Perception Of Afghan Students About Allama Iqbal Scholarship Scheme: Awareness, Access And Challenges

Abstract

This study looks into Afghan students' attitudes towards the Allama Iqbal Scholarship Scheme, with an emphasis on their awareness, access to the scholarship, and problems they face during the process. The study emphasizes the significant role of education as a kind of human capital investment, with scholarships such as the Allama Iqbal scheme serving as an important tool in encouraging higher education for Afghan students in Pakistan. The study takes a quantitative approach, collecting primary data from Afghan students enrolled in a variety of educational institutions in Pakistan. The structured questionnaire utilized in this study includes demographic questions and enquiries targeted at assessing students' understanding of the scholarship, ease of access to information, and challenges they experience. The investigation finds that, while many students are aware of the scholarship, major barriers such as financial challenges, a lack of clear information, administrative inefficiencies, and cultural adjustments prevent them from fully using the program. The findings can help policymakers and educational institutions improve the scholarship scheme, communication methods, and support systems to provide a more inclusive and efficient program. Recommendations are made to overcome the identified issues, with the goal of increasing the scholarship's impact on Afghan students and creating stronger educational relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Keywords: Allama Iqbal Scholarship, Afghan students, awareness, accessibility, challenges, higher education