How to Apply Student Loan in Pakistan 2025

Student Loan in Pakistan – In Pakistan, access to higher education is a dream for many, but financial constraints often become a major hurdle. The increasing cost of tuition, accommodation, books, and transportation makes it difficult for middle and lower-income families to support their children through college or university. Fortunately, several institutions and government initiatives offer student loans in Pakistan to help talented and deserving students achieve their educational goals.

In this detailed guide, we will explore the best student loan options in Pakistan in 2025, including eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, and important tips to improve your chances of approval.

What is a Student Loan?

A student loan is a financial aid program that helps students pay for education-related expenses such as tuition fees, hostel charges, books, and other academic needs. In Pakistan, most student loans are interest-free (Qarz-e-Hasna) and are provided to students based on merit and financial need. Some schemes are offered by government banks, while others are backed by non-profit organizations or provincial funds.

Major Student Loan Programs in Pakistan (2025)

1. NBP Student Loan Scheme (SLS)

The Student Loan Scheme (SLS) is a government-supported initiative operated by the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) in collaboration with:

• Ministry of Finance
• State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)
• Five major banks: NBP, HBL, UBL, MCB, ABL

This scheme is specially designed for students studying in public sector universities and colleges.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a Pakistani citizen
• Must have secured at least 70% marks in the previous examination
• Must be enrolled in an HEC-recognized public institution
• Age limit:
  • Undergraduate: below 21 years
  • Postgraduate: below 31 years
  • PhD: below 36 years
• Must be studying in specific approved disciplines (Engineering, IT, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Business, etc.)

What the Loan Covers:

• Full or partial tuition fees
• Hostel expenses
• Cost of books and academic material

Repayment Terms:

• Interest-free (Qarz-e-Hasna)
• Repayment starts after one year of employment or six months after course completion, whichever is earlier
• Repayment is made in easy monthly installments

How to Apply:

• Visit the NBP website: https://www.nbp.com.pk
• Download the application form
• Submit documents to the nearest NBP branch before the deadline

NBP Loan: Click Here

2. Akhuwat Education Loan

Akhuwat Foundation is one of Pakistan’s largest non-profit microfinance institutions offering interest-free loans to deserving students.

Key Features:

• Available for school, college, and university students
• No markup or service fee
• Small loan amounts ranging from PKR 10,000 to PKR 50,000+
• Flexible repayment terms once the student becomes financially stable

Application Process:

• Visit the nearest Akhuwat branch or center
• Provide admission proof, academic documents, CNIC/B-form, and a recommendation from your educational institution
• Loan is disbursed after verification and approval

Akhuwat Loan: Click Here

3. HEC Scholarships & Financial Assistance

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan offers various scholarship and financial aid programs. While these are not always “loans,” they serve a similar purpose by covering education expenses.

Notable Programs:

• Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship (by Govt. of Pakistan)
• USAID Funded Merit and Need-Based Scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarships
• HEC Need-Based Financial Aid

Benefits:

• Covers tuition, monthly stipend, and transport/accommodation
• No repayment required in most cases

Visit www.hec.gov.pk for scholarship listings and application deadlines.

HEC Scholarships: Click Here

4. Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF)

The PEEF is a provincial-level fund providing scholarships and loans to brilliant students from Punjab who cannot afford their studies.

Eligibility:

• Must be a Punjab domicile holder
• Must belong to a low-income family
• Must have a consistent academic record of excellence
• Enrolled in a recognized government institution

Benefits:

• Provides full tuition support
• Monthly stipends for living and academic expenses
• In some cases, repayment may be required in installments after employment

Visit www.peef.org.pk for more information.

PEEF: Click Here

Required Documents for Student Loan Application

To apply for any student loan in Pakistan, you typically need the following documents:

• Copy of CNIC or B-form
• Father’s or guardian’s CNIC
• Domicile certificate
• Academic transcripts/marksheets
• Admission letter from university/college
• Proof of income or financial hardship
• Two passport-size photographs
• Two guarantors (for NBP loan)
• Bank account details (where applicable)

Make sure to prepare and verify all documents before submission to avoid delays or rejection.

Important Tips to Increase Loan Approval Chances

1. Apply early: Deadlines for student loan programs are strict and often close months before the academic session starts.
2. Maintain good grades: High academic performance shows you are a serious and capable student.
3. Provide authentic financial proof: Submit valid income and expense records of your family.
4. Seek guidance: Ask for help from your institution’s student affairs office to fill out forms properly.
5. Use official channels only: Always apply through authorized bank branches or official websites to avoid scams.

Student Loans vs Scholarships – What is Better?

Feature	Student Loan	Scholarship
Repayment	Required (after study)	Not required
Eligibility	Merit + Financial Need	Mostly merit-based or need-based
Interest	Usually Interest-Free (Qarz-e-Hasna)	No interest
Sources	Banks & NGOs	Govt., HEC, NGOs, foreign bodies
Flexibility	Requires monthly repayment plan	No repayment stress

If you qualify for a scholarship, go for it first. But if you do not, a student loan is still a great way to support your education.

Conclusion

Education is a right, not a privilege, and no student in Pakistan should have to abandon their academic dreams due to financial issues. With multiple student loan schemes and financial aid options available in 2025, it is now more possible than ever to pursue higher education in Pakistan even if you belong to a low-income family.

Every qualified student can find a way to succeed, whether it is through the NBP Student Loan Scheme, the Akhuwat Foundation, or PEEF. Do not allow money to get in the way of your future. Get a student loan today and start making your future better.

Useful Links

• NBP Student Loan Scheme: https://www.nbp.com.pk/studentloan/
• HEC Scholarships: https://www.hec.gov.pk
• Akhuwat Foundation: https://www.akhuwat.org.pk
• PEEF: https://www.peef.org.pk

FAQs about Student Loan in Pakistan 2025

What is a student loan in Pakistan?

A student loan is a financial assistance program that helps students pay for their education expenses such as tuition fees, hostel charges, and books. In Pakistan, most student loans are interest-free and provided by banks, government schemes, or NGOs.

Who is eligible to apply for a student loan in Pakistan?

Eligibility varies by program, but common requirements include:

• Pakistani nationality
• Admission to a public-sector HEC-recognized university
• Good academic record (usually 70%+ marks)
• Age limits based on level of study (e.g., under 21 for undergrad)

Is the NBP student loan interest-free?

Yes, the NBP Student Loan Scheme is interest-free (Qarz-e-Hasna). Students are only required to repay the principal amount after completing their education.

What expenses are covered by student loans in Pakistan?

Most student loans cover:

• Full or partial tuition fees
• Hostel/accommodation charges
• Cost of books and academic materials

When do I have to start repaying the loan?

Repayment usually begins:

• One year after securing a job, or
• Six months after completing the course, whichever comes first.

Can students from private universities apply for these loans?

Most government-backed loan programs, such as NBP’s scheme, are only for public sector universities. However, some NGOs or private foundations may offer support for private institutions as well.

What is the maximum amount I can borrow through a student loan?

There is no fixed maximum; it depends on:

• Tuition cost of your degree
• Financial need
• Available funds under the loan scheme
  NBP and Akhuwat typically assess this on a case-by-case basis.

Do I need guarantors for applying?

Yes, especially for bank-based student loans like NBP’s scheme, you need to provide two guarantors who agree to repay the loan if you default.

Can I apply for more than one loan or scholarship at the same time?

Yes, but you must disclose all financial aid during application. Receiving multiple aids may affect your loan or scholarship approval.

How do I apply for a student loan in Pakistan?

• Visit the official website or bank branch (e.g., NBP, Akhuwat)
• Fill out the application form
• Submit required documents (admission proof, academic record, CNIC, income proof, etc.)
• Wait for verification and approval

Are student loans available for all fields of study?

No, most programs (like the NBP loan) are limited to specific disciplines, such as:

• Engineering
• Medical Sciences
• IT/Computer Science
• Natural Sciences
• Business & Finance

Is there a deadline to apply for student loans?

Yes, each program has its own deadline, usually announced annually. For example, the NBP student loan deadline is typically around May–June. Always check the official site for current dates.

Can I apply for a student loan if I am studying abroad?

No, most student loan programs in Pakistan are for local (in-country) education only. International studies are usually not covered.

What if I cannot repay the loan after graduation?

If you are unable to repay due to unemployment or financial hardship, some organizations (like Akhuwat) may offer flexible repayment plans or deferments. However, bank loans must be repaid as per the agreement.

Where can I find official updates and forms for student loans?

Here are some useful official links:

• NBP Student Loan Scheme: https://www.nbp.com.pk/studentloan/
• HEC Scholarships: https://www.hec.gov.pk
• Akhuwat Foundation: https://www.akhuwat.org.pk
• PEEF: https://www.peef.org.pk