Creative arts scholarships in Pakistan: PEEF and how PGA students apply
Most scholarships for PGA's creative-arts students come through the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund (PEEF), formerly NEST, under the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training. PGA has secured more than Rs 250 million for students. Applications are checked against the fund's rules, reviewed by a Scholarship Granting Committee, and recipients are monitored every semester.
Money shouldn’t decide who gets to study the creative arts, but it often does. PGA runs a scholarship office inside its programmes that has secured more than Rs 250 million for creative-arts students, mostly through a federal endowment. Here’s how it works and how to apply.
Who funds the scholarships
The main funder is the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund (PEEF), which was previously called NEST (National Endowment Scholarships for Talent). It works under the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training and supports talented students who can’t afford to continue their education. PGA’s founder, Prof. Dr. Jamshed Butt, has served as the focal person for its creative-arts scholarships.
PGA’s scholarship team also works with other government and private scholarship bodies, formalised through agreements. Available schemes change from year to year, so check with the institute for the current list.
Who can apply
Each funder sets its own rules. Typically they look at:
- Enrolment in an eligible PGA programme at a partner university.
- Financial need, based on family income and circumstances.
- Merit, based on previous results and admission test or interview.
- Documents that prove all of the above.
The scholarship team lists every requirement for each scheme at the start of the semester, so you know exactly what you need before applying.
How selection works at PGA
- Eligibility check. The team checks every application against the funder’s criteria and asks for anything missing.
- Scholarship Granting Committee. A committee reviews documents and interviews applicants, so selection is fair and follows the funder’s rules.
- Submission. Verified student data and documents are submitted to the funder, often through the funder’s own online system.
- Award. The funder confirms awards; the team tells students and the university.
- Monitoring. Results and attendance are reviewed every semester.
What to prepare
Have these ready before the semester starts; missing documents are the most common reason applications are delayed.
- Proof of enrolment in a PGA programme
- Previous academic transcripts and certificates
- Your national ID card or B-form, and a parent’s or guardian’s ID
- Family income documents, as the funder specifies (for example salary slips or an income declaration)
- Utility bills or other proof of address if asked
- Recent photographs
Keeping your scholarship
Scholarships are renewed each semester, not guaranteed for the whole degree. Continuation follows the funder’s rules, and usually depends on:
- Attendance at the required level.
- Results: passing all courses and keeping your grades above the funder’s minimum.
- Staying enrolled. Dropping out or failing courses can end the scholarship.
If you’re struggling, talk to the programme team early. Counselling and academic support exist so that a hard semester doesn’t cost you your funding.
After you graduate
Funders want to know their money made a difference. PGA tracks scholarship graduates and reports on their employment and careers to funders, so you may be asked about your first job. It helps the next student get funded.
Questions
Email institute@premiergraphic.com or ask at your campus. For how the scholarship office works behind the scenes, see how PGA runs scholarships.