Islamabad, August 13, 2026: Thirty-three Pakistani scholars are set to travel to the United Kingdom on fully funded Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships to pursue Masters and postgraduate studies at leading British universities.
Selected for their academic excellence, leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change, the scholars come from across Pakistan and will study subjects linked to the country’s development priorities, including education, governance, health, climate action, business and civil society.
The British High Commission in Islamabad hosted a pre-departure reception for the scholars, celebrating their achievements and providing them with guidance on studying and living in the UK. The event also provided an opportunity for the scholars to connect with the wider UK-Pakistan scholarship community.
This year’s scholars will study at universities across the UK, including institutions in Bristol, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London. Their areas of study range from global health, human rights, media and development to innovation and entrepreneurship, development economics, biological robotics and diplomacy.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said the Chevening and Commonwealth programmes represented a strong example of the partnership between the two countries.
“Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships are one of the clearest examples of the UK-Pakistan partnership in action. They invest in people with the talent, ambition and purpose to make a difference,” she said.
Marriott encouraged the scholars to use their time in the UK to develop new skills, build lasting networks and gain fresh perspectives that they could bring back to Pakistan.
For the scholars, the scholarships offer an opportunity not only to pursue advanced academic qualifications but also to experience life in the UK, interact with students from around the world and develop ideas to address challenges in their communities and professional fields.
Upon their return, the new scholars will join a growing alumni network in Pakistan comprising nearly 2,000 Chevening alumni and more than 1,500 Commonwealth alumni. The alumni are working across sectors including education, governance, health, climate, business and civil society, contributing to stronger people-to-people links between Pakistan and the UK.
The British High Commission is also seeking partnerships with Pakistani organisations to expand scholarship opportunities in priority areas. Previous partnerships have helped create additional opportunities in fields including heritage, climate studies, sports and business.
Meanwhile, applications have opened for the next cohort of Pakistani leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs seeking to join the Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship programmes.
The continued expansion of these programmes reflects the UK’s focus on investing in Pakistan’s human capital and strengthening long-term educational and professional links between the two countries.
