The Sindh government has announced scholarships for thousands of students to help them continue their higher education. A total of 2,723 new scholarships have been approved for the academic year 2023–24, along with renewals for 4,877 existing students, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 7,600 students this year.
This decision was made during a board meeting of the Sindh Education Endowment Fund Trust (SEEF), chaired by Sindh’s Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah in Karachi.
Helping Bright but Needy Students
Minister Shah highlighted that SEEF was created to support talented students from low-income families across Sindh. The scholarships allow students to study at over 90 public and private universities throughout Pakistan.
“Our aim is to provide equal chances for quality education to deserving students who struggle financially,” said Shah.
He added that many students are unable to enroll in universities due to lack of money. The SEEF scholarships are designed to remove that barrier.
Boosting the Fund and Expanding Support
During the meeting, officials shared that SEEF now has a total capital of Rs9.2 billion, and the earnings from this fund are used to cover students' fees. In the past two years alone, an extra Rs2 billion has been added to the fund to support more students.
Improvements Ahead: Going Digital
Minister Shah also instructed the board to digitize the entire scholarship process. This means the application system will go completely paperless, with a digital dashboard and an automated system to ensure transparency and speed.
He also suggested that universities should simplify their admission process for students waiting for scholarship approval, so that financial issues don’t stop anyone from joining higher education.
However, he expressed disappointment over the absence of university vice-chancellors at the meeting. He stressed that their input is crucial for making education more accessible.
Since its launch in 2003, the SEEF has helped over 37,550 students in Sindh complete their university education through scholarships.
Girls' Stipend Criteria for 2024–25
In a separate decision, the Sindh government also announced the eligibility criteria for girls’ stipends for the next academic year. Here’s what students and parents need to know:
- Only girls enrolled in government schools under the Sindh School Education & Literacy Department with a valid SEMIS code are eligible.
- The stipends will be given to girls in classes VI, IX, and X during the academic year 2024–25.
- To qualify, students must have at least 60% attendance during five months: August to December 2024.
These steps show the Sindh government's continued efforts to promote education for all, especially for those who face financial challenges. The focus on fair opportunities, digital improvements, and support for girls highlights a strong commitment to building a better future through education.