USAID Offers Scholarships to Flood-Affected Students in Pakistan
USAID Announces Scholarships for Flood-Affected Students
Last year’s devastating floods in Pakistan had a profound impact on millions of lives, leaving behind immense damage to infrastructure and livelihoods. As a result, many university students from flood-affected regions are facing challenges in continuing their higher education due to financial constraints.
To address this critical issue, USAID has introduced a merit and needs-based scholarship program, which has been supporting students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds since 2004. The program aims to provide scholarships for two semesters, assisting flood-affected students in thirty partner universities.
Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Scholarships
To be eligible for these scholarships, students need to fulfill the following criteria:
- Enrolled in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th semester of an undergraduate degree program in Fall 2023.
- All academic disciplines are welcome to apply.
- Belong to districts, sub-districts, or UC Tehsils that were affected by the floods, as identified by the Government of Pakistan, PDMA, or District Administration.
- Provide genuine evidence of flood-related damage, such as to households and livelihoods, with internet-sourced images being rejected.
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo an interview with their university’s Institutional Scholarship Award Committee for financial assistance consideration.
- 50% of the scholarships are reserved for female students.
Scholarship Coverage
The scholarship offers coverage for the following:
- Tuition fees for two semesters: Fall 2023 and Spring 2024.
- Stipend to cover boarding, lodging, transportation, and other academic costs for the two semesters.
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Application Process
Students interested in applying for these scholarships should follow these steps:
- Apply through the HEC Online Application System.
- Submit the printed application form along with supporting documents to their university’s student financial aid office.
- Ensure all information is complete and accurate to avoid rejection.
Important Notes
- Scholarships will be awarded purely on merit, with HEC having the right to revoke awards if provided information is found to be misleading during physical verification.
- Applicants enrolled in certain types of programs or receiving other scholarships are ineligible.
- The scholarship funding is for a duration of two semesters.
Application Deadline
The deadline for online application submission is August 16, 2023. This is a valuable opportunity for flood-affected students to overcome financial barriers and continue their educational journey with USAID’s support.