Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship for Central Asia and Friendly Countries 2026

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has announced the prestigious Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship for Central Asia and Friendly Countries, offering fully funded undergraduate (BS), Master's, and PhD opportunities for international students at top-ranked Pakistani universities.

This initiative aims to strengthen educational cooperation and cultural ties with Central Asian and allied nations, providing outstanding students with the chance to pursue higher education in Pakistan without any financial burden. If you are an international student seeking a fully funded degree in a welcoming and academically rich environment, this is an opportunity you cannot afford to miss. For more options, explore fully funded scholarships in Pakistan for international students.

About the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship Program

The Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship Program is a flagship initiative by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, designed to promote regional connectivity through education and strengthen diplomatic and academic relations with Central Asian and friendly countries. The first phase of the project was launched for Bangladesh under the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor in November 2025.

The second phase, now open, extends the program's reach to Central Asian and other allied nations and incorporates Master's level studies for the first time. The program offers 350 fully funded scholarships for students from Central Asian and friendly countries to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies in Pakistan's top-ranked universities. The number of scholarships allocated to each country will be determined by the volume of applications received.

Available Fields of Study

The scholarship covers a wide range of academic disciplines at Pakistani universities, including:

• Engineering & Technology

• Computer Science & IT

• Medical and Allied Health Sciences

• Business & Economics

• Agriculture & Social Sciences

• Food Security & International Relations

• Media & Languages

Students can choose from diverse fields that align with their career aspirations and contribute to the development of their home countries.

Scholarship Benefits

The Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship is fully funded and provides comprehensive financial support to selected scholars, including:

• Full Tuition Fee – Complete coverage of academic fees for the entire degree program

• Monthly Stipend – A regular stipend to cover living expenses

• Free Accommodation – Hostel or housing facilities provided by the university

• Travel & Airfare – One-time round-trip airfare for the duration of the degree program

• Settlement Support – One-time settlement allowance upon arrival

• Books & Stationery Allowance – Support for academic materials

For similar funding opportunities in the region, check the latest scholarships in Asia for all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following academic requirements based on their chosen level of study:

For BS (Undergraduate) Programs:

• GCE A-Levels or equivalent with at least 60% marks (65% for Engineering and Medicine programs)

• Age limit: 17-23 years

For Master's Programs:

• 16 years of relevant education with at least 65% marks

For PhD Programs:

• 18 years of relevant education with a minimum CGPA of 3.00/4.00

• An MS research thesis is required

Additional Requirements:

• Candidates must provide an Equivalence Certificate from IBCC and HEC Pakistan after being awarded the scholarship

• Applicants must be citizens of Central Asian or friendly countries as designated by HEC

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship is 10 August 2026. Late applications will not be entertained, so applicants are encouraged to complete their submissions well before the deadline.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply online through the official HEC scholarship portal. The application process involves the following steps:

1. Visit the official HEC website for the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship Program

2. Review the eligibility criteria and required documents

3. Complete the online application form with accurate personal and academic information

4. Upload all required documents, including academic transcripts, equivalence certificates, and a valid passport

5. Submit the application before the 10 August 2026 deadline

For further details and the application process, visit the official HEC page liink is given below .

Why Study in Pakistan?

Pakistan offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and a growing higher education sector. With HEC-recognized universities, affordable living costs, and a welcoming environment for international students, Pakistan is an emerging destination for quality education. The Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience this vibrant country while earning a globally recognized degree. For a broader view of funding options in the region, refer to financial aids for students in Asia.

Final Thoughts

The Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship for Central Asia and Friendly Countries is a life-changing opportunity for international students to pursue fully funded higher education in Pakistan. With comprehensive financial support, a wide range of academic disciplines, and the chance to study at top-ranked Pakistani universities, this scholarship opens doors to a bright future. If you are a citizen of a Central Asian or friendly country and meet the eligibility criteria, don't miss this chance—submit your application before the 10 August 2026 deadline. For a comprehensive list of opportunities in Pakistan, see the list of all open scholarships in Pakistan.

Apply Now for Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship 2026