Scholars from across Pakistan will shortly travel to the UK on fully funded Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships to study at leading British universities.
Selected for their leadership potential, academic strength and commitment to creating positive change, the scholars represent Pakistan’s breadth of talent and ambition. They will begin a range of Masters and postgraduate programmes across the UK, gaining skills and networks in areas important to Pakistan’s future, including education, governance, health, climate action, business and civil society.
The British High Commission Islamabad hosted a pre-departure reception to celebrate their achievement, brief them on the UK study experience, and connect them with the wider UK–Pakistan scholarship community.
The reception also reflected the scale and diversity of the UK’s scholarship offer in Pakistan. Recent cohorts have included scholars from across Pakistan with strong participation from women and candidates from varied professional and social backgrounds.
This year’s Chevening and Commonwealth scholars will study across the UK, including in Bristol, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London. They will study fields such as global health, human rights, media and development, innovation and entrepreneurship, development economics, biological robotics and diplomacy.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said:
“Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships are 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. I hope this year’s scholars use their time in the UK to build new skills, lasting networks and fresh ideas, returning ready to contribute to Pakistan’s future.”
For many scholars, the award marks more than the start of an academic year. It is a chance to experience life in the UK, learn alongside students from around the world, and return home with ideas that can help address practical challenges in their communities and professions.
On their return, the scholars will join nearly 2,000 Chevening alumni and more than 1,500 Commonwealth alumni in Pakistan. These alumni work across education, governance, health, climate, business and civil society, strengthening links between the UK and Pakistan.
The British High Commission is also keen to build partnerships with local partners to expand scholarship opportunities for Pakistanis in priority areas. 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.
As this year’s scholars prepare to begin their studies, applications have also opened for the next cohort of Pakistani leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs to join the Chevening and Commonwealth programmes. For more information and to apply, visit chevening.org/apply or cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/apply.
