Honahar Merit Scholarship Program 2026
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched Phase-II of the Honahar Merit Scholarship Program, the largest undergraduate scholarship program in Pakistan’s history. Under Phase-II, the Punjab government pays the full educational expenses of 30,000 deserving students every year, with 120,000 students to benefit over the next four years. The program covers 70 selected disciplines across public universities, medical and dental colleges, and graduate colleges in Punjab.
Through the scholarship, the government pays 100% of eligible students’ university fees, so financial hardship never blocks a bright future.
The program targets students with outstanding academic records who cannot afford higher education. Furthermore, by removing the fee burden, it opens university doors for Punjab’s brightest minds, including students from selected private institutions in the expanded Phase-II.
CM Honahar Scholarship Program 2026: Online Application, Eligibility and Deadline
Phase-II Update: 30,000 Scholarships Every Year
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif says the scholarship removes the biggest barrier for talented students: unaffordable university fees. Indeed, under Phase-II, the Punjab government directly pays the educational expenses of 30,000 students each year, so merit — not money — decides who gets a degree.
Phase-II distribution ceremonies have begun across Punjab. For example, the first ceremony at the University of the Punjab awarded scholarships to 2,473 students, followed by 2,570 students at FAST University Islamabad, with ceremonies expanding to all nine divisions of the province.
Who Is Eligible for the Honahar Scholarship
Students must hold a Punjab domicile and enroll in the first semester or first year of a selected undergraduate discipline at a participating public university, graduate college, or medical and dental college in 2026. First-year MBBS and BDS students are also eligible. Moreover, selection is purely merit-based, and Phase-II has opened the program to selected private institutions as well.
2026 Application Status
Students submitted their applications for the 2026 Honahar Scholarship cycle online through the official Honhaar portal. The 2026 application deadline was September 30, 2026. As a result, the Punjab government is now holding scholarship distribution ceremonies for selected students across the province’s nine divisions in October and November 2026, starting with the University of Sahiwal on October 15, 2026.
CM Maryam Nawaz Education Revolution: Expanding Honhaar Scholarships & Laptop Scheme
Establishment Of New Universities In Punjab
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced new universities in eight districts of Punjab to expand higher education access. Therefore, in the first phase, the government will establish universities in Jhelum, Vehari, and Bahawalnagar. Finally, she has directed immediate implementation of the project.
She said the private sector will get the best facilities to promote higher education, creating more opportunities for Punjab’s youth. As a result, the construction of universities will start soon, she added.