ISLAMABAD (Special Correspondent) – The UK Government’s Chevening programme and Allied Bank Limited (ABL) have launched a new partnership that will enable talented Pakistanis to pursue fully funded master’s degrees at leading UK universities, opening vital educational avenues as discussed in discussions on Pakistan Sri Lanka trade ties.

Key Points

• Allied Bank is the first organisation to establish a locally funded Chevening Scholarship partnership in Pakistan.
• Two scholars will be supported each year over three academic years, starting in the 2027-28 session.
• Eligible subjects include artificial intelligence, technology, cybersecurity, digital transformation, economics and financial inclusion.
• British High Commissioner Jane Marriott and ABL President Aizid Gill highlighted the long-term benefits for future leaders.

Expanding Educational Opportunities Through Chevening-ABL

Allied Bank is the first organisation to establish a locally funded Chevening Scholarship partnership in Pakistan, bringing together the UK’s flagship international scholarship programme and Pakistan’s private sector to invest in the next generation of Pakistani leaders. Chevening partners with more than 140 organisations, including private companies, NGOs, foreign government departments, and UK universities.

Under the Chevening-ABL Scholarship, two scholars will be supported each year over three academic years, starting in 2027-28. They will study subjects important to Pakistan’s future growth, including artificial intelligence, technology, cybersecurity, digital transformation, economics and financial inclusion.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE stated that Pakistan’s greatest strength is its people. She noted that this partnership will help impressive future leaders to study at world-leading UK universities and bring fresh ideas home. She also emphasized that it is especially fitting that a former Chevening Scholar is now opening the same door for the next generation.

A Full-Circle Moment for Allied Bank Leadership

The partnership marks a full-circle moment for Allied Bank President and CEO Aizid Gill, who studied MSc Business Economics at the University of Manchester as a Chevening Scholar in 2001. Twenty-five years later, he is helping create the same opportunity for a new generation of Pakistani scholars.

Aizid Gill, President and CEO of Allied Bank Limited, remarked that the ABL-Chevening Scholarship is about giving talented Pakistanis the opportunity to learn, grow and bring that exposure back home. Through this partnership, Allied Bank strengthens its support towards enabling the next generation of leaders. He expressed hope that this support helps them build the required knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to the country’s future.

Application Timelines and Historical Context

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 Chevening-ABL Scholarships are expected to open as part of the Chevening application cycle in August 2027, with successful candidates beginning their studies in the UK in 2028.

Chevening is the UK Government’s international scholarships programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. Since 1983, it has offered future leaders fully funded one-year master’s degrees at UK universities, covering tuition, living costs and travel. Close to 60,000 people from more than 160 countries and territories have studied in the UK through Chevening, including nearly 2,000 from Pakistan whose alumni work across education, governance, health, climate, business and civil society.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Chevening-ABL partnership offer?

It provides fully funded master’s degrees at leading UK universities for talented Pakistani students across three academic years starting in 2027-28.

Who is eligible for the Chevening-ABL Scholarship?

The scholarship targets talented Pakistanis looking to study subjects important to future growth such as artificial intelligence, technology, cybersecurity, digital transformation, economics and financial inclusion.