UK Partnership Opens More Opportunities for Pakistanis to Study in Britain

The UK Government's Chevening programme and Allied Bank Limited have forged a new partnership to provide fully funded master's degrees to exceptional Pakistanis at prestigious UK universities. Allied Bank marks the first private sector organisation to establish a locally funded Chevening Scholarship in Pakistan, uniting the UK's flagship international scholarship programme with Pakistan's private sector to invest in the country's future leaders.

Chevening collaborates with over 140 partners, including private entities, NGOs, foreign government departments, and UK institutions. Under the Chevening-ABL Scholarship, two scholars will be supported annually for three years, beginning in 2027-28. They will study pivotal subjects for Pakistan's growth, such as artificial intelligence, technology, cybersecurity, digital transformation, economics, and financial inclusion.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott emphasised the importance of Pakistan's human capital, stating that this partnership will enable outstanding future leaders to study at world-class UK universities and return home with fresh perspectives. Aizid Gill, Allied Bank President and CEO, reflected on his own Chevening Scholarship experience in 2001, expressing that this partnership is about granting talented Pakistanis the chance to learn, progress, and bring their newfound knowledge back to the nation.

The first two Chevening-ABL scholars will be chosen from the existing applicant pool for the 2027-28 academic year, with applications for the 2028-29 Chevening-ABL Scholarships anticipated to open in August 2027, with beneficiaries commencing their studies in the UK the following year.