UK marks 75 years of relations with Pakistan by offering 75 scholarships

Image by Pakistan Cargo4U

To mark 75 years of UK-Pakistan relations, the British High Commission in collaboration with the British Council hosted a reception in Lahore on 1 September, 2022 to announce 75 scholarships for Pakistani students to come to the UK for education.

On the same day that the UK announced an uplift in Pakistan flood relief funding, taking the total amount pledged to £16.5m, it has been reported that the scholarships will provide future Pakistani leaders with the skills necessary to tackle global challenges.

Minister for School Education, Punjab, Dr Murad Raas, and UK Representative to Punjab, Alex Ballinger, attended the event as chief guests along with British alumni, Chevening, Commonwealth and GREAT scholars, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) officials and dignitaries from across Pakistan.

Alex Ballinger in his address acknowledged the significant contribution of Pakistan’s Chevening alumni in the flood relief efforts, including carrying out fund raising to distribution of essential items.

While addressing the audience he also spoke about the UK’s commitment to support Pakistan, “We are with the people of Pakistan at this terrible time. We have all witnessed the devastating impact of these floods which have displaced millions of people and left much of Pakistan submerged.

I’m pleased that on the same day the UK has pledged a total of £16.5m in flood relief funding, we can also announce 75 new UK scholarships which will play a vital part in allowing Pakistan to rebuild by investing in its people.”

This year the UK will award a cumulative of 63 Chevening scholarships and fellowships along with 12 GREAT scholarships. As with all UK scholarship programmes, the British High Commission will aim for gender parity, with at least 50% of the scholarships being awarded to female candidates.

The British High Commission will continue to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of UK-Pakistan relations with a series of events and activities which will be held for the rest of the year. The application window for Chevening’s one-year master’s scholarship is open until 01 November 2022, according to the official UK government website.

Chevening Scholarships are the UK Government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), partner organisations, and partner universities. The scholarships support study at UK universities – mostly one year taught master’s degrees – for individuals with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers, and opinion formers.

Visit Chevening website for detailed information on the eligibility criteria and scholarship specifications.