The British Council, in partnership with the Scottish Government, has invited applications for the Scotland Pakistan Scholarship Scheme for Young Women and Girls 2026-27. The deadline to apply has been extended to September 15, 2026.
The scholarship programme aims to support women from financially disadvantaged backgrounds in Pakistan in pursuing higher education. Launched in 2013, the scheme has provided educational support to more than 25,000 female students across Pakistan.
According to British Council Pakistan Country Director James Hampson, the scholarship scheme has enabled more than 25,000 women and girls to access school and university education over the past decade. He said the programme is helping make quality education more affordable while creating new opportunities for young women.
The scholarships are available to eligible female students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees at HEC-recognised universities in Pakistan.
The programme covers a range of fields, including education, agriculture and food security, sustainable energy, health sciences, climate change and STEM engineering. Students can apply for bachelor’s and master’s programmes in eligible STEM subjects.
Selected students will have their tuition fees covered, while university hostel costs will also be provided where required. Students living in on-campus accommodation will additionally receive travel expenses for two journeys between their home and university each year.
Master’s students will also be eligible for research funding to access laboratories, equipment and other facilities required for their research.
Postgraduate students can apply for scholarships for two-year master’s or MPhil programmes, while undergraduate students can receive support for four-year bachelor’s degree programmes in eligible fields.
Applicants must be Pakistani citizens residing in Pakistan and must have a confirmed offer of admission to an eligible degree programme at an HEC-recognised university.
The British Council has particularly encouraged women from minority communities and students with disabilities to apply.
Applications can be submitted online until September 15, 2026. Eligibility criteria, application procedures and further details are available on the British Council Pakistan website.