The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has announced the availability of Need-Based Scholarships (NBS) for the academic year 2025. These scholarships are aimed at supporting financially disadvantaged students pursuing undergraduate programs at selected public sector universities across the country.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify for the HEC NBS, applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a 4-5 year undergraduate program at a participating university.
- Have secured admission on a merit basis; self-finance students are not eligible.
- Demonstrate genuine financial need as assessed by the Institutional Scholarship Award Committee (ISAC) of the respective university.
- Be enrolled in a program with a duration of four or five years.
The scholarship is designed to cover the full duration of the program. If a recipient discontinues their studies, the scholarship will be reallocated to another eligible student from the waiting list.
Benefits offered
The HEC NBS provides comprehensive financial support, including:
- Full coverage of university tuition fees.
- Assistance with hostel accommodation fees.
- A monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
- An annual allowance for purchasing academic books.
- Provision for travel expenses, including air tickets.
The exact amount of each benefit may vary based on the university’s budget and the student’s specific needs.
Application process
Interested candidates must submit their applications through the Financial Aid Office (FAO) of their respective universities. HEC does not accept direct applications. The application process includes:
- Completing and submitting the scholarship application form along with required documents.
- Providing necessary documents to verify financial need and academic credentials.
- The ISAC reviews applications and forwards recommendations to HEC for final approval.
It is important to note that students admitted on a self-finance basis are not eligible for this scholarship program.
Conclusion
The HEC Need-Based Scholarships are a significant initiative to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder talented students from accessing quality higher education in Pakistan. By providing comprehensive financial support, these scholarships aim to empower students to achieve their academic and professional goals. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact their university’s Financial Aid Office for detailed information and assistance with the application process.
For more information, please visit the official HEC website: HEC Need-Based Scholarships.
