Scholarship Policy

Scholarship and Financial Assistance Policy

Purpose

The policy aims to provide equitable access to higher education by offering financial assistance and merit-based scholarships to deserving and academically exceptional students, thereby ensuring compliance with HEC guidelines.

Categories of Scholarships and Financial Assistance

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

Awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance based on their grades, standardized test scores, and other achievements.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Minimum GPA or equivalent (e.g., 3.75/4.0 or 90% marks in the most recent academic year).
2. Full-time enrollment in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Up to 100% tuition fee waiver.
2. Merit-based scholarships will be reviewed annually for renewal based on academic performance.
3. Need-Based Financial Assistance

Provided to students from low-income families who face financial constraints in pursuing higher education.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Submission of family income documentation (e.g., salary slips, tax returns, or HEC-specified forms).
2. Assessment through the Institute's Financial Aid Committee (FAC).
3. Good academic standing (e.g., maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0).

Assistance Coverage:

1. Partial to full tuition fee waiver.
2. Additional support for books or hostel accommodation, where applicable.
3. HEC and External Scholarships

Students may apply for scholarships offered by HEC or other funding bodies (e.g., Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship, USAID-funded Merit and Need-Based Scholarship Program).

Institute's Role:

1. Facilitate the application process.
2. Ensure timely disbursement of funds upon approval.
3. Special Scholarships

Targeted assistance for specific groups, including but not limited to:

1. Orphans and widows' children.
2. Students from underprivileged regions or minority communities.
3. High achievers in extracurricular activities.

Coverage: Determined based on available funds and the specific category.

Application and Assessment Process

1. Application Submission:
2. Students must complete the scholarship or financial aid application form, available online or from the Registrar Office.
3. Attach all required documentation (e.g., academic transcripts, income verification, and recommendation letters from their union council).
4. Screening and Verification:
5. Initial screening by the Registrar Office to ensure completeness.
6. Verification of income and supporting documents through a formal process, including home visits if required.
7. Decision-Making:
8. Reviewed by the Financial Aid Committee (FAC), comprising senior faculty, administrative staff, and a representative from the student body (optional).
9. Decision communicated to applicants within 30 days of submission.
10. Appeals:
11. Applicants can appeal rejected applications by submitting additional evidence or documentation within a stipulated time frame to Vice Chancellor Office.

Monitoring and Renewal

1. Merit-Based Scholarships:
2. Reviewed annually to ensure that recipients maintain the required academic performance.
3. Need-Based Assistance:
4. Beneficiaries must update financial documentation annually.
5. Scholarship Reporting:
6. The Institute will submit an annual report to HEC on the disbursement and impact of scholarships.

Funding Sources

1. Institutional Budget Allocation:
2. At least 5% of the annual budget allocated to scholarships, as per HEC requirements.
3. Endowment Funds and Donations:
4. Encouraging alumni, corporate sponsors, and philanthropists to contribute.
5. HEC Grants and Partnerships:
6. Collaborating with HEC and other funding agencies for enhanced scholarship opportunities.

Transparency and Accountability

• The scholarship process will be conducted with complete transparency and impartiality.
• Annual audits of scholarship funds will be carried out to ensure proper utilization.
• Scholarship disbursement details will be published in the Institute's Annual Report.