Islamabad:Ninety-three Pakistani students are set to travel to the UK on fully-funded Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships.
Before embarking on their year of study at British universities, these students from across the country have received advice from British High Commissioner Jane Marriott on living in the UK. The current year marks the 65th anniversary of the Commonwealth Scholarship programme, with 46 Chevening and 47 Commonwealth scholarships granted to Pakistanis.
These long-established programmes have built a network of over 1,500 Commonwealth alumni and nearly 2,000 Chevening alumni in Pakistan, who frequently gather to discuss current issues, according to the British High Commission.
It said the scholars, representing diverse regions including Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Federal Capital Territory, reflected Pakistan’s rich cultural diversity. Notably, women make up over 60 per cent of this year's Chevening scholars.
The British high commissioner encouraged applicants from all backgrounds and regions of Pakistan. “The Chevening programme helps develop a new generation of Pakistani leaders and change-makers. Many of our alumni have gone one to achieve extraordinary things back home. Not only do they get the benefit of studying at some of the best universities in the world, they also get to experience the best of living in the UK. From climate studies to football coaching, I am looking forward to seeing what they achieve, and encourage all those interested to apply early,” Ms Marriott said.
Fareeha Gull Hashmi, assistant manager of the Oral History Project at the Citizens Archive of Pakistan and an upcoming Chevening scholar, said she was thrilled to pursue her MA in Heritage and Museum Studies at the University of Essex.
"This programme is exactly what I was looking for to help me on my journey to improve heritage and cultural preservation in Pakistan. I can't wait for my journey to begin,” she said. According to the British High Commission, the current cohort includes a scholar in Football Science, supported by Swindon Town Football Club, and for the first time, a scholarship for Heritage and Museum Studies supported by Essex University.
This year also features a University of Essex Scholarship for Climate Studies and additional scholarships from the University of Birmingham, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Recently, the British High Commission introduced Chevening Connect in Karachi, a debate series bringing together industry experts and Chevening alumni. The inaugural debate focused on climate challenges, addressing the technical, economic, and political leadership required for Pakistan’s adaptation and resilience.
Applications for Chevening Scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year will close on November 5. The South Asia Journalism Programme, a two-month fellowship with the University of Westminster, is open until October 10, while applications for the Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies fellowship, a five-month programme, will close on November 5. Applications for Commonwealth Scholarships for 2025-26 will open later this year, according to the British High Commission.
