Pakistan High Commission clarifies Allama Iqbal scholarship funding

The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka has addressed concerns regarding the Allama Iqbal Scholarships, clarifying that Master’s degree students will receive equal financial support despite differences in disbursement modalities compared to undergraduate students.

The scholarship program is a central part of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, an initiative announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in August 2025 to enhance educational ties. While the first batch of 74 students began studying in Pakistan last year, the second batch includes 125 undergraduate, 22 Master’s, and 14 PhD scholars.

These clarifications follow reports of disappointment among selected Bangladeshi students. Some students alleged that the scholarships, originally described as ‘fully funded,’ only covered tuition and accommodation, leaving them to cover costs for meals, transport, and airfare. The High Commission maintains that all qualifying recipients will be provided with equivalent financial assistance as they prepare to join their respective universities.