Frequently Asked Questions

No. Zabtec is the delivery partner that administers scholarships in joint venture with the Higher Education Commission. HEC provides the funding and policy; Zabtec runs the application portal, assessment, disbursement and student support. This website is Zabtec's home for applicants.

No. Applying through the Zabtec student portal is free. Be cautious of anyone asking for payment to 'guarantee' a scholarship — awards are decided only on published criteria.

You submit a single CNIC-based application. The portal automatically matches you to every program you're eligible for, so there's no need to fill separate forms for each.

Any HEC-recognised institution in Pakistan can be part of the network, and 140+ universities are already partnered for verification and disbursement. Overseas awards require admission to an HEC-listed foreign university.

A minimum of 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent) is generally preferred, and merit tracks are more competitive. Need-based programs weigh financial circumstances alongside academic standing. Exact thresholds are published for each program.

Yes. Undergraduate need-based and merit programs are open to students admitted to or enrolled at recognised universities. Prepare your admission letter and academic records.

Limits vary by program — postgraduate and doctoral tracks are typically for applicants under 35. Undergraduate programs align with standard entry ages. Each cycle publishes its own limits.

Need is assessed from verifiable household income and circumstances, supported by documents such as an income certificate or affidavit. Where relevant, national registries may be referenced to keep assessment fair.

After submitting, log in to the student portal to see live status: received, under assessment, shortlisted, or awarded. You'll also receive notifications by email and SMS.

Every decision is documented. You'll be able to understand the outcome and, where applicable, request a review. Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to reapply in future cycles.

Successful applicants receive an award letter, and tuition and stipends are released on a published schedule directly to the relevant account. Timelines are shared at the start of each cycle.

Our helpline and support team assist with documents and portal questions. Visit the Contact page for phone, email and office details, or use the in-portal guides.