British High Commissioner Jane Marriott has encouraged Pakistani students to apply for the UK universities’ Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship programs.
An official statement from the British High Commission in Islamabad revealed on Friday that 2024 marks the 65th anniversary of the Commonwealth Scholarship programme, with 46 Chevening and 47 Commonwealth scholarships awarded to Pakistanis.
These established programs boast over 1,500 Commonwealth and nearly 2,000 Chevening alumni in Pakistan. These alumni engage in regular discussions on current issues. The scholars hail from diverse regions of Pakistan, including Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, Pakistan Administered Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and the Federal Capital Territory, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity.
Notably, over 60% of this year’s Chevening scholars are women. The British High Commission strongly encourages applicants from all Pakistani backgrounds.
High Commissioner Marriott highlighted the Chevening program’s role in fostering Pakistani leaders and innovators at a student briefing. She noted, “Many alumni have achieved remarkable success upon returning home. Besides gaining top-notch education, they experience the best of UK life. From climate studies to football coaching, their achievements are commendable, and I urge all eligible students to apply early.”
Fareeha Gull Hashmi, an upcoming Chevening scholar at the University of Essex for an MA in Heritage and Museum Studies, expressed excitement about her studies. She aims to enhance heritage and cultural preservation in Pakistan.
2024’s cohort also includes scholars in Football Science, supported by Swindon Town Football Club, and a new Heritage and Museum Studies scholarship supported by Essex University. This scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. Essex University also offers Climate Studies and additional scholarships from the University of Birmingham.
This month, the British High Commission initiated Chevening Connect in Karachi—a debate series that brings together industry experts and Chevening alumni. The inaugural debate focused on the technical, economic, and political leadership required to aid Pakistan’s climate adaptation and resilience.
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Applications for 2025-26 Chevening Scholarships are due by 5 November, and for the South Asia Journalism Programme at the University of Westminster by 10 October—Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies fellowship applications close on 5 November 2024. For details, visit chevening.org. Commonwealth Scholarships for 2025-26.
