Pakistan opens fully funded scholarship door for BD students
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Pakistan has announced a major education initiative offering 500 fully funded scholarships to Bangladeshi students over the next five years, opening access to some of its top universities.
The programme was formally launched at the inauguration of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor and the Pakistan Education Expo 2025, held at a city hotel in Dhaka on Monday.
Organisers said the initiative creates a direct link between Bangladeshi students and representatives of at least 15 leading Pakistani universities. Students will be able to explore opportunities in medical science, engineering, computer science, business administration and media studies.
Md Mahbub-Ul-Alam, Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, addressing as the Chief Guest, called the initiative “a positive step for our increased engagement between Bangladesh and Pakistan in the fields of education and youth development.”
He welcomed the 500-scholarship scheme, saying it “aligns with our national goal of empowering youths through education and skill development.”
“Education stands out as one of the most promising fields where collaboration can generate benefits for the societies by nurturing skills, manpower, human resources and innovation,” he said.
He also noted that Pakistani students are already studying in Bangladesh under the SAARC scholarship scheme.
“This academic exchange will also strengthen people-to-people ties and deepen mutual understanding,” he said.
Imran Haider, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, recalled the August visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, during which the pledge for 500 scholarships was first made. “Today’s event marks the fulfilment of the promise,” he said.
He described the initiative as fully aligned with the vision of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
“This event is a milestone in our bilateral relations. The mobility of education can create the network of young leaders who can work in the development of both countries,” he said. “This initiative is a symbol of friendship, trust and shared benefits of both nations.”
High Commissioner also added that 140 Pakistani students are currently studying in Bangladesh, while interest among Bangladeshi students in Pakistani universities continues to grow.
Dr Aftab Ahmed Maruf, Rector of the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST-NUCES), Pakistan, said the Knowledge Corridor “opens a new chapter of collaboration, friendship and shared prosperity between our two brotherly nations.”
He noted that the scholarship package covers air travel, monthly maintenance allowance, hostel accommodation and settlement allowance.
“This initiative not only strengthens academic ties but also supports the broader goals of the government of Pakistan. It will bridge goodwill, understanding and bilateral cooperation for years to come,” he said.
Organisers said the Education Expo will also be held in Chattogram, Rajshahi and Sylhet to help prospective students learn about studying in Pakistan.
Applications for the fully funded scholarships formally opened on Monday and will remain open until 15 December. Students can apply online through the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan website. https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/scholarshipsgrants/PBKC/Pages/default.aspx.
The Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor aims to deepen collaboration in education, research and innovation. Rooted in longstanding cultural and historical ties, officials say the initiative represents a new bridge of understanding, opportunity and progress between the two nations.
The event was also attended by Secretary of University of Grants Commission, Bangladesh Dr Md Fakhrul Islam, vice-chancellors of different universities, students of various educational institutions and officials from the Pakistan High Commission to Bangladesh.