93 Pakistanis to study in UK on Commonwealth Scholarships with British High Commissioner’s guidance

Pakistani students, embarking on their studies in the UK, have been offered valuable advice from British High Commissioner Jane Marriott as they prepare for a transformative year at British universities, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Commonwealth Scholarship program, and Pakistan has awarded 46 Chevening and 47 Commonwealth scholarships. These prestigious programs have fostered a robust network of over 1,500 Commonwealth and nearly 2,000 Chevening alumni in Pakistan, who regularly discuss current issues.

The new cohort of scholars hails from diverse regions across Pakistan, including Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, Pakistan Administered Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and the Federal Capital Territory. Notably, over 60% of this year’s Chevening scholars are women, reflecting the British High Commission’s commitment to encouraging applicants from all backgrounds and regions.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott highlighted the impact of the Chevening program, noting its role in nurturing a new generation of Pakistani leaders and innovators. Marriott expressed anticipation for the achievements of the scholars, who will benefit from studying at some of the world’s leading universities and experiencing life in the UK.

She also encouraged prospective students to apply early for these opportunities.

Among this year’s scholars is Fareeha Gull Hashmi, Assistant Manager of the Oral History Project at the Citizens Archive of Pakistan. Hashmi is set to pursue an MA in Heritage and Museum Studies at the University of Essex, which aligns with her goal of advancing heritage and cultural preservation in Pakistan.

This year’s scholarships include new opportunities in specialized fields. For the first time, there is a scholarship for Football Science, in collaboration with Swindon Town Football Club and an additional scholarship for Heritage and Museum Studies, with support from Essex University. These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. The University of Essex also continues to offer a scholarship for Climate Studies, alongside new scholarships from the University of Birmingham.

The British High Commission has recently launched Chevening Connect in Karachi, a debate series featuring industry experts and Chevening alumni. The inaugural debate focused on climate issues, addressing the technical, economic, and political leadership necessary for supporting Pakistan’s climate adaptation and resilience.

Applications for Chevening Scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year will close on November 5, 2024. The South Asia Journalism Programme, a two-month fellowship at the University of Westminster, has an application deadline of October 10, 2024. The Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies fellowship, a five-month program, also has an application deadline of November 5, 2024.

For more details and to apply, interested candidates can visit chevening.org and CSC.

Jane Marriott took to 'X' (formerly Twitter), and shared a post with the caption that reads:

"I feel inspired after meeting such incredible young minds! The passion and potential of our Chevening and Commonwealth scholars are remarkable. I’m excited to see how they will use their experiences in the UK to enrich both nations. Applications for Chevening are open!"

Reporter: Anwar Abbas