Pakistan seeks 10,000 PhD scholarships from China

In a strategic effort to bolster human-capital development and expand its science and technology workforce, Pakistan has formally sought 10,000 PhD scholarships from China.

The proposal, presented by Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal during the recent Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting, requests that students be placed at the top 25 Chinese universities in fields including artificial intelligence, engineering, and advanced sciences. 

Why the push now
According to a recent World Bank-supported report, approximately 37 % of Pakistanis aged 15–24 are neither studying nor employed.  The Pakistani government is positioning this initiative as part of the “softer” dimension of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), 

Moving beyond physical infrastructure to developing the skilled workforce required for a knowledge-driven economy. Minister Iqbal indicated that China has shown interest and asked for further details.

Under the scheme, Pakistan aims to send its top talent to China for doctoral studies over the course of the next decade. The focus areas emphasised in the proposal include:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Engineering disciplines
• Advanced sciences
• Vocational and industrial training, including internships at Chinese firms

In addition to the PhD scholarships, Pakistan has proposed the establishment of youth innovation centres, vocational training programs, and internships to equip young people with skills in technology, green growth and industry.

Potential benefits and challenges
From Pakistan’s perspective, the initiative could:

• Help reduce youth unemployment and non-enrolment in education/training by creating pathways into high-skill sectors.
• Strengthen bilateral ties with China, especially under CPEC’s umbrella of broader cooperation.
• Advance Pakistan’s capacity in emerging technologies, thereby enhancing competitiveness.

However, the scheme also faces several challenges:

• Ensuring the quality and relevance of training so that scholars return and are productively integrated into Pakistan’s economy.
• Aligning the academic output with domestic industry needs, so that graduates can contribute meaningfully rather than becoming under-utilised.
• Negotiating the terms with China, including scholarship logistics, university placements, language/training support and potential return-service or employment obligations.
• Financing related infrastructure, such as the proposed youth-innovation centres and internships.

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Next steps
According to the report, China has not yet made a firm commitment but has requested further details. Pakistan’s Planning Ministry will need to provide specifics on candidate selection, fields of study, institutional partnerships, and oversight mechanisms.

Establishing the governance framework will be key: clear agreements on how scholarships are allocated, how accountability is maintained, and how returnees are integrated into Pakistan’s workforce.

Implications for the education-abroad and admissions-consulting sectors
For organizations working with students on international admissions and advanced degrees—such as yours—the development opens several opportunities:

• There will likely be increased demand for pre-departure preparation (language support, academic readiness) for students heading to Chinese universities.
• The scheme may require counselling on selecting appropriate Chinese institutions, aligning applicants’ research interests with hosts, and understanding China's admission/visa requirements.
• There may be emerging partnerships between Pakistani educational consultancies and Chinese universities seeking Pakistani talent, which could provide new service lines.