The Honhaar Scholarship 2025 is one of the most ambitious student support programs in Punjab. It has been launched under the Maryam Nawaz Scholarship Initiative, focusing on students who struggle with high education costs but want to continue their studies. With a promise of financial help and equal access, this program is becoming a lifeline for thousands of learners.
This scholarship reflects CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz’s vision for a modern, educated Punjab. She believes that education is the strongest investment in the intellectual capital of Punjab. Her goal is to reduce dropout rates and empower youth through opportunities in innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, Robotics, and other future-ready careers.
What is the Honhaar Scholarship Program?
The Punjab Government Scholarship Program was first launched in Phase 1 (20,000 Students) and became a milestone in Pakistan’s education sector. It gave financial support to students in universities and colleges across Punjab. With strong results, the government decided to launch CM Punjab Honhaar Scholarship Phase 2 – 2025, aiming to reach 35,000 New Awards and a total of Over 80,000 Students Supported (Article 1).
The major difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 is the scale. Phase 2 (35,000 New, 80,000 Target) focuses on expanding opportunities to students in rural areas, offering Internet Stipend, Laptop Grants for Top Students, and Leadership Training Programs. It also introduces SMS & WhatsApp Notification Service, a Mobile App Launch August 2025, and a Transparent Online Process for applications.
Key Features & Benefits of Honhaar Scholarship 2025
The scholarship includes a Monthly Stipend Rs. 10,000 to help cover living expenses. Along with this, there is Tuition Fee Coverage, making higher education more affordable. The financial aid is directly sent through Direct Bank Transfer for Stipends, ensuring transparency.
This program is not limited to financial aid alone. It supports Equal Access for Remote Areas and has a Quota for Orphans, Disabled & Female Students. Additionally, the Punjab Government has invested PKR 7 Billion (2025 Allocation), with a long-term vision of PKR 130 Billion (8 Years Investment). Students in Engineering, MBBS, BDS, Biotechnology, Business Administration, Law, Mass Communication, Fine Arts, Tourism, Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, and Public Administration are all included.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Stipend | Monthly Stipend Rs. 10,000 |
| Fee Coverage | Tuition Fee Coverage for public universities & colleges |
| Laptop | Laptop Grants for Top Students |
| Internet | Internet Stipend for online learning |
| Training | Leadership Training Programs |
| Beneficiaries | 35,000 New Awards in 2025 |
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
The program has strict eligibility rules to make sure the funds go to the right students. Applicants must meet the Punjab domicile requirement. However, special consideration is also being given to Students from Azad Kashmir, Students from Gilgit-Baltistan, Students from Balochistan, and Students from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
For income, there are two categories: Family income limit PKR 300,000 (Article 1) and Family income limit Rs. 60,000 (Article 2) depending on the scholarship stream. In terms of merit, Minimum 70% Marks Requirement is set for general applicants, while Medical Colleges ≥ 80%, Public Universities Sciences ≥ 70%, Public Universities Arts ≥ 65%, HED Colleges Sciences ≥ 65%, and HED Colleges Arts ≥ 60% apply. Only First Semester Students under Maximum Age 22 Years are eligible.
Apply Online for Honhaar Scholarship 2025
The government has made the process easy through the Punjab Government Scholarship Portal at honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk. Students must register at the Online Registration Portal, fill in their details, and then proceed with CNIC Registration. The system generates an Application Tracking ID for updates.
Applicants must Upload Documents (CNIC, domicile, income affidavit, academic results, photograph, admission letter, income certificate). After submission, the Transparent Online Process ensures fair checking. Students also receive updates via the new SMS & WhatsApp Notification Service.
Selection Process & Scholarship Disbursement
The program follows a strict Merit-cum-Need Based Scholarship process. A selection committee process evaluates each application based on financial need and academic merit. Merit List Publication is then shared through the online portal and mobile app.
Once selected, students receive funds directly. The Distribution of funds is handled by banks through Direct Bank Transfer for Stipends, ensuring safety and quick delivery. This process avoids middlemen and builds trust among students and families.
Application Deadlines & Important Dates
The Deadline February 28, 2025 (Phase 2 initial) is the first cut-off for applications. Students applying for undergraduate programs have another Undergraduate Deadline September 15, 2025.
The verification & approval timeline is carefully managed, followed by result announcements. Interestingly, during Phase 1, the portal received 120,000 Applications in 72 Hours (Article 2), showing how popular this program has become among students in Punjab.
CM Maryam Nawaz’s Official Statement
In her official statement, Maryam Nawaz explained that the scholarship reflects her personal mission of Punjab Youth Empowerment through Education. She called education the best way to build an economy ready for Future-Ready Careers.
She emphasized that this program is not just about money, but about opening doors for students from every corner of Punjab. From Awareness Campaign in Rural Punjab to seats reserved under Quota for Orphans, Disabled & Female Students, the vision is clear: no student should be left behind.
Why the Honhaar Scholarship 2025 Matters?
This program reduces the financial pressure on families who can’t afford university. With Tuition Fee Coverage and stipends, many students can now continue higher studies without fear of dropping out.
It also ensures equal opportunity for all students, which strengthens the intellectual capital of Punjab. By supporting education in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Engineering, MBBS, and Cyber Security, the program prepares Pakistan’s youth for global competition and academic success & career growth.
Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Some students face online application issues due to heavy traffic on the portal. The government is improving servers and has launched a Mobile App August 2025 for smoother access. Students should apply early to avoid delays.
Another challenge is missing paperwork. Many applicants fail to upload complete files such as CNIC Registration, income affidavit, or admission letter. To solve this, keep all documents ready before logging in. For eligibility confusion, students are advised to check criteria on the official Punjab Higher Education Commission (Punjab HEC) website.
Pro Tips for Applicants
A strong application starts with accuracy. Always double-check your academic results and make sure that your details match your documents. Submitting incomplete information is the most common reason for rejection.
Students should also avoid last-minute rush. Apply before the Deadline February 28, 2025 to avoid errors. Preparing a clear financial affidavit and attaching correct academic proof increases chances of being shortlisted for the Merit List Publication.
Success Stories from Phase 1 Students
During Phase 1 (20,000 Students), many bright learners received financial support. For example, a student from University of Sargodha who almost left due to fees was able to complete her MBBS through the program. She later said, “This scholarship didn’t just save my education; it gave me a future.”
Another case comes from UET Lahore, where an engineering student shared how the stipend and Internet Stipend allowed him to continue his research in Robotics. These examples show that the program is more than funding—it’s about transforming lives.
Latest Updates (October 2025)
The Latest Updates (October 2025) bring exciting news. More universities have joined, including COMSATS University, LUMS, NUST, GIKI, FAST, AIMC, DGMC, and Sargodha Medical College. The program now also covers Technical Institutes (TEVTA) and students in Diploma of Associate Engineering (DAE).
With 30,000 New Beneficiaries (Article 1) and 35,000 New Awards (Article 2), the program has grown massively. The Punjab Higher Education Department (HED) has confirmed that this initiative will continue to expand and is a part of long-term Punjab Higher Education Commission (Punjab HEC) goals.
FAQs About Honhaar Scholarship 2025
Many students ask if private students are eligible. The answer is yes, but only if they are studying in recognized universities like LUMS or COMSATS University. Some also ask if students outside Punjab like Students from Gilgit-Baltistan, Students from Azad Kashmir, Students from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, or Students from Balochistan can apply. Yes, special quotas have been created for them.
Other common questions include the amount of financial aid, which is Monthly Stipend Rs. 10,000 along with Tuition Fee Coverage. The Merit List Publication will confirm names, and funds will be transferred directly to bank accounts.
Conclusion
The Honhaar Scholarship 2025 is not just a scholarship; it is a complete student empowerment project. From Tuition Fee Coverage to Monthly Stipend Rs. 10,000, from Leadership Training Programs to Laptop Grants for Top Students, the scheme covers everything a student needs to succeed.
If you are eligible, don’t wait until the last moment. Apply at the Punjab Government Scholarship Portal before the Deadline February 28, 2025. This program is proof that with the right vision, education can truly become a life-changing force for every deserving student in Punjab and beyond.