Overview
The Honhaar Scholarship Program 2025, also called the Chief Minister’s Honhaar Undergraduate Scholarship, is a major support plan launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. It is run by the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) and supported by the Higher Education Department. The program helps talented students from low- and middle-income families by covering 100% tuition fees for undergraduate degrees in public, private, and federal universities.
In 2025, the number of scholarships increased from 30,000 to 50,000, and will rise to 70,000 next year. It covers BS (1st–8th semester), MBBS/BDS (1st–5th year), and selected fields in 65 universities, 12 medical/dental colleges, and 359 government colleges. Applications for Phase II (3rd–8th semester) are open till 15 September 2025. Phase I already closed for new 1st-semester students. The total budget is more than Rs. 9 billion, with a digital portal and merit lists ensuring transparency.
Benefits
- Full Tuition Fee: Up to Rs. 300,000 per year in public universities; more for private/federal.
- Merit-Based: Rewards students with high academic scores.
- Inclusive: Open for both boys and girls; special quota for students from other provinces.
- Supportive: Orphans, women-headed households, and disabled students are prioritized.
- Impact: Helps reduce financial burden, lowers dropouts, and prepares skilled graduates.
Eligibility
- Must be a resident of Punjab (Phase III also for GB, AJK, Balochistan, KP).
- Age: Below 22 years (some relaxation for ongoing students).
- Programs Covered: 1st semester or 3rd–8th semester BS, 1st–5th year MBBS/BDS.
- Academic Marks: Minimum 80% (medical), 70% sciences/65% arts (universities), 65% sciences/60% arts (colleges).
- Income: Monthly family income ≤ Rs. 300,000 (public) or ≤ Rs. 500,000 (private/federal).
- Must not already be receiving another full scholarship.
Who Can Apply?
- New 1st-semester BS/MBBS/BDS students in public universities/colleges.
- Current students in 3rd–8th semester BS or 2nd–5th year MBBS/BDS.
- Students from other provinces under Phase III (5,000 seats).
- One student can apply only once.
Institutions Covered
- Public Universities: Punjab University, BZU Multan, University of Sahiwal, and 60+ others.
- Medical/Dental Colleges: King Edward, Fatima Jinnah, etc.
- Private/Federal Universities: LUMS, Aga Khan (selected programs).
- Government Colleges: 359 colleges offering BS/bridge programs.
Documents Needed
- CNIC/B-Form of student and parents.
- Punjab domicile (or other provinces for Phase III).
- Academic transcripts and enrollment proof.
- Income affidavit (Rs. 300 stamp paper).
- Passport-size photos.
- Bank details (if required).
- Admission/enrollment letter.
Application Process
- Visit honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk.
- Register with CNIC, mobile/email, and password.
- Fill in personal, academic, and income details.
- Select your institution and program.
- Upload documents (PDF/JPG under 5 MB).
- Submit form and get application ID.
- Track your status online.
- If shortlisted, verify documents at your institution.
Selection & Fee Payment
- Applications checked with NADRA/HEC databases.
- Merit list made (70% academics + 30% income need).
- Provisional list published for objections.
- Final approval sent by SMS/email.
- Tuition fees are paid directly to the university/college every semester.
- Students must maintain good results to keep the scholarship.
Timeline (2025)
- Applications Open: February 2025
- Deadline Phase II: 15 September 2025
- Merit Lists: September–October 2025
- Fee Payments Start: November 2025
- Phase III (Inter-provincial): End of 2025
- Next Batch: December 2025
FAQs
- Is it free to apply? Yes. Beware of fake agents.
- Does it cover hostel/transport? No, only tuition.
- Can private university students apply? Yes, for selected institutions.
- Missed the deadline? Wait for the next phase.
Summary and Insights
The Honhaar Scholarship Program 2025 is a golden chance for deserving students of Punjab. With 50,000 awards, it ensures that no talented student is left behind due to money problems. Apply on time, prepare your documents carefully, and keep checking the official portal for updates.