University tuition and monthly stipend for students in financial need

The HEC Need-Based Scholarship supports students whose families cannot afford higher education. It is for eligible undergraduate students at HEC-selected public universities and degree-awarding institutions in Pakistan. HEC’s current eligibility page says all disciplines can be considered, though each participating university decides its available places and disciplines within its grant. There is no single national deadline: ask your own university Financial Aid Office (FAO) when its applications close.

What does the scholarship cover?

HEC lists support for the university tuition fee and a Rs 6,000 monthly stipend for the programme’s duration. Five-year courses such as medicine and Pharm-D can be funded for their full length if selected. The university may adjust awards according to its budget. The stipend and fee support are not automatic on admission; an Institutional Scholarship Award Committee assesses financial need and the number of available places. HEC sends funds through participating universities, not directly to applicants.

Who can apply?

You must secure admission to a participating public institution under its normal admission rules and be enrolled in an eligible undergraduate programme. Students already enrolled can also apply. Selection depends on family financial circumstances, and universities may decide which disciplines they include. HEC says students admitted on a self-finance basis are not eligible. Check the current eligibility page and ask your FAO about any institution-specific criteria before preparing the form.

How to apply through your university

Get the scholarship form from the FAO or HEC downloads page. Fill in personal, educational, household income, expenses and assets accurately. HEC’s application checklist requests parent or guardian CNIC copies, salary evidence, recent utility bills, rent agreement if applicable, fee receipts and relevant medical expense or previous scholarship documents. Your FAO may ask for more evidence. Submit the completed form and documents to the university FAO, not to HEC. Keep a copy and ask the office when decisions will be announced.

Avoid confusing this programme with other HEC or USAID scholarship portals, which have different rules. If someone promises selection for a fee, verify the claim with your FAO. The university can also tell you how an award is paid and renewed.

Official sources

• HEC eligibility and stipend
• HEC how to apply
• HEC application form and checklist