Scholars will study fields including health, governance, climate action, business and diplomacy under the programmes
At least 33 Pakistani scholars are set to travel to the United Kingdom to pursue fully funded postgraduate studies at leading universities under the Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship programmes, the British High Commission in Islamabad said in a press release on Thursday.
The scholars were selected based on their academic achievements, leadership potential and commitment to public service. They will undertake master’s and other postgraduate programmes at universities across the UK, focusing on fields considered important to Pakistan’s development.
“Selected for their leadership potential, academic strength, and commitment to creating positive change, the scholars represent Pakistan’s breadth of talent and ambition,” the commission said.
Their programmes will cover areas including education, governance, health, climate action, business and civil society, with scholars studying in cities including Bristol, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London. Their fields of study include global health, human rights, media and development, innovation and entrepreneurship, development economics, biological robotics and diplomacy.
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The commission in Islamabad hosted a pre-departure reception for the scholars, where they were briefed on life and study in the UK and connected with the wider UK-Pakistan scholarship community.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott described the scholarships as “one of the clearest examples of the UK-Pakistan partnership in action”.
“They invest in people with the talent, ambition and purpose to make a difference,” she said, expressing hope that the scholars would return with new skills, networks and ideas to contribute to Pakistan’s future.
The high commission said the latest cohort reflected the diversity of Pakistan’s talent pool, with scholars drawn from different parts of the country and a range of professional and social backgrounds. It also highlighted strong participation by women in recent cohorts.
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Upon returning to Pakistan, the scholars will join a growing alumni network comprising nearly 2,000 Chevening and more than 1,500 Commonwealth alumni, according to the high commission. The alumni work across sectors including education, governance, health, climate, business and civil society.
The British High Commission said it was also working with local partners to expand scholarship opportunities for Pakistanis in areas identified as national priorities.
“Previous partnerships have supported additional places in subjects such as heritage, climate studies, sports and business, helping more talented Pakistanis access UK education and bring new skills back to Pakistan,” it said.
Applications for the next cohort of Pakistani leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs have also opened for the Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship programmes.
