Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The British Council Pakistan has announced the launch of Pakistan Scottish Scholarship Scheme Alumni Association. This will provide the scholarship recipients with a platform to share ideas and knowledge.

Pakistan Scottish Scholarship Scheme for Women in Higher Education was initiated by the Scottish Government in collaboration with British Council in 2013. The programme provides scholarship opportunities for young women from disadvantaged backgrounds to study at Masters level in Pakistani universities.

The scholarship is offered to female students enrolled in Masters in the fields of education, agriculture and food security, sustainable energy and health sciences. These subject areas are highly relevant to Pakistan in terms of current challenges and future opportunities, thus contributing to the overall growth of Pakistan.

British Council has announced the launch of an alumni programme set up for women who benefitted from this scheme. This alumni association will allow for candidates to share experiences, exchange knowledge and share opportunities of professional development. It will also act as a platform for professional collaborations. So far, over 300 women from Pakistan have received this scholarship to go on to pursue their higher education and contribute to a growing economy.

A database of scholarship winners will be developed using an online portal designed for the award winners.

The scholarship recently completed its third cycle, and is set to launch the fourth cycle in June/July 2017. The women scholars will receive financial support to achieve their educational ambitions which, due to financial constraints, they were unable to do so.

The Country Director, British Council Pakistan Rosemary Hilhorst said: “I see a lot of women eager to pursue higher education. It is very encouraging to see that women are aspiring to be part of Pakistan’s future leadership, who will go on to shape opinions. We are celebrating International Women’s Day today and I would like to step up our commitment to make sustainable development a reality and leave no woman or girl behind.”

Those interested in joining the Pakistan Scottish Scholarship alumni association, can visit the British Council Pakistan websitewww.britishcouncil.pk. for registration.