Are you looking for a fully funded scholarship? Do you want to study your Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree at some of Pakistan’s most renowned universities? If yes, the Allama Iqbal Scholarships for Afghan Students (Phase III – Batch III) offer you the perfect opportunity.
The Government of Pakistan, through the Higher Education Commission (HEC), is offering 4,500 scholarships to Afghan students. This initiative aims to empower Afghan youth, promote human resource development, strengthen bilateral ties, and foster professional linkages between both countries.
Pakistan’s Allama Iqbal Scholarship for Afghan Students (Phase III, Batch III) is a prestigious and fully funded scholarship opportunity aimed at empowering Afghan youth. It provides Afghan students with the chance to pursue undergraduate, MS/MPhil, and PhD degrees at top universities across Pakistan.
Key objectives include:
- Providing Afghan students with access to quality higher education.
- Strengthening professional and institutional linkages between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- Contributing to Afghanistan’s reconstruction by developing skilled human capital.
- Promoting people-to-people ties between both nations.
- Building goodwill and long-term cooperation in education and development.
Allama Iqbal Scholarships for Afghan Students Summary
| Host Country | Pakistan |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Recognized universities across Pakistan |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate, MS/MPhil, PhD |
| Eligible Degrees / Fields | Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Management, Computer Science, Law, Social Sciences, and more |
| Scholarship Coverage | Tuition, living allowance, book allowance, hostel dues, + one round-trip airfare |
| IELTS Requirement | Not required (language proficiency demonstrated through HEC aptitude test) |
| Eligible Regions / Nationalities | Afghan nationals only |
| Application Deadline | September 30, 2025 |
| Destination Country | Pakistan |
| Category | Fully Funded, Government Scholarship |
Benefits of the Allama Iqbal Scholarship for Afghan Students
The scholarship covers all major financial needs, allowing students to focus solely on their studies:
- Full tuition fee coverage for the entire program duration.
- Living allowance to cover day-to-day expenses.
- Book allowance for textbooks and research materials.
- Hostel accommodation provided at the university.
- One round-trip airfare between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
These benefits ensure that financial barriers do not prevent talented Afghan students from pursuing higher education in Pakistan.
Eligibility Criteria for Allama Iqbal Scholarships
General Requirements:
- Applicants must be Afghan nationals with strong academic backgrounds.
- Students who are already availing or have availed any other HEC/Government of Pakistan scholarship are not eligible.
- Selection is strictly merit-based and includes an aptitude test/interview conducted by HEC.
Undergraduate Applicants:
- Completion of 12 years of education or equivalent.
- Age limit: 17–23 years (as of closing date).
- Minimum 60% marks (general subjects) and 65% (Medicine & Engineering) as per IBCC equivalence.
MS/MPhil Applicants:
- Maximum age: 35 years.
- Must have completed 16 years of education.
- Minimum 2.5 CGPA (out of 4.0) in Bachelor’s/Master’s degree.
PhD Applicants:
- Maximum age: 35 years (non-faculty) and 40 years (faculty members).
- Must have completed 18 years of education.
- Minimum 3.0 CGPA (out of 4.0) in MS/MPhil.
- Applicants must have studied the same subject in MS/MPhil.
Additional Notes:
- This scholarship does not cover MS/PhD in Clinical Medical Sciences.
- Applicants must sign a legal agreement to return to Afghanistan after completing their education.
Required Documents for Allama Iqbal Scholarship Application
Applicants are required to prepare the following documents (scanned copies):
- Tazkira (Afghan National ID)
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Educational documents:
- High school completion certificate (for undergraduate applicants)
- Bachelor’s degree (for MS/MPhil applicants)
- Master’s degree (for PhD applicants)
- Equivalence certificate (if qualifications are from foreign institutions) from IBCC Pakistan or HEC Pakistan
- Any additional documents as required by the HEC online Portal
Note: Hard copies will not be accepted; only online submission is valid.
Application Timeline for Allama Iqbal Scholarships
- Application Start: Applications are open now.
- Deadline: September 30, 2025 — late applications will not be accepted.
- Selection: Based on merit, academic performance, and HEC aptitude test/interview.
- Application Process: Exclusively through the HEC Pak-Afghan Scholarship Portal.
How to Apply for the Allama Iqbal Scholarships
Follow these steps to apply:
- Go to the official HEC Pak-Afghan Scholarship Portal.
- Create an account using a valid email ID.
- Complete the online application form with accurate information.
- Upload required documents (Tazkira, photo, academic certificates, equivalence certificate).
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Regularly check your email and HEC portal for updates.
- Prepare for the aptitude test/interview.
Tips for a Successful Application:
- Apply well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
- Ensure all documents are clear, properly scanned, and certified (if required).
- Monitor HEC updates frequently.
- Prepare thoroughly for the aptitude test to increase your chances.
FAQs about Allama Iqbal Scholarships for Afghan Students
Q1: Who can apply for this scholarship?
Afghan nationals who meet the eligibility criteria and are not already receiving another scholarship from HEC or the Government of Pakistan.
Q2: Is IELTS or TOEFL required?
No, English proficiency tests such as IELTS/TOEFL are not required. However, applicants may need to demonstrate language proficiency via HEC’s aptitude test.
Q3: Can I apply from Afghanistan?
Yes, applications are fully online and can be submitted from Afghanistan through the HEC Pak-Afghan Portal.
Q4: When will the results be announced?
Results are communicated via the official HEC portal and applicants’ registered emails after evaluation and testing.
Q5: Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
No, applicants who are already availing or have availed any other HEC or Government of Pakistan scholarship are not eligible.
Final Thoughts on Allama Iqbal Scholarships for Afghan Students
The Allama Iqbal Scholarship (Phase III, Batch III) is one of the most impactful opportunities for Afghan students to pursue higher education in Pakistan without financial burdens. With tuition, living allowance, accommodation, and airfare fully covered, it is designed to empower Afghan youth and build stronger ties between both nations.
If you are an eligible Afghan student, don’t miss this chance to apply and transform your future. Remember, the deadline is September 30, 2025.