The United Kingdom’s Chevening programme and Allied Bank Limited (ABL) have launched a scholarship partnership to support talented Pakistanis seeking postgraduate education in the UK.
Under the initiative, two scholars will receive fully funded master’s scholarships each year for three academic years, beginning in 2027-28. The selected candidates will study subjects considered important for Pakistan’s future development, including artificial intelligence, technology, cybersecurity, digital transformation, economics and financial inclusion.
According to a press release issued on Tuesday, ABL has become the first organisation in Pakistan to establish a locally funded partnership with the Chevening Scholarship programme.
First Scholarships in 2027
The first two Chevening-ABL scholars will be selected from the existing applicant pool for the 2027-28 academic year.
Applications for the 2028-29 Chevening-ABL Scholarships are expected to open in August 2027 as part of the regular Chevening application cycle. Successful candidates will begin their studies in the UK in 2028.
UK-Pakistan Partnership
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott welcomed the initiative, saying that Pakistan’s greatest strength was its people.
She expressed hope that the partnership would enable talented future leaders to study at leading UK universities, gain new perspectives and bring their knowledge and ideas back to Pakistan.
Marriott also highlighted the role of ABL President and CEO Aizid Gill, who studied MSc Business Economics at the University of Manchester in 2001 as a Chevening scholar.
She described the partnership as particularly meaningful because a former Chevening scholar was now helping create similar opportunities for the next generation of Pakistani students.
ABL’s Commitment
Gill said the scholarship would provide talented Pakistanis with an opportunity to learn, develop their skills and gain international exposure before contributing to their country’s progress.
He added that the partnership reflected ABL’s commitment to supporting future leaders by helping them acquire the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to Pakistan’s development.
According to the press release, Pakistan has nearly 2,000 Chevening alumni, including professionals working in education, governance, healthcare, climate, business and civil society.
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What Chevening Covers
Chevening is the British government’s international scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations.
Established in 1983, the programme provides fully funded opportunities for eligible students to complete one-year master’s degrees at UK universities.
The scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses and travel costs, allowing selected candidates to pursue postgraduate studies without bearing these major expenses themselves.
According to the programme, nearly 60,000 people from more than 160 countries and territories have studied in the UK through Chevening, strengthening international connections and professional networks.
