In the wake of last year’s devastating floods in Pakistan, which left countless students from flood-stricken regions facing financial hardships and the risk of dropping out from higher education, USAID has stepped in with a ray of hope. USAID has recently unveiled a commendable initiative aimed at supporting flood-affected students in their pursuit of education.
Eligibility Criteria
This groundbreaking scholarship opportunity is open to undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in the 2nd to 7th semester of a four or five-year degree program for the Fall 2023 term. Regardless of the field of study, all subjects and disciplines are eligible for consideration. To qualify, applicants must belong to the districts, sub-districts, or UC Tehsils that were adversely affected by the floods, as officially identified by the Government of Pakistan, PDMA, or District Administration. Authentic proof of flood-related damages, such as household and livelihood disruptions, is a prerequisite for application. Female students have an equal chance to benefit from this initiative, with 50% of scholarships specifically reserved for them.
Comprehensive Scholarship Coverage
Successful candidates will receive comprehensive support through this program. This includes coverage of tuition fees for both the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters. Moreover, a stipend will be provided to address boarding, lodging, transportation, and other academic expenses for the same two semesters.
Application Process
To apply, interested students should utilize the HEC Online Application System. Alongside the application form, relevant supporting documents must be submitted to the student financial aid offices of their respective universities. It is crucial to ensure that all required information is accurately provided to prevent any issues during the selection process.
Important Notes
Scholarships will be awarded solely on merit, emphasizing transparency and integrity. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) retains the right to rescind scholarship awards if any provided information is found to be inaccurate or dubious during physical verification. Students pursuing self-sustained, self-supporting, or evening programs with higher fee structures, as well as those enrolled in two-year bachelor’s, associate, or lateral degree programs, are ineligible. Additionally, students already benefiting from other scholarships or continuous grants will not be considered for this program. It’s important to note that the scholarship funding is applicable for two semesters only.
Application Deadline
Prospective candidates are encouraged to act promptly, as the online application submission deadline is set for August 16, 2023. This presents a limited window of opportunity to access this much-needed support for flood-affected students aspiring to continue their higher education journey.
This initiative by USAID serves as a beacon of hope for flood-affected students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their academic progress. By bridging the financial gap, this scholarship program is poised to empower the next generation of leaders who have faced adversity head-on.
