UK partnership opens more opportunities for Pakistanis to study in Britain
A new UK-Pakistan partnership will fund two Chevening scholarships annually for Pakistani students to study in Britain starting in 2027, focusing on key sectors like AI and economics.
The UK Government’s Chevening programme and Allied Bank Limited (ABL) have signed a partnership enabling talented Pakistanis to pursue fully funded master’s degrees at leading UK universities. This initiative marks the first locally funded Chevening Scholarship partnership in Pakistan, combining the UK’s flagship scholarship programme with Pakistan’s private sector. The collaboration aims to invest in future Pakistani leaders by supporting two scholars per year for three academic years beginning in 2027-28.
Under the Chevening-ABL Scholarship, scholars will study subjects critical to Pakistan’s development, including artificial intelligence, technology, cybersecurity, digital transformation, economics, and financial inclusion. The programme is designed to equip scholars with advanced knowledge and skills to contribute to Pakistan’s growth upon their return. The UK High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, highlighted the importance of investing in human capital as Pakistan’s greatest strength.
Allied Bank President and CEO Aizid Gill, a former Chevening Scholar himself, played a key role in establishing this partnership. Gill studied for an MSc in Business Economics at the University of Manchester as a Chevening Scholar in 2001 and now helps create similar opportunities for new generations of Pakistani scholars. The partnership reflects a full-circle moment for Gill, who aims to replicate the transformative experience he gained through the programme.
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 cycle are expected to open in August 2027, with successful candidates beginning their studies in the UK in 2028. Allied Bank emphasized its commitment to enabling the next generation of leaders through this initiative.