British Council is offering 30 scholarships to Pakistanis with Master degree for ten fields of studies mentioning business administration, economics, gender studies, human rights, international relations, law, management, media studies, public administration and social development, worth 60,0000 pounds, said Head of Press and Public Affairs, British High Commission, Islamabad, Aidan Liddle in a press briefing on Tuesday.
However, this scheme does not include science and technology, engineering, medical and computer science for Pakistanis as noted from the information provided.
Aidan Liddle said, these scholarships are offered yearly, under the British Chevening Scholarship scheme, which is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and administered by the British Council to enable overseas students to study in the United Kingdom. It was initiated in 1983 and is now offering 2,300 scholarships to 150 partner countries, he added.
According to him, UK's educational standards are amongst the highest in the world, which contributes to the success of the UK today in business, science and technology, law and the media. "We are keen to share the benefits of this education system with our partners around the world, especially in developing countries where the skills learnt in the UK can make a real difference", he added.
He said that the scholarships are meant to bridge reduce tensions around the world as they provide an opportunity to students from different origins to meet, discuss and build bridges.
The pre-conditions as revealed by the handout, says that dual nationality holders and those who have already availed any British Government funded academic award earlier are not entitled for the scholarships. It further says that an applicant must have three years of work experience and the admissible age is 25 - 35, it added. It further says that applicants must have a Master's degree or a four-year bachelor degree from any recognised university of Pakistan or equivalent from an overseas institute.
These scholarships are valid for one-year only and cover all expenses including boarding and travelling. The selection is strictly on merit and follows a certain criteria. The last date for application for 2007-08 scholarships as announced in the briefing is September 7, 2006, and the application forms are available at TCS outlets and British Council web-site www.britishcouncil.org.pk, it added.