Students from Sindh will soon have a new pathway to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford through the Bhutto Graduate Scholarships. Launched by the Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP) with support from the Government of Sindh, the fully funded scholarships aim to provide opportunities for academically strong students from underrepresented backgrounds.
The scholarship program will select up to six students annually. Half of the awards are reserved for women under the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Scholarship, while the remaining three will be offered through the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Scholarship. Preference will be given to candidates pursuing STEM subjects or development-focused studies.
Fully Funded Support for Graduate Studies
The Bhutto Scholarships cover full tuition fees and living expenses, including maintenance costs. Each award is initially granted for one academic year but may be renewed depending on the duration of the student’s degree program. Eligible students must be domiciled in Sindh, hold a valid CNIC and Permanent Residence Certificate, and have completed an undergraduate degree from a recognized Pakistani university. Candidates must also have secured admission to a graduate or doctoral program at Oxford.
Six students will study at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, each year with financial support. The scholarship is designed to ensure that talented students from Sindh have access to world-class education and can contribute to the province’s development upon returning.
Leadership Statements and Program Objectives
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari spoke at the launch, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for underprivileged but talented students. “The Oxford Pakistan Programme is enabling Pakistanis, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue higher education at top global institutions,” he said. He also thanked the governments of Sindh and Balochistan for collaborating with OPP on scholarship initiatives for students in their provinces.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah highlighted the broader benefits for the province. “These scholarships will equip students with knowledge and skills to drive progress in their communities,” he said. He added that Sindh will gain long-term advantages when these scholars return to contribute to economic and social development.
Oxford Pakistan Programme’s Role
The Oxford Pakistan Programme, led by Oxford academics and alumni including Professor Adeel Malik, Dr Talha J. Pirzada, Haris Zaman, and former Oxford student Manahil Saqib, supports Pakistani students and researchers through scholarships, hardship funds, the annual Iqbal Lecture, and the Graduate Access Programme.
Officials noted that since its inception, OPP has provided over £600,000 in financial assistance, enabling 48 Pakistani graduate scholars to study at Oxford. Priority for the Bhutto Scholarships will be given to students who have not previously received government-funded scholarships and whose research aligns with the social or economic development of Sindh or Pakistan.
Application Process and Deadlines
The application portal for the Bhutto Graduate Scholarships is expected to open in early 2026, with submissions closing in April 2026. Candidates will need to provide academic records, proof of residency, confirmation of admission to Oxford, and a personal statement. The OPP Scholarship Committee will review applications based on academic merit and financial need.
Students from Pakistan can also explore other fully funded Oxford scholarships, including the Rhodes Scholarship, the Clarendon Fund, the Vicky Noon Educational Foundation, the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust, and the Reach Oxford Scholarship for undergraduate studies.
Officials stressed that the Bhutto Graduate Scholarships represent a significant opportunity for students from Sindh to access world-class education, develop expertise, and contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s development.
