Sampler commented, “The United States is proud to have invested in higher education in Pakistan over the last five decades.  A well educated population is the foundation of a strong economy and a strong and growing Pakistan.  We will continue to work very closely with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan to implement this very successful scholarship program for deserving students.”

  

The scholarships are part of a long-term commitment by the United States to promote and facilitate academic achievement in Pakistan.  The program, which grants scholarships to business and agriculture students, is a part of USAID’s Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Program.  Since 2004, 1,350 students have earned degrees under the program.  Over 450 additional students are currently receiving assistance to complete their degrees.  Students are selected for scholarships based on financial need and university acceptance.  PMAS-Arid Agriculture University and Quaid-i-Azam Universities are among the 11 local partner institutions of the scholarship program.  This program also helps partner universities establish student enrollment and financial aid systems.  Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, HEC Executive Director, appreciated the U.S. support for the education sector in Pakistan.  He commented that fifty percent of the scholarships are designated for women in the upcoming expansion of the project. 

 

The Merit and Needs Based Scholarship program is part of the United States’ comprehensive education assistance program in Pakistan.  This program includes creating accredited education degree programs at 90 teachers’ colleges and universities, building or rehabilitating more than 850 schools, establishing Centers for Advanced study of energy, agriculture, and water at three Pakistani universities, and expanding English skills for over 5,000 low-income students.  To learn more about U.S. education initiatives in Pakistan, see:  http://goo.gl/auHXF.