PM Imran launches 'largest ever' scholarship programme

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday launched Ehsaas undergraduate Scholarship programme.

Addressing the ceremony on Monday, he said that the lack of education and employment opportunities pushes youth towards crime, adding that the programme will help youth overcome hurdles.

The prime minister said that Ehsaas undergraduate Scholarship programme will bring huge change in the society. It is the largest ever need based undergraduate program in the history of Pakistan. Under this program, 200,000 scholarships will be awarded over the next four years.

The Ehsaas Scholarship is a major initiative to enhance access to higher education as the government wishes to ensure that no student is deprived of education because of financial needs.

The programme, which will give 50,000 scholarships per year, making it 200,000 in four years, cover tuition fee and stipend. Around 50 percent scholarships have been reserved for female students and the students with special needs and also from remote and disadvantaged areas are especially encouraged to apply.

The eligibility criteria for students includes admission on merit at any public sector university and with family income below poverty threshold. After launch, the students can apply online at http://ehsaas.hec.gov.pk or submit the completed forms along with necessary documents to Financial Aid Office of the respective university.

The deadline for submission of application is December 10, 2019. The students admitted on merit at any Public Sector University and those whose family income is below poverty threshold can apply for the Ehsaas undergraduate scholarships by Dec. 10.

Students with special needs as well as those from remote and disadvantaged areas especially have been encouraged to apply. Half of the scholarships will be given to the female students. Under this program at least 50,000 scholarships will be given to the deserving students annually.

The policy will be applicable to public sector and participating non-profit private sector colleges and universities. The students of public sector universities can apply for the scholarship by Dec. 10.

Earlier, in a statement, the Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation Sania Nishtar said that the government has been committed to promoting financial access to education and offers an equal opportunity to women. She said, Ehsaas paid special attention to the education of undergraduate students especially women and girls from underprivileged families and areas.

National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue Chairman Asad Umar has termed Ehsaas undergraduate scholarships as a ' great initiative' said.