Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Pakistan Scottish Scholarship Scheme (PS3)

1. What is the Pakistan Scottish Scholarship Scheme (PS3)?

The Scottish Government is providing scholarship opportunities for young women from
disadvantaged backgrounds to study at Masters Level in Pakistani Universities and is delighted to
be supporting this scheme which is helping women in Pakistan achieve their potential and
ambitions, helping to build a secure future for themselves and their families. British Council
Pakistan will administer the scheme in Pakistan and directly coordinate with the selected scholars
and universities.

The scheme has been initiated in Pakistan in 2013 in response to the identified need of young
women in the country who are deprived of the resources and opportunities to pursue and
continue their education, and as a consequence to enable them to contribute positively to their
community and society.

2. What is the role of the British Council in the implementation of the PS3?

The British Council Pakistan will administer the PS3 in Pakistan and coordinate with the selected
scholars for their tuition fee, subsistence etc. In addition, during the implementation of the
scheme, the British Council will continue liaising with the HEC and the universities where
successful candidates are undertaking their course of study. Furthermore, progress in the
scheme will be shared with the Scottish Government.

3. Who can apply?

The scheme is aimed at young women in Pakistan, falling under the following criteria:

 Only female applicants can apply

 Applicant should be a Pakistani national, currently residing in Pakistan
 Undertaking a one or two-year Masters’ programme only
 Applicant should hold a confirmed offer from a HEC-recognised university in Pakistan

4. What is offered in this scholarship? What else is covered, in addition to this?

The PS3 will facilitate the award-holder by covering the complete tuition fee for a Masters’
programme at a university in Pakistan. In addition, the scheme will cover the award-holder’s
university hostel costs, subsistence costs of no more than PKR 3000 per academic month, and
travel expenses to and from home to the university for Hostelite, no more than three times in a
year. No subsistence will be provided during the semester holidays.

5. What areas/locations and/or universities is this scholarship offered at?

The PS3 covers study at the Masters’ level at any HEC-recognised university in any part of
Pakistan. The names of these universities can be found at:
http://www.hec.gov.pk/ourinstitutes/pages/default.aspx

6. What if I don’t have any proof of income of my parent/ guardians?

In that case an affidavit will have to be provided addressed to British Council and signed by
parents/ guardian stating complete estimated salary.
 7. Do I need to have a confirmed acceptance in a post-graduate course/
programme at an HEC-approved university before I can apply for the PS3?

Yes.

8. Can I apply for the scholarship to study at more than one university?

No. The PS3 will only cover expenses for study at one university.

9. Can I get a scholarship for MBA/ MBBS/ MSc Economics?

No. The PS3 will only consider application for Masters’ degree in Sustainable Energy, Food
Security and Agriculture, Education and Health Sciences

10. Can I apply for the Scholarship in the final year of my undergraduate degree?

Only applicants holding a confirmed offer of admission in a Masters’ programme can apply.

11. Can I apply for the PS3 to study in an undergraduate (e.g. BA/BS/BSc) course
at a university?

No. The PS3 is only for Masters’ level courses (e.g. MA/MSc/M.Ed)

12. Can I apply for a short or part-time course at a university?

No.

13. Can I apply for an MPhil or PhD degree at a university?

No. The PS3 is only for Masters’ level courses (e.g. MA/MSc/M.Ed)

14. Can I apply to a university outside Pakistan?

No. The PS3 is only for study at a university in Pakistan.

15. Can I apply for a Scholarship if I am living outside Pakistan?

No.

16. Can I bring my family/children with me if I am coming to study from out of town?

The PS3 will only cater to the expenses of the successful candidates, within the agreed terms,
and not additional people who may be accompanying them. Married students who are
coming from out of town and who wish to bring their children will have to make
arrangements for them on their own.

17. Can I work during my scholarship period?

Award-holders may only work during the course of their study if it is allowed by their
university.

18. Can I defer my scholarship for the next academic session?

No, it is not possible to get a deferral for the PS3.

19. Will I be informed if my application is not selected?

No, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

 20. What is the selection criterion?

PS3 is a need and merit based scholarship and the candidate will be shortlisted on the basis
of need, previous scores and universities.