PHD programme: Belgian varsity waives fees of 10 Pakistani scholars

The Belgium ambassador assured that the embassy would help the scholars in getting their visas.

ISLAMABAD:

The University of Hasselt, one of the leading universities of Belgium, has agreed to offer full fee waiver to Pakistani scholars pursuing PhD in the fields of transportation and engineering.

It was agreed in a meeting between Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr Javaid R Laghari and Belgium Ambassador Peter here.

Through an agreement between the HEC and the University of Hasselt, 10 Pakistani scholars have been selected for the fall 2013 session.

Dr Laghari said that the HEC was encouraging research and ensuring proper utilisation of manpower being trained in fields relevant to the socioeconomic development of the country.

The HEC has identified and prioritized energy, water resources, environment, food security transportation and other important socio-economic issues related to Pakistan, he said. Dr Laghari admired the interest of the ambassador in the manpower development of Pakistan and extended thanks to the University of Hasselt for the fee waiver offer.

Peter assured the HEC chairman that the embassy would help the Pakistani scholars in getting their study visas.

During the meeting, opening of dialogue with other top Belgian universities to provide full tuition waiver to Pakistani scholars also came under discussion.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 8^th, 2013.