ISLAMABAD: In a display of cross-border academic solidarity, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has concluded a sweeping four-day scholarship testing drive across Sri Lanka, bringing the dream of Pakistani higher education to hundreds of eager students from every corner of the island nation.
The Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship for Sri Lankan nationals, held from July 28 to July 31, 2026, transformed six test centres into bustling hubs of ambition and aspiration, as students from diverse backgrounds seized the chance to pursue quality education in Pakistan.
HEC has successfully concluded scholarship tests across Sri Lanka under the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship Programme for Sri Lankan nationals. pic.twitter.com/mzm8qlWGkX
— HEC Pakistan (@hecpkofficial) July 31, 2026
The assessment drive, meticulously coordinated across five Sri Lankan cities and one centre in Pakistan, stands as a powerful testament to Islamabad’s unwavering pledge to foster regional academic ties through merit, transparency, and accessibility.
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Five cities, one vision: Accessibility at the forefront
Recognising the geographical diversity of applicants, HEC strategically established test centres at Anuradhapura, Ampara, Kandy, Matara, Colombo, and Islamabad (Pakistan), ensuring that no deserving student was left behind due to distance or logistical barriers.
The move was widely hailed as a genuine outreach effort, particularly for students from remote and underserved regions who often struggle to access such opportunities.
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Maj Gen (R) Dr. Nayyar Naseer, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, made a personal visit to the University of Colombo test centre, where he reviewed arrangements, interacted with nervous yet hopeful candidates, and reassured them of Pakistan’s warm welcome. His presence underscored the diplomatic significance of the initiative and Pakistan’s deep-rooted commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties with Sri Lanka.
Allama Iqbal Scholarship tests in Sri Lanka is exclusively run and administered by Higher Education Commission HEC Pakistan in coordination with Pakistan High Commission Colombo. Kindly note that no agent or agency or organization or individual in Sri Lanka is authorised to… pic.twitter.com/PriipqSkfc
— Pakistan High Commission Sri Lanka (@PakinSriLanka) July 31, 2026
Overwhelming turnout and heartfelt gratitude
Each test centre reported a significant turnout, with students arriving early, accompanied by proud and anxious parents. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation, but also marked by deep appreciation from families who praised the well-organised local venues. Many parents described the initiative as a “breath of fresh air”, a transparent and accessible process that built genuine trust in the selection system.
HEC Pakistan is conducting the Allama Iqbal Merit Scholarship tests at the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo.
Pakistan HC H.E. Maj Gen (R) Dr. Nayyar Naseer visited the exam center to review arrangements & interact with candidates, wishing them the best of luck!… pic.twitter.com/M4viz7HJoc— Pakistan High Commission Sri Lanka (@PakinSriLanka) July 31, 2026
“This is not just a test; it is a bridge to a brighter future,” one parent told HEC officials at the Matara centre. “Pakistan has shown us that they truly care about our children’s dreams.”
The Higher Education Commission has reiterated its steadfast dedication to promoting merit, transparency, and equal opportunities for all ethnic communities in Sri Lanka through its scholarship programmes.
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The Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship, named after Pakistan’s national poet and philosopher, embodies the vision of educational empowerment that transcends borders.
