The Punjab government has launched a scholarship covering 100% tuition fees for undergraduate students, aiming to make higher education more accessible for talented youth. This program targets students from low- and middle-income families, removing a major financial obstacle to their academic success.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that the scheme will apply to students in all districts of Punjab, without restrictions on gender or age. Eligible candidates must hold a Punjab domicile and be enrolled in the first semester of selected disciplines at recognized universities and colleges in 2025. Students admitted to MBBS and BDS programs this year are also included.
Income-Based Eligibility
The Punjab scholarship covering 100% tuition fees for undergraduate students is designed for those whose families earn below a specific monthly income threshold.
- For public sector institutions, the family income must not exceed Rs. 350,000.
- For federal or private institutions, the limit is Rs. 500,000.
Applicants must submit an income affidavit as proof. This income-based approach ensures that financial support reaches students who genuinely need it.
Merit Requirements
Selection will be strictly merit-based. The academic evaluation will consider marks from both matriculation (30% weightage) and intermediate (70% weightage) examinations. Minimum performance criteria will vary by field of study and institution type.
This merit-driven approach reinforces the government’s message: scholarships are for hardworking, deserving students, not just those with financial need.
Comprehensive Financial Support
Successful applicants will have their entire tuition fees covered. This allows them to focus fully on academic work instead of worrying about tuition payments.
Government officials stated that by funding the full cost of tuition, the program will help reduce dropout rates among talented but financially disadvantaged students. It also aims to encourage more students to pursue higher education in competitive fields like medicine, engineering, computer science, and other in-demand disciplines.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online via the official Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) scholarship portal: honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk.
For assistance, students can contact the dedicated help desk through phone, WhatsApp, or email during working hours. The government has promised responsive support to ensure that application hurdles do not prevent qualified candidates from applying.
Government’s Commitment to Human Capital
This initiative reflects the Punjab government’s broader vision to invest in human capital. By removing tuition fees for eligible undergraduate students, the province aims to produce more skilled graduates who can contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth.
Education experts have welcomed the decision, noting that programs like the Punjab scholarship covering 100% tuition fees for undergraduate students can bridge the gap between talent and opportunity. As Punjab pushes for economic modernization, producing a workforce that is both educated and skilled becomes a strategic priority.
Past Success and Future Expansion
The new scheme builds on previous scholarship initiatives, such as the Honhaar Undergraduate Scholarship Program. That program funded tens of thousands of students and helped raise the overall university enrollment rate. The current scheme expands eligibility criteria, covers a wider range of disciplines, and includes more universities in both the public and private sectors.
Officials hinted that if the program shows strong results, it could expand to include postgraduate studies in the future. There are also discussions about adding stipends for living expenses, especially for students from remote districts.
Why This Scholarship Matters
- Removes Financial Barriers – By covering tuition entirely, the scheme ensures that money does not stand between a student and their degree.
- Promotes Equal Access – Gender-neutral and province-wide eligibility means fair opportunity for all.
- Supports High-Demand Fields – Students in competitive programs like MBBS, BDS, and STEM fields gain significant support.
- Encourages Academic Excellence – Merit-based selection rewards hard work, motivating students to maintain high performance.
- Strengthens Punjab’s Education Sector – More graduates in critical fields enhance the province’s economic prospects.
Closing Thoughts
The Punjab scholarship covering 100% tuition fees for undergraduate students is a significant milestone in the province’s education policy. By combining financial aid with merit-based selection, the government has crafted a program that rewards talent and need equally.
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Students meeting the criteria are encouraged to apply early and ensure all documents are in order. With applications processed through a digital portal and clear income and merit guidelines, the process promises to be transparent and efficient.
