Ehsaas Scholarship Program: A Complete Guide for Students

Introduction

The Ehsaas Scholarship Program is a flagship initiative by the Government of Pakistan aimed at providing financial aid to meritorious and underprivileged students. This program ensures that students from low-income families have access to higher education without financial constraints. The initiative is part of the broader Ehsaas Program, which focuses on social welfare and poverty alleviation.

The Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Program is one of the largest in Pakistan’s history, covering tuition fees and providing a monthly stipend to eligible students. If you are a student from a low-income background, this guide will help you understand the eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and common issues faced during the scholarship process.

What is the Ehsaas Scholarship Program?

The Ehsaas Scholarship Program is a need-based and merit-based financial aid initiative that helps students complete their undergraduate education. The program is designed for students who have secured admission to public sector universities but struggle with financial challenges.

The main objectives of this scholarship program are:

• To increase access to higher education for financially challenged students.
• To reduce dropout rates due to financial constraints.
• To promote equal educational opportunities for students across Pakistan.

Eligibility Criteria for Ehsaas Scholarship Program

To apply for the Ehsaas Scholarship Program, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Financial Need-Based Criteria

• The applicant’s family income must be below Rs. 45,000 per month.
• Students from low-income, deserving families will be given priority.
• Special consideration is given to orphans, disabled students, and children of government employees (grade 1-4).

2. Academic Requirements

• The applicant must have secured admission to a public sector university.
• The student must be enrolled in a 4 or 5-year undergraduate degree program.
• The candidate should not be availing of any other scholarship.

3. University Affiliation

• The scholarship is only available for HEC-recognized public universities.
• Private university students are not eligible.

4. Ineligibility Conditions

• Students enrolled in distance learning programs are not eligible.
• Those studying in self-financed programs cannot apply.
• Students with high-income backgrounds are not considered.

Benefits of the Ehsaas Scholarship Program

The Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship offers various financial benefits to selected students, including:

• Full Tuition Fee Coverage: The program covers 100% of tuition fees for selected students.
• Monthly Stipend: A monthly allowance of Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 5,000 is provided for living expenses.
• Access to Higher Education: The program enables students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue higher studies without financial burden.
• Encouragement for Merit-Based Education: Students with academic potential but limited financial resources get an equal opportunity to excel.

How to Apply for the Ehsaas Scholarship Program

Students can apply for the Ehsaas Scholarship Program through the Higher Education Commission (HEC) portal. Follow these steps to complete the application process:

1. Online Registration

• Visit the HEC Ehsaas Scholarship Portal: https://ehsaas.hec.gov.pk/
• Click on “Apply Now”.
• Register using your CNIC/B-Form number and email address.

2. Fill Out the Application Form

• Provide personal details, including name, CNIC/B-Form number, and contact details.
• Enter academic details, including university name, degree program, and year of admission.
• Enter family income details and mention if any other scholarships are being availed.

3. Attach Required Documents

Ensure you upload the following documents:

• Copy of CNIC/B-Form
• Father’s/guardian’s CNIC copy
• Salary slips of parents/guardian (if applicable)
• Utility bills (electricity, gas, etc.)
• University admission letter
• Bank account details (if applicable)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)

4. Submit the Application

• Review your application to ensure all details are correct.
• Click on “Submit Application”.
• You will receive a confirmation email after successful submission.

5. Screening and Verification

• The university’s financial aid office will verify documents and family income.
• Interviews may be conducted to assess financial need.
• Final selection is made based on merit and financial need.

6. Scholarship Award and Disbursement

• Selected students will be notified via email and SMS.
• Tuition fees will be directly paid to the university.
• Monthly stipends will be transferred to students’ bank accounts.

How to Check Ehsaas Scholarship Status

To check the status of your Ehsaas Scholarship application:

• Visit the Ehsaas HEC Portal and log in with your credentials.
• Enter your CNIC or B-Form number to check application status.
• If selected, you will receive an official notification via email/SMS.

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Application Rejected Due to Incomplete Documents

Solution: Ensure all required documents are uploaded correctly before submission.

2. CNIC/B-Form Not Found

Solution: Verify your CNIC/B-Form details with NADRA before applying.

3. No Response After Submission

Solution: Contact your university’s financial aid office to check the application status.

4. Delay in Stipend Payment

Solution: Check with HEC or your university’s finance department for updates on stipend disbursement.

5. Not Selected Despite Financial Need

Solution: If rejected, you can reapply next year or contact HEC for reconsideration.

Impact of the Ehsaas Scholarship Program

The Ehsaas Scholarship Program has made higher education accessible to thousands of students in Pakistan. Some of the key impacts include:

• More than 200,000 students have benefited from the program.
• Increased female participation in higher education.
• Reduced dropout rates due to financial constraints.
• Promotion of skilled graduates contributing to Pakistan’s economy.

Conclusion

The Ehsaas Scholarship Program is a transformative initiative that empowers students from low-income families by providing financial aid for higher education. By covering tuition fees and offering stipends, it enables deserving students to focus on their studies without financial stress.

If you are eligible, don’t miss the opportunity to apply. Visit the Ehsaas HEC portal, complete your application, and take a step towards securing your future through quality education.

For further details, visit the official HEC Ehsaas Scholarship website or contact your university’s financial aid office for assistance.