KEY POINTS
- Deadline for online applications is 30th September 2025
- The scholarship programme aims to build human capital in Afghanistan, foster people-to-people ties, and enhance bilateral academic cooperation
- With this phase, the total number of Afghan beneficiaries will reach 9,500 by 2031
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has launched Phase-III of the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships, offering fully funded higher education opportunities to 4,500 Afghan students in disciplines including medicine, engineering, agriculture, management sciences, and computer science.
The scheme, run by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), aims to strengthen bilateral ties and support Afghanistan’s human capital development.
The programme aims to provide fully funded scholarships to 4,500 Afghan students across various disciplines, including Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Management Sciences, and Computer Science.
The last date for submission of online applications is September 30, 2025, and the scholarship is open for Undergraduate, Graduate (MS/MPhil), and PhD levels.
A Vision for Shared Development
The Allama Iqbal Scholarship scheme is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s commitment to building long-term people-to-people connections and promoting peace, stability, and capacity building in Afghanistan.
The initiative is designed not only to provide Afghan youth with access to quality higher education but also to create professional linkages between institutions in the two neighbouring countries.
Pakistan announces third batch of Phase III of fully funded Allama Iqbal Scholarships for students from Afghanistan. pic.twitter.com/zfxW1C8q7k
— Mohammad Sadiq (@AmbassadorSadiq) September 3, 2025
“The goal is to develop human capital that will contribute to the reconstruction of Afghanistan and simultaneously create goodwill for Pakistan among the Afghan people,” said an HEC official.
The scholarship covers all major educational expenses, including:
- University tuition fees
- Hostel dues
- Monthly living allowance
- Book allowance
- Expanding Outreach in Phase-III
Following the successful completion of the first phase (up to 2013), where 2,500 Afghan students benefited, and the ongoing second phase (till 2027), which has catered to 3,000 students so far, Phase-III aims to enrol 4,500 new Afghan students by 2031, taking the total number of beneficiaries to 9,500.
Speaking to WE News English, Amna Munir, Project Manager of the scholarship programme, emphasised the cultural compatibility and academic potential of Afghan students studying in Pakistan.
“Most Afghan students are enrolled in universities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to cultural similarities, but many are also pursuing degrees in Punjab and other provinces. They have shown incredible academic commitment,” she noted.
Munir also shared that the HEC has launched a dedicated online platform featuring documentaries, alumni stories, and live sessions, offering insights into the students’ journeys and successes.
“These documentaries are not just promotional tools but a testament to how education can bridge nations. Alumni often share their progress, career paths, and contributions back home in Afghanistan,” she added.
Enhancing Institutional and Regional Ties
One of the key objectives of the scholarship is to build long-term academic and professional networks between Pakistani and Afghan institutions, while also attracting international students to Pakistani universities.
The programme is being seen as a significant soft diplomacy tool, especially in the current regional context, where both countries seek ways to collaborate beyond political and security paradigms.
Application Process and Eligibility
Students interested in applying can do so through the HEC’s official website. Eligibility criteria, program details, and documentation requirements are clearly outlined on the application portal.
Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the September 30 deadline.
