Allied Bank and Chevening Launch First Locally Funded Scholarship for Pakistani Students

Allied Bank Limited (ABL) has partnered with the UK government's Chevening programme to offer fully funded master's degrees at leading UK universities to talented Pakistani students. This makes ABL the first Pakistani organisation to establish a locally funded Chevening scholarship partnership, investing in the next generation of leaders.

Under the Chevening-ABL Scholarship, two scholars will be supported each year over three academic years, beginning in 2027-28. The scholarship will focus on subjects crucial to Pakistan's future growth, including artificial intelligence, technology, cybersecurity, digital transformation, economics, and financial inclusion.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE welcomed the partnership, stating: "Pakistan's greatest strength is its people. This partnership will help impressive future leaders to study at world-leading UK universities and bring fresh ideas home. It is especially fitting that a former Chevening Scholar is now opening the same door for the next generation."

The partnership holds special significance for Allied Bank President and CEO Aizid Gill, who was himself a Chevening Scholar in 2001, earning an MSc in Business Economics from the University of Manchester. Twenty-five years later, he is helping create similar opportunities for new Pakistani scholars. "The ABL-Chevening Scholarship is about giving talented Pakistanis the opportunity to learn, grow and bring that exposure back home," Gill said. "Through this partnership, Allied Bank strengthens its support towards enabling the next generation of leaders. We hope this support helps them build the required knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to the country's future."

Chevening, the UK government's flagship international scholarship programme, partners with more than 140 organisations worldwide, including private companies, NGOs, foreign government departments, and UK universities. 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 in August 2027 as part of the Chevening application cycle, with successful candidates commencing their studies in the UK in 2028.