HEC launches scholarship program for Gwadar students to secure employment in CPEC

ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has launched a scholarship program, aimed at empowering the youth of Gwadar with contemporary education and essential skills. This program is designed to support exceptional students from Gwadar who aspire to pursue undergraduate studies (BS-4/5 years Program) at HEC-recognized public sector universities and degree-awarding institutions (DAIs) located in the provinces of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh.

The scholarship program, known as the “Scholarship Program for Students from Gwadar,” is a government initiative aimed at equipping students from Gwadar with the skills needed to secure employment opportunities within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and other labour markets.

Scholarships are available for the academic year up to Fall 2023, covering a wide range of academic disciplines. These scholarships are specifically targeted at students who hold residence or domicile certificates from the district of Gwadar and have completed their 12-year education, including FA/FSs/ICS, ICom, and DAE or equivalent.

Additionally, students from Gwadar who are currently enrolled in 4-year BS programs at public sector universities in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Sindh, with at least three years remaining in their academic session, are also eligible to apply for this scholarship.

The selection of students will be based solely on merit, determined by their performance in an aptitude test administered by ETC-HEC and their academic records in SSC and HSSC.

The scholarship will cover tuition fees, hostel fees, and other related charges for the selected students. Furthermore, students will receive a monthly stipend, yearly book allowances, and travel allowances.

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Students from Gwadar, aged up to 22 years, can apply for the program online through the HEC website until the application deadline of October 31, 2023.

In April, HEC granted 200 scholarships through the Coastal Region Higher Education Scholarship Program (CRHESP) for undergraduate students from Balochistan’s coastal region, including Gwadar, in HEC-recognized universities and institutions.

Both the federal and provincial governments of Balochistan are prioritizing education in Gwadar to empower the youth. Supported by CPEC, numerous educational institutions are offering high-quality technical and vocational education.

For instance, the University of Gwadar (UG) recently awarded the Chinese Ambassador Special Scholarship to its students. UG and the Pak-China Technical & Vocational Institute (PCTVI) are also offering industry-related short courses at no cost.

Moreover, UG has established a partnership with TANG International Education Group, China, allowing students and employees to access online short courses at renowned Chinese universities and colleges. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to providing students from Gwadar with access to a wide range of educational opportunities and skills development programs. INP