In a major step to promote educational collaboration and regional goodwill, the government of Pakistan has unveiled a plan to offer 300 fully-funded scholarships to Bangladeshi students. These scholarships will enable students to pursue higher education in diverse disciplines at leading universities across Pakistan.
Pakistan-Bangladesh Friendship Scholarship Programme
This initiative, part of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Friendship Scholarship Programme, aims to strengthen bilateral relations through educational diplomacy. Similar scholarship programs are already being extended to students from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
The scholarships will cover tuition, living expenses, and other necessary costs, making it a golden opportunity for Bangladeshi students to receive world-class education in Pakistan.
Fields of Study
The scholarships will support students in a wide range of academic disciplines, including:
- Engineering and Technology
- Medicine and Allied Health Sciences
- Basic and Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Arts, Architecture, and Fine Arts
- Business and Management Studies
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
- Media and Communication Studies
- Languages and Literature
Participating Universities
Prestigious institutions forming the consortium for this program include:
- International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)
- National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)
- COMSATS University
- National University of Modern Languages (NUML)
- Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
- National College of Arts (NCA)
- Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD)
- University of Lahore (UoL)
- Superior University, Lahore
- National Textile University, Faisalabad
- Aga Khan University, Karachi
- Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI)
Key Highlights of the Program
- Regional Harmony: The program fosters stronger ties and goodwill between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
- Educational Expos: Partner universities are encouraged to organize expos, seminars, and roadshows in Bangladesh for better outreach.
- Dedicated Portal: An online portal will streamline the application process and provide necessary information.
Stakeholder Engagement
The initiative was discussed in a high-level meeting chaired by Secretary of Education Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, with representatives from:
- Higher Education Commission (HEC)
- Pakistani High Commission in Bangladesh
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Participating Universities
During the meeting, the Secretary of Education emphasized the importance of educational diplomacy as a tool for regional cooperation. HEC’s Executive Director, Prof. Dr. Ziaul Qayyum, urged universities to expedite approvals for scholarships, fee waivers, and sponsorships.