The CM Punjab Honhaar Scholarship 2026 Phase 2 is the biggest education support program in the history of Punjab. It pays university and college fees for bright students who cannot afford higher education, and the newest update has made it even bigger.
In August 2026 the Punjab Government moved a summary to the Chief Minister House seeking Rs. 33 billion for Phase II. The plan now includes international scholarships at top ranked world universities, with the government covering tuition, accommodation and travel plus a monthly stipend. Here is everything students need to know.
Honhaar Scholarship 2026 Phase 2 Overview
The Honhaar Scholarship is a merit based program launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. After Phase 1 helped thousands of students, Phase 2 expanded the program to 30,000 new scholarships every year, including students of private universities. The Higher Education Department manages applications through an online portal, and a steering committee headed by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb supervises the whole process to keep it transparent.
| Detail | Latest Update |
|---|---|
| Scholarships per year | 30,000 |
| Phase II funding summary | Rs. 33 billion for the current financial year |
| Monthly stipend for international scholars | Rs. 65,000 to Rs. 70,000 |
| Budget 2026/27 allocation | Rs. 15 billion for more than 100,000 students |
| Additional scholarships announced July 2026 | 50,000 |
| Managed by | Punjab Higher Education Department |
What Is the Honhaar Scholarship Program?
The program has been described as the largest scholarship program in Pakistan’s history. Students from 65 universities, 359 colleges and 12 medical and dental institutes have already received support, with tuition fees paid in full by the Punjab Government. Early ceremonies set the tone: 2,473 students received scholarships at the University of the Punjab, 2,570 students of Rawalpindi division at FAST University Islamabad, and 1,886 students at UET Lahore.
Rs. 33 Billion Moved for Phase II
In August 2026, 24NewsHD reported that the Punjab Government sent a summary to the Chief Minister House seeking approval of Rs. 33 billion for Phase II during the current financial year. This is the largest single year funding the program has ever seen. The money will cover scholarships for bright students across Punjab, with a new focus on international education.
International Scholarships with Monthly Stipend
The most exciting new detail is the international track. Under Phase II, selected students can study at top ranked universities around the world. The Punjab Government will cover tuition fees, accommodation, travel costs and other major expenses. On top of that, each international scholar will receive a monthly stipend between Rs. 65,000 and Rs. 70,000. The chief minister has also announced an Education City in Lahore, where leading global universities will be invited to open campuses.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
The program is open to students under the age of 22 who hold a Punjab domicile. Parents monthly income must be less than Rs. 300,000. Students can apply in 68 different disciplines, from artificial intelligence and renewable energy to medicine and social sciences. Both merit and financial need are considered, and students already receiving another scholarship cannot apply in the same cycle.
How to Apply Online for Honhaar Scholarship
Applications are submitted online through the Punjab Government scholarship portal. Students register with their CNIC, phone number and email, then fill in academic records, income details and bank information. Documents like CNIC, academic transcripts, income proof and admission letters are uploaded with the form. After submission, each student gets a tracking ID to follow the application status. Merit lists are published on the official website after verification.
Private University Students Included
Phase II broke new ground by opening the program to private universities. The government announced that 120,000 students from private universities would benefit over four years, and early ceremonies already included hundreds of private university recipients. This matters because many bright students study in private institutions and pay high fees.
Honhaar Scholarship and Free Laptops
High performing scholarship holders also become eligible for free laptops under the CM Punjab Laptop Scheme 2026. The laptop program and the scholarship program run side by side under the Higher Education Department, so students should follow both updates together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many scholarships are offered in Honhaar Scholarship 2026 Phase 2?
Phase II offers 30,000 scholarships every year. The 2026/27 budget allocated Rs. 15 billion to extend support to more than 100,000 students, and in July 2026 the chief minister announced 50,000 additional scholarships.
What is the monthly stipend under the Honhaar Scholarship?
International scholarship holders receive a monthly stipend between Rs. 65,000 and Rs. 70,000, along with fully covered tuition, accommodation and travel.
Who is eligible for the Honhaar Scholarship 2026?
Students under 22 with a Punjab domicile, enrolled in recognized institutions, whose parents earn less than Rs. 300,000 per month. The program covers 68 disciplines.
Is the application process online?
Yes. The whole process runs through the official online portal, from registration and document upload to tracking ID and merit list publication.
Can private university students apply?
Yes. Phase II includes private universities, with 120,000 private university students planned to benefit over four years.
Related Punjab Government Schemes
Students and families may also want to check the CM Punjab Laptop Scheme 2026 for free laptops, the CM Punjab Loan Scheme 2026 for business and housing finance, and the Dhee Rani Program 2026 for wedding support.
Conclusion
The Honhaar Scholarship 2026 Phase 2 has grown from a provincial fee support program into a Rs. 33 billion initiative with international ambitions. With 30,000 annual scholarships, a monthly stipend of up to Rs. 70,000 for international scholars, and new seats for private university students, it is the strongest education support package Punjab has ever offered. Students should keep their documents ready and watch the official portal for the next application window.
[…] laptop scheme runs alongside the Honhaar Scholarship 2026 Phase 2, and top performing scholarship holders are first in line for free laptops. Students chasing both […]
[…] may also want to read the CM Punjab Loan Scheme 2026 for business and housing finance, the Honhaar Scholarship 2026 Phase 2 for education support, and the CM Punjab Laptop Scheme 2026 for free student […]