The British Council and the British High Commission have announced 75 scholarships for Pakistanis to study in the UK, as a way to mark 75 years of UK-Pakistan relations.
On the same day, at a reception in Lahore on September 1 2022, the UK announced an uplift in Pakistan flood relief funding, with the amount pledged now totalling £16.5m.
Pakistan gained independence from British rule in 1947, making this year the 75th anniversary. The Indian Independence Bill, which marked the end of 200 years of British rule, carved the independent nations of India and Pakistan, and came into effect on August 15, 1947.
British High Commission aims for gender parity
The UK will be awarding 63 Chevening scholarships and fellowships this year, along with 12 GREAT scholarships.
Gov.UK has stated that the British High Commission will be striving for gender parity, meaning that at least 50% of the scholarships will be awarded to female candidates.
The British High Commission will also commemorate the 75th anniversary of UK-Pakistan relations with a ‘series of events and activities through the rest of the year.’
UK representative to Punjab, Alex Ballinger, said: ‘I’m pleased that, on the same day the UK has pledged a total of £16.5m in flood relief funding, we can also announce 75 new UK scholarships which will play a vital part in allowing Pakistan to rebuild by investing in its people.‘
Ballinger also offered his thoughts to Pakistan following news of the floods ravaging the country, and said that ‘we are with the people of Pakistan at this terrible time.’
What are Chevening scholarships?
Chevening scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme. They are funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), partner organisations, and partner universities.
Gov.UK states: ‘The scholarships support study at UK universities – mostly one year taught master’s degrees – for individuals with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers, and opinion formers.‘
Meanwhile, GREAT scholarships are jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council with participating UK higher education institutions. Each one of the scholarships is worth a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition.