college more fair and open to everyone.
- Better Job and Research Opportunities: Recipients learn about global education systems, specialized training, and research programs, all of which make them much more employable and open the door to jobs with big impacts.
- Regional and Gender Inclusion: Special programs focus on neglected areas like Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan and give female students extra help, which promotes diversity and equal access to education.
- International Experience and Networking: Studying abroad on a scholarship, like in China, Hungary, or the UK, gives students the chance to meet people from other countries, learn about other cultures, and work together, all of which are important for building a career in the global job market.
What levels of study do these scholarships cover?
Pakistan Government Scholarships cover undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs. Some specialized initiatives also support mid-career professionals and researchers, while international scholarships include study abroad opportunities in Europe, China, the United Kingdom, and other globally recognized institutions.
International (Foreign-Funded) Government Scholarships – 2026
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) manages nominations for most foreign-funded scholarships. Most programs require HAT (graduate/PhD) or USAT (undergraduate) scores.
1. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship (Hungary)
- Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Coverage:
- Full cost of school
- a monthly payment
- Contribution for accommodation
- Health insurance
- Language: English-language shows
2. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
- Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Fields: Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture, Social Sciences
- Coverage: Tuition, hostel accommodation, monthly stipend
- Nomination: Processed via HEC
3. Commonwealth Scholarships (United Kingdom)
- Levels: Master’s & PhD
- Focus Areas: Sustainable development, public policy, health, education, climate studies
4. Commonwealth Medical Fellowships
- Eligibility: Mid-career doctors from Pakistan
- Purpose: Advanced clinical and professional training in the UK
Special Government Scholarship Initiatives – 2026
1. US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor
- Level: PhD
- Structure: Multiple application calls throughout the year
- Coverage: Fully funded doctoral education
- Focus: High-impact research aligned with national development
2. Fudan University Elite Pioneer Program (China)
- Levels: Master’s & Doctoral
- Fields: Science and Engineering
- Deadline: Typically February 2026
- Focus: Elite research training
What is the eligibility for Pakistan Government Scholarships?
Eligibility depends on academic level, financial need, and domicile. Undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students must meet minimum CGPA requirements, submit verified financial documents if need-based, and comply with HEC or BISP regulations for national and international scholarships.
Key Requirements for Pakistan Government Scholarships 2026
Students are advised to prepare the following documents in advance:
Test Scores:
- USAT: Required for undergraduate programs
- HAT: Required for graduate and PhD programs
Income Proof (Need-Based Scholarships)
- Salary slips, utility bills, BISP registration records
Academic Documents
- HEC-attested degrees and transcripts
- IBCC equivalence (for O/A-Level students)
Other Requirements
- CNIC or B-Form
- Valid passport (for international scholarships)
Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan: https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/Pages/default.aspx
Final Thoughts:
In 2026, Pakistani government grants will give students at all levels chances they have never had before. Both at home and abroad, there are fully paid programs for everyone from low-income college freshmen to top researchers wanting to get their PhDs in a foreign country.
Success Tips:
- Start preparation early
- Ensure valid test scores
- Maintain complete and verified documentation
- Follow official HEC and BISP announcements to avoid missing deadlines
