The Punjab government has introduced a major initiative aimed at supporting higher education across the province. On Tuesday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched the ‘Honhaar Scholarship Program,’ a groundbreaking project worth Rs 130 billion. The program is designed to assist students pursuing higher education, offering scholarships that will cover the full tuition fees for undergraduate programs.
This scholarship initiative has already gained significant attention, with over 68,000 applications submitted by students from across Punjab. The applicants represent a wide range of educational institutions, including 65 universities, 359 colleges, and 12 medical colleges.
The program is seen as a crucial step towards making education more accessible for talented students who face financial constraints.
Eligibility Criteria for the Honhaar Scholarship Program:
Students who wish to apply for the scholarship must fulfill the following conditions:
- Domicile: The applicant must have a domicile from any district in Punjab.
- Age Limit: Applicants must be 22 years old or younger by the application deadline.
- Enrollment: Students should be enrolled in specific programs at designated universities or colleges for the Fall 2024 session. This includes newly enrolled students in MBBS and BDS programs.
- Family Income: The monthly household income of the applicant’s family should not exceed Rs 300,000. An affidavit is required to verify this.
- Academic Requirements: The minimum percentage requirements vary by institution:
- Medical Colleges: At least 80% marks.
- Top Universities: At least 80% marks.
- Public Sector Universities: At least 75% for Science students and 70% for Arts/Social Science students.
- HED Colleges: At least 65% for Science students and 60% for Arts/Social Science students.
The Honhaar Scholarship Program will be available for students in 68 different fields of study. In line with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision, the government plans to offer scholarships to 30,000 students every year.
By covering the full cost of tuition fees for undergraduate degree programs lasting four to five years, this initiative is expected to ease the financial burden on families and help students focus on their studies without worrying about tuition costs.
The scholarship program reflects the Punjab government’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting young talent across the province.
