Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships for Sri Lankan Students - Deadline July 5 2026
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has announced the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship Scheme for students from Sri Lanka. This scholarship program is designed to strengthen the educational and cultural relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka by providing opportunities for Sri Lankan students to pursue higher education at leading Pakistani universities. The initiative reflects Pakistan's commitment to promoting international academic collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mutual understanding between the two countries.
Overview of the scholarship
Under this scholarship scheme, selected candidates will have the opportunity to study in some of Pakistan's top-ranked universities at the Bachelor's, Master's (MS/MPhil), and PhD levels. The program aims not only to provide quality education but also to encourage students to experience Pakistan's diverse culture, traditions, and academic environment. By interacting with local students, participating in university activities, and engaging with communities, scholarship recipients are expected to build lasting academic and cultural ties that will benefit both nations in the future.
One of the notable features of this scholarship is the availability of both fully funded and partially funded awards. Fully funded scholarships cover essential educational expenses, including tuition fees, hostel accommodation charges, maintenance allowances, and book allowances, enabling students to focus entirely on their academic pursuits without financial burden. In contrast, partially funded scholarships cover only the tuition fee, while the remaining living expenses must be managed by the students themselves. This flexible funding structure allows a larger number of deserving candidates to benefit from the program.
Many Disciplines/Levels Covered
The scholarship is open to students across a broad range of academic disciplines. According to the announcement, eligible fields include Engineering, Basic and Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Architecture, Fine Arts, Business Education, Computer Sciences, Information Technology, Agricultural Sciences, Media and Communication Studies, Languages, and many other related disciplines. This extensive list ensures that students from diverse educational backgrounds have the opportunity to apply for programs that align with their academic interests and career goals.
The program offers scholarships for three major degree levels. The Bachelor of Science (BS) program spans four years, while MS/MPhil programs have a duration of two years. PhD scholarships are also available across all academic disciplines, providing research opportunities for students who wish to pursue advanced studies. The availability of multiple degree levels demonstrates HEC's intention to support academic development at every stage of higher education.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria depending on the degree they intend to pursue. For undergraduate programs in fields such as Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, and other Bachelor's degree programs, applicants should possess GCE A-Level or equivalent qualifications with a minimum of 65% marks. Candidates applying for Master's programs must hold a relevant undergraduate qualification with at least 60% marks in the required subjects. Similarly, applicants for PhD programs must have completed 16 years of education in a relevant field with a minimum of 60% marks at the graduate level.
Application Procedure
The application process is conducted entirely online through the HEC scholarship portal. Interested applicants are required to submit their applications electronically before the specified deadline. The announcement clearly states that hard copy applications will not be entertained, emphasizing the importance of completing the online submission process correctly and within the stipulated time. Furthermore, all registered candidates are expected to participate in a scholarship test organized by the Higher Education Commission in collaboration with the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo and the Government of Sri Lanka.
Applicants should also note several important conditions associated with the scholarship. Scholarships are awarded strictly on merit, and candidates must satisfy both the HEC aptitude test requirements and the admission criteria of the respective universities. The medium of instruction for all degree programs will be English, making the programs accessible to international students. Scholarship recipients are expected to return to Sri Lanka upon completion of their studies, thereby contributing their acquired knowledge and skills to the development of their home country. The HEC also reserves the right to terminate a scholarship if false information or misrepresentation is discovered at any stage of the application or study period.
Deadline
The advertisement specifies July 5, 2026, as the last date to apply online, encouraging interested students to complete their applications well before the deadline. Contact information for the project director and the official HEC website is also provided to assist applicants seeking additional information or clarification regarding the scholarship scheme.
Overall, the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship Scheme represents an excellent educational opportunity for Sri Lankan students. It not only provides financial assistance for higher education but also promotes academic excellence, intercultural dialogue, leadership development, and long-term cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Students who meet the eligibility criteria and aspire to receive quality education in an international environment are strongly encouraged to apply for this prestigious scholarship program.
