Pakistan Seeks 10000 PhD Scholarships From China Under CPEC – Big Push for Youth in AI & Emerging Tech
Pakistan has officially requested 10000 PhD scholarships from China to train young Pakistanis in emerging technologies, advanced sciences, and engineering fields. This major proposal was presented during the recent China–Pakistan Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting, where Chinese officials showed strong interest and asked for further details.
This move comes at a time when Pakistan is facing a serious youth employment crisis. According to a World Bank report, 37% of Pakistan’s youth (age 15–24) are neither working nor studying. To counter this, the government aims to send thousands of students to the top 25 universities in China so they can return with advanced skills and contribute to the country’s modernization.
China has already helped Pakistan build roads, power plants, and infrastructure under CPEC. Now, this new proposal focuses on strengthening the human capital and knowledge economy — the “softer” but most important side of long-term development.
What Are the 10,000 PhD Scholarships?
The Government of Pakistan has requested 10,000 fully funded PhD scholarships from China for Pakistani students over a period of ten years. The scholarships would be offered in the top 25 universities of China, covering the fields that Pakistan desperately needs for its economic transformation.
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Key Focus Areas
| Field | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | Support IT exports and automation |
| Engineering | Build expertise for industry and infrastructure |
| Advanced Sciences | Strengthen research and innovation |
| Robotics & Automation | Prepare for future industries |
| Cybersecurity | Protect digital systems and national security |
| Green Energy & Climate Tech | Support sustainable economic growth |
This is the first time Pakistan has asked for such a large number of PhD seats, making it a historic request in the education sector.
Why Pakistan Needs These Scholarships
Pakistan’s economic future depends heavily on technology, innovation, and skilled human resources. However, the country currently faces:
- A severe shortage of highly skilled researchers
- Weak technological ecosystem
- Low enrollment in advanced science and engineering
- Limited international-level training opportunities
China, being the world leader in AI, manufacturing, and high-tech innovation, offers Pakistan a chance to develop world-class manpower at scale.
Youth Crisis in Pakistan
The World Bank recently warned that:
- 37% of young Pakistanis are neither in school nor in jobs
- Youth unemployment is highest among urban poor
- Skill mismatch is worsening every year
- Women are most affected by lack of opportunities
Sending Pakistani students to China aims to break this cycle of stagnation through long-term capacity building.
Ahsan Iqbal’s Statement
Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal confirmed the proposal and stated that China has asked for more details. He highlighted that the goal is to build a new generation of experts in areas like:
- AI & machine learning
- Biotechnology
- Advanced materials
- Modern engineering
- Energy systems
- Data science
He said the scholarships will strengthen the knowledge-driven side of CPEC, enabling Pakistan to compete in global technology markets.
Vocational Training & Skill Development Proposal
Apart from PhD scholarships, Pakistan has also proposed:
Additional Youth Support Programs
| Program | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Vocational Training Centres | Train youth in technical trades |
| Youth Innovation Centres | Encourage tech startups & entrepreneurship |
| Internships in Chinese Companies | Give real-world industrial experience |
This combined strategy aims to address Pakistan’s employment crisis and strengthen the industry with modern skills.
China’s Response
Chinese officials welcomed Pakistan’s education proposal during the JCC meeting and expressed willingness to evaluate it further.
They have asked Pakistan to:
- Provide final details of preferred disciplines
- Share selection and screening criteria
- Prepare a 10-year roadmap
- Ensure transparent merit-based selection
Pakistan will soon submit a formal concept paper through the Planning Commission.
How These Scholarships Can Transform Pakistan
If approved, the 10,000 PhD scholarships could bring a huge transformation to Pakistan:
Major Benefits
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Highly skilled workforce | Support industrial modernization |
| Boost in AI and engineering research | Strengthen IT exports and innovation |
| Better university faculty | Improve quality of education in Pakistan |
| National technology projects | Build capacity for future megaprojects |
| Reduced skill shortage | Help industries compete globally |
Thousands of scholars returning every year will help Pakistan build a knowledge economy, similar to countries like China, South Korea, and Malaysia.
Role of CPEC in Human Development
For many years, CPEC was known mainly for:
- Roads
- Energy plants
- Infrastructure
- Transport networks
But the new direction is towards:
- Digital CPEC
- Industrial CPEC
- Human resource CPEC
Expanding scholarships and training compliments Pakistan’s long-term goals of becoming a regional technology hub.
World Bank Warning
The World Bank has been strongly warning Pakistan about its youth indicators:
- Millions of young people risk lifelong poverty
- Skills gap is increasing
- Universities are failing to meet global standards
- Education quality is uneven
- The economy is too slow to absorb unskilled youth
This scholarship initiative directly addresses these concerns by focusing on education, employment, and skills.
Hiring Foreign Consultants for CPEC Projects
To improve planning and development standards, Pakistan has also proposed a Rs5.4 billion plan to hire foreign consultants.
Their role will include:
- Strengthening project planning
- Aligning development with global standards
- Enhancing the quality of feasibility studies
- Ensuring accountability and transparency
This will help Pakistan reduce delays, improve governance, and execute CPEC projects more effectively.
Eligibility for 10000 PhD Scholarships From China Under CPEC
Although the final criteria will be provided after China approves the proposal, the expected eligibility requirements may include:
Expected Eligibility Table
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Pakistani citizens only |
| Education | MS/MPhil in relevant field |
| Age Limit | Usually under 40 years |
| Academic Record | Minimum CGPA 3.0 or First Division |
| Fields | AI, engineering, sciences, etc. |
| Language | English or Chinese proficiency |
| Bond | Must return to Pakistan after PhD |
How the Application Process May Work
Once China approves the 10,000 PhD scholarships, the process may look like this:
Step-by-Step Expected Process
- Pakistan finalizes fields of study
- China allocates annual scholarship quota
- HEC opens online application portal
- Students upload their documents
- Shortlisting based on merit
- Interviews and academic evaluation
- Final selection list shared with China
- Visa and admission arrangements completed
Benefits for Pakistan’s Economy
These scholarships will directly support:
- IT exports
- Engineering industries
- Agriculture technology
- Energy transition (solar, wind, EVs)
- Manufacturing and industrial zones
It is one of the largest education-based requests ever made to China by Pakistan.
Conclusion – 10000 PhD Scholarships From China Under CPEC
The request for 10,000 PhD scholarships from China represents one of Pakistan’s most ambitious education and youth development initiatives. At a time when youth unemployment is high and the country is struggling to keep pace with global technology, this initiative can reshape Pakistan’s future. If approved, it will create a generation of highly skilled researchers, engineers, and innovators who can uplift Pakistan’s industries and build a strong knowledge-driven economy.
Pakistan’s partnership with China is moving beyond physical infrastructure to human capital development, marking a new chapter in CPEC cooperation. The coming months will show how China responds to this historic proposal — but the potential impact is massive.
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FAQs about 10000 PhD Scholarships From China Under CPEC :
1. What is Pakistan requesting from China?
Pakistan has requested 10,000 fully funded PhD scholarships from China for advanced studies in AI, engineering, and sciences.
2. Why does Pakistan want these 10,000 PhD scholarships?
To train young Pakistanis in high-tech fields and address the growing youth unemployment and skill shortage.
3. Which universities will offer the scholarships?
The scholarships are expected to come from China’s top 25 universities.
4. What fields will the scholarships cover?
AI, engineering, robotics, advanced sciences, biotechnology, cybersecurity, green energy, and more.
5. How long will the program last?
The proposal covers a 10-year period, distributing 10,000 PhD seats.
6. Who will handle the selection process?
The HEC and Planning Ministry will likely manage the selection, subject to China’s approval.
7. Is this part of CPEC?
Yes. It focuses on strengthening the knowledge-driven side of CPEC.
