In a move that offers relief to Afghan students anxious about their academic future, Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced the third phase of the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships program. 

The initiative provides fully funded higher education opportunities for 4,500 Afghan students in fields including medicine, engineering, agriculture, management sciences, social sciences, and computer sciences.

The scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and travel allowances, ensuring comprehensive support for selected students.

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Applicants must meet eligibility criteria: a minimum of 60% marks for undergraduate admission (65% for medicine and engineering), and an age limit of 17–23 years. 

For master’s and doctoral studies, applicants need 16–18 years of prior education with a CGPA between 2.5–3.0, and must be under 35 years of age. Foreign qualification holders are required to present an equivalency certificate from the HEC and Pakistan’s educational boards.

The scholarship, however, does not apply to clinical medical sciences at the postgraduate level. Recipients must also sign a legal undertaking to complete their studies and return to Afghanistan upon graduation.

The announcement is particularly significant as Pakistan has accelerated the repatriation of Afghan refugees following the September 1 deadline. Just last month, Afghan students appealed for a five-year extension to complete their studies. This new scholarship phase now offers hope to thousands determined to pursue education despite uncertainty over their residency status.