HEC Needs Based Scholarship
In Pakistan, currently, less than 8% of the 17-23 age group is enrolled in any form
of higher education that is amongst the lowest in the world. The estimated population
of this age group will be 30 million by the year 2015. In fact, it is a great resource
that can be better exploited by providing necessary learning and grooming opportunities.
An overwhelming majority of this group is from poor and deprived families. Among
the major issues, that Higher Education (HE) Sector of Pakistani is currently facing,
is Low enrollment and inequitable opportunities for Higher Education. It is mainly
due to the non-availability of enough finances. The financial need for higher education
is, perhaps, a remarkable actor to make the bright and studious students to leave
their studies uncompleted or, even worse, not to get admission at all in the institution
of their choice.
Needs based scholarships would be an answer to offset the challenge of financial
constraints. Although in the majority of public sector universities the tuition
fee is subsidized but it is still unaffordable for most of the students. Since 35
percent of the Pakistani population is living below the poverty line, it is almost
impossible get the higher education for this segment of the society.
The activity will enable the 90 needy young people especially from underdeveloped
areas (FATA, KPK, Southern Punjab, Baluchistan, and Northern Sindh) of Pakistan
to pursue their education in top universities / institutions of Pakistan.
The objective is to provide equal opportunity for the talented students who are
at disadvantage being incapable of meeting cost of education at leading higher education
institutions. This program will help in poverty alleviation by providing grooming
and learning opportunities for the middle and lower middle class students who will
have better job and business opportunities after completing their education.