The Hidden Cost of Knowledge: Financial Barriers Facing MPhil and PhD Scholars in Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63501/5t634t06Keywords:
HEC, MPhil, PhD, Pakistan, Student ScholarshipsAbstract
Objective: This study highlights the systemic challenges faced by MPhil and PhD students in basic and translational sciences in Pakistan, emphasizing the critical need for tuition waivers and scholarships.
Methods: A narrative review of institutional policies, national funding structures, and international benchmarks was conducted to assess the state of postgraduate financial support.
Results: Many public-sector universities in Pakistan require postgraduate students to pay substantial tuition fees and fund their own research supplies. The lack of structured financial support has led to high attrition rates, delayed program completion, and underutilization of national talent. Comparisons with global models indicate Pakistan lags significantly in supporting its future researchers.
Conclusion: To realize its ambition of becoming a research-driven nation, Pakistan must urgently reform its approach to postgraduate education by providing financial support through sustainable, transparent, and merit-based funding mechanisms.
References
• Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. (2022). National Research Program for Universities (NRPU). https://www.hec.gov.pk
• Reich, K., et al. (2016). Immunization strategies for patients with immune-mediated diseases. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 74, 98–112.
• World Bank. (2020). Pakistan Tertiary Education Support Project. https://documents.worldbank.org
• Qureshi, R., & Khawaja, M. (2021). Postgraduate education and funding challenges in Pakistan: A review. Higher Education Review Pakistan, 13(1), 45-57.
• Government of India. (2021). Research fellowships and PhD scholarships. Ministry of Education.
• China Scholarship Council. (2022). PhD and postdoctoral support programs. https://www.csc.edu.cn
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