The British Council, in partnership with the Scottish Government, has opened applications for the Scotland Pakistan Scholarship Scheme for Young Women and Girls 2026-27.
The programme aims to improve access to higher education for women across Pakistan, particularly those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Launched in 2013, the scholarship scheme has supported more than 25,000 students across Pakistan. It continues to provide financial assistance to women pursuing higher education and professional opportunities.
British Council Pakistan Country Director James Hampson said the programme had helped thousands of women and girls attend universities and schools over the past decade.
He added that the partnership with the Scottish Government continues to make quality education more affordable and help young women pursue their ambitions.
Fields Covered Under Scotland Pakistan Scholarship
The scholarship is available to eligible female students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees at HEC-recognised universities in Pakistan.
The programme focuses on academic fields considered important for Pakistan’s future development. These include:
- Education
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Sustainable Energy
- Health Sciences
- Climate Change
- STEM and Engineering
Students can apply for STEM-related programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
For undergraduate students, the scheme provides support for four-year bachelor’s degree programmes. Postgraduate applicants can seek funding for two-year Master’s or MPhil programmes.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Selected students will receive financial support for several education-related expenses.
The scholarship covers tuition fees for eligible bachelor’s and master’s programmes. It can also cover university hostel costs for students who require on-campus accommodation.
Students living in university hostels can receive funding for travel between their homes and universities twice a year.
Master’s students can additionally receive research funding to access laboratories, equipment and other tools required for their studies.
The support aims to reduce financial barriers and allow students to focus on completing their degrees.
Eligibility and Application Deadline
Applicants must meet several requirements to qualify for the Scotland Pakistan Scholarship Scheme.
Candidates must be Pakistani nationals currently living in Pakistan. They must also have a confirmed admission offer and pursue an eligible degree at an HEC-recognised university.
The scholarship is specifically available to female students enrolled in eligible fields of study.
The programme also strongly encourages applications from students belonging to minority communities and persons with disabilities.
Interested candidates must submit their applications by September 15, 2026.
Applicants can submit their forms online through the British Council. They should also review the complete eligibility requirements, application procedure and frequently asked questions before applying.
The Scotland Pakistan Scholarship Scheme continues to provide opportunities for young women to access higher education while supporting Pakistan’s development in key academic and professional fields.
