The sudden suspension of USAID funding has placed 530 Pakistani students from flood-affected regions in financial distress, jeopardizing their ability to continue higher education. The cut directly impacts the Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Programme, which was crucial in supporting these students.
These students, enrolled in undergraduate programs at 30 partner universities, were receiving financial aid through a USAID-funded initiative managed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Originally set to run until June 2026, the programme now faces an uncertain future due to the abrupt withdrawal of funding.
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The scholarship programme, initially designed to award 3,000 scholarships, expanded to 4,868 beneficiaries due to favorable exchange rate fluctuations. Among them, 530 students from flood-affected areas were awarded scholarships in 2022. While over 4,000 students have already completed their education, those still enrolled are now struggling to secure funding to complete their degrees.
Beyond student support, the funding cut also affects institutional development efforts, including staff training and capacity-building at universities, particularly those affiliated with the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). The situation has sparked broader concerns about the future of US-Pakistan development cooperation. With no official response from HEC authorities, affected students remain uncertain about their academic future.
