The Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has unveiled the Honhaar Scholarship Program 2024, Pakistan’s most extensive educational initiative aimed at financially empowering deserving students. This program, with a budget of PKR 130 billion over eight years, plans to annually award scholarships to 30,000 students across Punjab. It emphasizes financial support for undergraduate studies in 68 disciplines, ensuring educational accessibility for students from low-income families.
Quick Information Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Honhaar Scholarship Program |
| Start Date | September 30, 2024 |
| End Date | December 30, 2024 |
| Annual Scholarships | 30,000 |
| Eligibility | Punjab domicile, age ≤ 22, low income |
| Scholarship Amount | Full tuition fees |
| Application Method | Online |
| Website | honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk |
Program Features
Scope and Objectives
The Honhaar Scholarship Scheme is designed to:
- Support 120,000 students in the next four years.
- Cover 100% tuition fees for undergraduate degrees across public and private universities, including renowned institutions like LUMS, NUST, and COMSATS.
- Facilitate students in disciplines such as medical, engineering, arts, and social sciences【6】【8】【9】.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following:
- Domicile: Must be from Punjab.
- Age Limit: Up to 22 years as of the application deadline.
- Income Cap: Family income must not exceed PKR 300,000 per month (requires an affidavit).
- Academic Performance:
- Medical Colleges: Minimum 80% marks.
- Public Sector Universities: 75% for science, 70% for arts.
- HED Colleges: 65% for science, 60% for arts۔
Participating Institutions
Students from 50 public universities, 16 medical colleges, 131 graduate colleges, and leading private universities in Punjab can apply.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official portal at honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk.
- Register by creating an account.
- Fill out the application form and upload required documents.
- Submit before the deadline【7】【8】.
Required Documents:
- Domicile certificate.
- Latest academic transcript.
- Income certificate (with affidavit).
- Admission letter from an eligible institution【8】【9】.
Financial Assistance
The scholarship fully covers tuition fees for selected students, alleviating the financial burden on families. Additionally, it supports students pursuing engineering, medical, and arts disciplines, enabling them to focus entirely on academics【8】【9】.
Benefits of the Honhaar Scholarship Scheme
- Promotes merit-based selection, ensuring transparency.
- Reduces barriers to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Encourages academic excellence and access to prestigious institutions.
Conclusion
The Honhaar Scholarship Scheme is a transformative initiative to uplift education standards in Punjab. By supporting deserving students, this program aims to create a more educated and skilled workforce, contributing to Pakistan’s socio-economic growth. Eligible students are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this life-changing opportunity.
FAQs
What is the deadline for the application?
The last date to apply is December 30, 2024.
Who can apply for this scholarship?
Students with Punjab domicile, aged 22 or below, and meeting the income and academic criteria are eligible.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online via the official portal: honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk.
What expenses does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship provides full tuition fee coverage for the selected program.
Can medical students apply?
Yes, students enrolled in MBBS or BDS programs with 80% or higher marks are eligible.