On Wednesday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the Honhaar Scholarship Program aimed at providing high-quality education to deserving students across the province. The scholarship program, which is valued at Rs130 billion, will offer significant financial assistance to students enrolled in various public universities and colleges in Punjab.
The inauguration ceremony, held at Punjab University, marked the official launch of the program, where CM Maryam Nawaz distributed checks to some of the successful candidates. She also introduced a dedicated e-portal designed to make the application process seamless and accessible for all students.
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Key Highlights of the Honhaar Scholarship Program
The Honhaar Scholarship Program is a major initiative to support higher education in Punjab. As of now, over 70,000 students have applied for the scholarship, with 30,000 students selected to receive financial aid. Notably, around 32% of the selected students hail from South Punjab, and 18,000 female students are among the successful candidates. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to promoting education for all, with a special focus on marginalized regions and female empowerment.
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The scholarships will cover 100% of tuition fees for students in selected disciplines across 68 districts in Punjab. Students from a variety of fields, including medical, engineering, and social sciences, will benefit from this program. Moreover, newly enrolled MBBS and BDS students for the 2024 fall session are also eligible for the scholarship.
The Honhaar Scholarship is designed to bridge the gap between talented students and higher education opportunities. It is one of the largest educational funding programs in Punjab’s history. The scholarship is available for undergraduate students only.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Honhaar Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Domicile: Must be from any district in Punjab.
- Age Limit: Applicant should not be older than 22 years by the closing date of applications.
- Income: Family monthly income must be less than Rs 300,000 (an affidavit is required).
- Educational Requirements: Applicants must have secured at least:
- 80% marks for medical colleges.
- 80% marks for top universities.
- 75% marks for science students in public universities.
- 70% marks for arts students in public universities.
- 65% marks for science students in HED colleges.
- 60% marks for arts students in HED colleges.
The program is strictly merit-based, ensuring that only high-achieving students get financial support. Students enrolled in government universities and colleges are eligible. Students with disabilities may be given special consideration (official guidelines awaited).
Which fields of study are covered under the scholarship?
- Apart from medical, engineering, and social sciences, the scholarship also applies to:
- Computer Science & IT
- Business & Economics
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Education & Teacher Training
How to Apply for Honhaar Scholarship
Interested candidates can apply for the Honhaar Scholarship by visiting the official e-portal at https: go to http://www.honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk/ After getting to the web page of the law school, the applicants are supposed to click on the Login link to either create an account or to login: The process is explained on the site below.
This scholarship program is a start in the right direction for increasing educational opportunities for young students in Punjab to unleash your academic potential without worrying about the high cost of tuition fees.
The application deadline varies each year, so students must check the website regularly. New feature: The e-portal now allows students to track their application status in real-time.
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants must upload the following documents while applying:
- CNIC/B-Form (Student & Guardian)
- Matric & Intermediate Mark Sheets
- University Admission Letter
- Domicile Certificate
- Income Certificate or Salary Slip of Parents
- Recent Passport-size Photograph
Can students from previous years apply?
- No, only students currently enrolled in the academic year 2024 can apply.
- Students already receiving another scholarship are not eligible for Honhaar.
Scholarship Benefits
What financial benefits does the Honhaar Scholarship provide?
- Covers tuition fees completely so students can focus on studies.
- No need to pay back the scholarship amount.
- More funding may be announced in the future based on student demand.
Does the scholarship cover other expenses?
- The Honhaar Scholarship only covers tuition fees.
- It does not include:
- Hostel or accommodation fees.
- Transport expenses.
- Books, study materials, or research grants.
- However, students can apply for other government grants to cover these expenses.
How are students selected for the scholarship?
- Selection process includes:
- Checking academic merit based on marks.
- Verifying financial need through documents.
- Ensuring equal distribution across different regions.
- A committee of education experts will finalize the selection.
END NOTE
The Honhaar Scholarship Program is a life-changing opportunity for students who dream of pursuing higher education but struggle with financial constraints. With 100% tuition fee coverage, it allows students to focus on their studies without worrying about costs, ensuring that financial difficulties do not become a barrier to their academic success.
Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to secure a place in this prestigious program. The scholarship aims to support thousands of deserving students, and with increasing applications, the government may consider expanding the budget to accommodate more candidates in the future.
There are also plans to extend this scholarship to postgraduate programs, providing even greater educational opportunities for students who wish to pursue higher studies beyond their undergraduate degrees. This initiative reflects the government’s strong commitment to education and youth empowerment.
For official updates and to apply, students can visit the Honhaar Scholarship e-portal at This scholarship is a golden opportunity for ambitious students who want to unlock their academic potential and build a better future. If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply now and take a step toward a brighter tomorrow!
FAQs
What is the Honhaar Scholarship Program?
The Honhaar Scholarship Program is a Rs130 billion initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to deserving students in Punjab. It covers 100% tuition fees for eligible students in public sector universities and colleges across 68 districts in the province.
Who launched the Honhaar Scholarship Program?
The scholarship program was officially inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif at a ceremony held at Punjab University.
Why was the Honhaar Scholarship Program introduced?
The program aims to support higher education in Punjab by:
- Reducing financial burdens on deserving students.
- Encouraging female education by awarding scholarships to 18,000 female students.
- Supporting students from South Punjab (32% of the selected candidates).
- Ensuring students from various disciplines, including medical, engineering, and social sciences, can pursue education without worrying about tuition fees.
Who is eligible for the Honhaar Scholarship?
To qualify for the Honhaar Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Domicile Requirement:
- The student must be a resident of Punjab.
- Age Limit:
- The applicant must be 22 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Family Income Limit:
- The family’s monthly income must be less than Rs300,000.
- Applicants must provide an affidavit as proof of income.
- Academic Requirements:
- Medical Colleges: Minimum 80% marks required.
- Top Universities: Minimum 80% marks required.
- Science Students in Public Universities: Minimum 75% marks required.
- Arts Students in Public Universities: Minimum 70% marks required.
- Science Students in HED Colleges: Minimum 65% marks required.
- Arts Students in HED Colleges: Minimum 60% marks required.
Which fields of study are covered under the scholarship?
The Honhaar Scholarship covers students enrolled in:
- Medical and Dental (MBBS & BDS) programs.
- Engineering programs.
- Social Sciences and other university disciplines.
Can students from private universities apply?
No, this scholarship is only for students enrolled in public universities and colleges in Punjab.
How can I apply for the Honhaar Scholarship Program?
Students can apply through the official e-portal by following these steps:
- Visit the Official Website:
- Go to http://www.honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk/.
- Create an Account:
- Click on the Login link to register an account.
- If already registered, log in to proceed with the application.
- Fill Out the Application Form:
- Provide personal details, educational background, and financial information.
- Upload required documents, including an income affidavit and academic certificates.
- Submit the Application:
- Review all details carefully before submitting.
- After submission, applicants will receive a confirmation message.
Is there any fee for applying?
No, the application process is completely free.
Can I apply offline?
No, applications are only accepted online through the official portal.
What financial benefits does the Honhaar Scholarship provide?
- 100% tuition fee coverage for eligible students.
- Available in 68 districts of Punjab.
- Special preference for students from marginalized areas and female students.
How many students have been selected so far?
- Over 70,000 students have applied.
- 30,000 students have been selected to receive scholarships.
- 18,000 female students are among the recipients.
Does the scholarship cover hostel or transportation costs?
No, the scholarship only covers tuition fees. Hostel, transportation, and other expenses are not included.
When is the deadline to apply for the scholarship?
The application deadline is not yet announced. Keep checking the official website for updates.
How are students selected for the scholarship?
Selection is based on:
- Academic merit (meeting the minimum marks requirement).
- Financial need (students from low-income families are given priority).
- Regional representation (special preference for students from South Punjab and female students).
Will I receive confirmation if I am selected?
Yes, successful applicants will be notified through email or SMS.
Can I apply if I am already receiving another scholarship?
No, students receiving other government-funded scholarships are not eligible for the Honhaar Scholarship.
Can students from other provinces apply?
No, only students with Punjab domicile can apply.
Is there any renewal process for the scholarship?
Details about renewal are not yet available, but students should check the official website for updates.