Punjab University has announced a Rs. 10 billion scholarship and subsidy package for on-campus students as part of its proposed Rs. 20.87 billion budget for the 2026-27 financial year, aiming to make higher education more accessible and affordable.
The decision was made during the 1,761st meeting of the Punjab University Syndicate, chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, which recommended the proposed budget for approval by the university’s Senate.
According to the proposed budget, the financial assistance package will be funded through government grants, the university’s own resources, and other funding sources. The Syndicate also recommended increasing scholarships and student subsidies to further ease the financial burden on students and their families.
The university has allocated Rs. 341 million from its own resources for scholarships. Students will also continue to benefit from the Honhaar Scholarship Program, Higher Education Commission (HEC) scholarship schemes, and the Punjab Education Endowment Fund (PEEF).
Several existing student welfare initiatives will also remain in place. Students with disabilities will continue to receive free education and hostel accommodation, while students admitted under the sports quota will remain exempt from tuition fees. Tuition fee waivers for Huffaz-e-Quran and subsidies on hostel accommodation, transport, electricity, and other student services will also continue.
To promote academic excellence, the university has allocated Rs. 284 million in research grants to strengthen research activities, improve international rankings, and support projects contributing to Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
Punjab University also highlighted progress in its financial reforms, stating that the budget deficit has been reduced from Rs. 2.2 billion in 2024-25 to Rs. 1.6 billion in 2025-26. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali expressed confidence that the remaining deficit would be eliminated in the coming years by expanding the university’s revenue streams and strengthening its Endowment Fund.
