Higher Education Commission is reimbursing fees of students from 144 regions of Pakistan

Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan is reimbursing fees of students under the Prime Minister Youth Development program for selected underdeveloped regions of the country. The program is intended for students who are currently enrolled or intending to apply to a Master’s or Ph.D. program.

The scheme was initially designed for the students of Balochistan, FATA and Gilgit Baltistan, however, the scope of the program has now increased to encompass 144 districts of Pakistan across all provinces of Pakistan. Previously through this scheme PKR 7.5 billion have been reimbursed to 149,695 students. The financial coverage provided by the scheme covers tuition fee and mandatory charges related to academic activities.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria require students to have a valid domicile for the specified areas under the scheme and are enrolled on merit in a Masters, MPhil or Ph.D. program in an HEC verified public sector university. Students enrolled on a part-time or self-finance basis are ineligible to apply. Reimbursement will only be provided to those students who are not availing any other scholarship under a state or foreign program.

The duration approved by the scheme in which a student can benefit from the financial coverage entails:

• 2 years for MA and M.Sc. Programs
• 3.5 years for MBA Program
• 2 years for MS/MPhil Programs and 3 years for MS/MPhil Programs of a Medical University
• 4 years for a Ph.D. Program

How to apply?

Students enrolled in a university in these approved regions, can apply for the scheme through the HEC web portal. The focal person of the university will deem the eligibility of the student to apply for the program after which HEC will ensure the payment according to the fees structure of the university. The cheques for eligible students will be issued in the name of the universities that will have the responsibility to disburse the cheque to students.

The deadline to apply for the scheme is April 20th, 2018.