Higher Education Relief Fund
The Higher Education Relief Fund in Pakistan is a program. That aims to provide financial assistance to the higher education sector in the country. Especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The provided program is supported by various donors. Including the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). The World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank. The program has three main components:
- Component 1: Support universities and colleges to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and ensure continuity of learning. This component includes grants for digital infrastructure, online learning platforms, faculty training, student support services, and health and safety measures.
- Component 2: Support to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to strengthen its capacity and coordination role. This component includes technical assistance, data systems, monitoring and evaluation, policy development, and communication and outreach.
- Component 3: Contingent emergency response. This component allows for the reallocation of funds to respond to any future emergencies. That may affect the higher education sector.
The program is expected to benefit about 3 million students. And 100,000 faculty members across 205 public. And private universities and 1,400 affiliated colleges in Pakistan. This program is aligned with the HEC’s Vision 2025. Which aims to improve access, quality, relevance, and governance of higher education in Pakistan.
More about the Higher Education Relief Fund in Pakistan. You can visit the following websites:
- [Global Partnership for Education – Pakistan]
- [World Bank – Higher Education Development in Pakistan]
- [Asian Development Bank – Supporting Higher Education Sector Development Project]
What are the eligibility criteria for this program?
The eligibility criteria for the Higher Education Relief Fund in Pakistan may vary depending on the component and the type of institution. However, some general criteria are as follows:
- All public sector universities and degree-awarding institutions are eligible for funding.
- Centers, chairs, and institutions established by the federal government are also eligible for funding.
- Funding is available only for degree programs, not for specific research activities or infrastructure development.
- Each university or institution must prepare a business plan with quantifiable indicators and targets to receive funding.
- The funding is based on performance, need, and transparency.
For more details, you can refer to the [Funding Policy Public Sector Higher Education Institutions of Pakistan] document. You can also contact the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for further information.
What is the deadline for applying?
The deadline for applying to the Higher Education Relief Fund in Pakistan may depend on the specific component and program you are interested in. Based on the web search results, I found some possible deadlines for different programs:
The Grand Challenge Fund (GCF) is a program that supports large, multisectoral/multidimensional research projects. That addresses specific challenges associated with the targeted priority thematic areas. The deadline to submit full project proposals (FPP) for this program was 4.10.2021.
The DAAD Scholarship Programmes for Pakistan are a series of scholarships. Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for Pakistani students. Who want to pursue higher education in Germany. The deadlines for these scholarships vary depending on the field of study and the level of degree. For example, the deadline for applying for the Study Scholarships For Foreign Graduates in the Field of Architecture is generally at the end of September.
The HEC Scholarships are a range of scholarships. Offered by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan for various levels and disciplines of higher education. The deadlines for these scholarships also vary depending on the program and the eligibility criteria. You can check the HEC website for more information about the available scholarships and their deadlines.
How can I apply for this program?
To apply for the Higher Education Relief Fund in Pakistan, you need to follow the steps below:
First, you need to identify which component and program of the fund you are eligible for and interested in. You can check the [Funding Policy Public Sector Higher Education Institutions of Pakistan]. Document for more details about the eligibility criteria and the available programs.
Second, you need to prepare a business plan with quantifiable indicators. And targets that align with the objectives and outcomes of the fund. You can use the templates and guidelines provided by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) on its website
Third, you need to submit your business plan along with the required documents and information to the HEC through its online portal. You may also need to provide additional information or clarifications if requested by the HEC.
Fourth, you need to wait for the approval of your business plan by the HEC and the relevant donors. The approval process may take some time depending on the complexity and quality of your proposal.
Fifth, once your business plan is approved, you will receive a grant agreement from the HEC. That specifies the terms and conditions of the funding. You will also receive a disbursement schedule. And a reporting mechanism for monitoring and evaluation purposes.