93 Pakistani students awarded Chevening, Commonwealth scholarships

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Commonwealth Scholarship programme, with 46 Chevening and 47 Commonwealth scholarships awarded to Pakistani students, according to a press release from the British High Commission in Islamabad issued on Friday.

These esteemed programmes have fostered a robust network of over 1,500 Commonwealth alumni and nearly 2,000 Chevening alumni in Pakistan, who regularly convene to address current issues.

The scholarship recipients come from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Pakistan. 

This year’s cohort includes students from Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, Pakistan Administered Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and the Federal Capital Territory. 

Notably, over 60% of this year’s Chevening scholars are women. The British High Commission encourages applicants from all backgrounds and regions of Pakistan to apply.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE remarked, “The Chevening programme helps develop a new generation of Pakistani leaders and change-makers. Many of our alumni have gone on to achieve extraordinary things back home. Not only do they get the benefit of studying at some of the best universities in the world, but 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.”

This year’s cohort includes scholarships in unique fields such as Football Science, supported by Swindon Town Football Club. Additionally, for the first time, the cohort features a new scholarship for Heritage and Museum Studies, supported by Essex University. 

The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. The University of Essex also offers a scholarship for Climate Studies, and additional scholarships are available from the University of Birmingham.

In a new initiative, the British High Commission recently launched Chevening Connect in Karachi, a debate series that brings together industry experts and Chevening alumni. 

The inaugural debate focused on climate challenges, discussing the technical, economic, and political leadership required to support Pakistan's adaptation and resilience efforts.

Applications for Chevening Scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year will close on November 5. Applications for the South Asia Journalism Programme, a two-month journalism fellowship at the University of Westminster, are open until October 10. 

The Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies fellowship, a five-month programme, is accepting applications until November 5, 2024. For more information on eligibility and to apply, visit chevening.org.

Applications for Commonwealth Scholarships for 2025-26 will open later this year. For more details, visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s website at cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk.