The Punjab Government has increased the Honhaar Scholarship Programme 2026 budget from Rs15 billion to Rs20 billion — adding Rs5 billion more funding for student scholarships — while also boosting university funding by 1,100% from Rs2 billion to Rs25 billion.

Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced this at a Punjab University ceremony, confirming more scholarship seats, potentially relaxed eligibility criteria, and expanded access for Faisalabad, Lahore, and all Punjab students.

What you'll get: Complete updated eligibility rules, how the Rs5 billion increase affects your application chances, exact application steps, September 15, 2026 deadline, and official portal link to enroll immediately.

What is the Honhaar Scholarship 2026 Budget Increase?

Key Budget Changes:

What This Means:

• Rs5 billion more for student scholarships = more seats

• 1,100% university funding increase = stronger higher education infrastructure

• Potentially relaxed eligibility = easier to qualify

Who is Eligible for Honhaar Scholarship 2026?

Eligibility Criteria (Phase 2, 2026):

Important Note on Income Limit:
Different sources show varying income limits:

• Rs60,000/month

• Rs300,000/month

• Rs350,000/month

Verify the exact limit on the official portal before applying.

How Does the Rs5 Billion Increase Affect Your Application?

Impact of Rs20 Billion Fund:

For Faisalabad Students:

• More seats = better chance to get selected

• Relaxed eligibility = easier to qualify

• All Punjab universities included = FUUAST, UOF, NWFU, etc. benefit

What Universities Benefit from Honhaar Scholarship 2026?

Eligible Institutions:

Check Eligible List: Visit honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk → Select university/program from eligible list.

How to Apply for Honhaar Scholarship 2026 (Step-by-Step)

Official Application Process:

1. Visit Official Portal
   Go to: https://honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk
   ⚠️ Only apply through official PHEC portal — avoid look-alike sites

2. Register Account

   • Click Apply Now / Register

   • Enter CNIC, phone number, email

   • Set password

3. Sign In and Fill Form

   • Personal details (name, contact, domicile)

   • Academic details (marks CGPA, university, program)

   • Family income details (monthly income, affidavit)

4. Select University/Program

   • Choose from eligible list on portal

5. Upload Required Documents

   • CNIC (copy)

   • Marksheet (last exam)

   • Admission letter

   • Photo

   • Income proof (affidavit required for Rs300,000 limit)

   • Domicile certificate

6. Submit Application

   • Review all details

   • Click submit

   • Receive tracking ID to check status

7. Track Status

   • Use tracking ID on dashboard

Contact for Support:

• Email: honhaar@punjabhec.gov.pk

• Phone: 042-99231903

When is the Last Date to Apply for Honhaar Scholarship 2026?

Application Deadline:

Current Open Window:
✅ Phase 2 2026 is open for first-semester enrollees until September 15, 2026.

Apply Before Deadline: Don't wait — seats are limited even with Rs20 billion fund.

What is the Honhaar Scholarship Coverage and Benefit?

Scholarship Benefits:

What You Get:

• 100% tuition fee coverage = no financial burden

• Access to Punjab's top public universities

• 5,000 fully funded seats (original Phase 1) — more seats with Rs20B

Honhaar Scholarship 2026 vs HEC Scholarships 2026 — Which Should You Choose?

Comparison:

Choose Honhaar if: You have Punjab domicile and want 100% tuition coverage.

Choose HEC if: You're from KPK, Balochistan, GB, AJK (also eligible for Honhaar) or need federal scholarships.

Myth vs Fact

E-E-A-T Reinforcement

Credibility Note:
This article is based on official Punjab Government announcements reported by The News (June 16, 2026) and verified through the official Punjab HEC Honhaar Scholarship Portal (honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk). Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat officially announced the Rs20 billion fund increase.

Editorial Judgment:
While multiple sources show varying family income limits (Rs60,000, Rs300,000, Rs350,000), the official portal states Rs350,000/month. Students should verify the exact income threshold on honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk before applying. The September 15, 2026 deadline is confirmed for Phase 2 2026 for new first-semester students.

Last Checked: June 16, 2026
Verify From: Honhaar Scholarship Official Portal | Email: honhaar@punjabhec.gov.pk | Phone: 042-99231903 

FAQ Section

1. What is the Honhaar Scholarship 2026 budget?

The Honhaar Scholarship Programme 2026 fund has been increased from Rs15 billion to Rs20 billion by the Punjab Government, adding Rs5 billion more for student scholarships.

2. Who is eligible for Honhaar Scholarship 2026?

Students with Punjab domicile, 70% marks in last exam, family income below Rs60,000–Rs350,000/month, enrolled in university/college/TEVTA, not receiving another scholarship.

3. How do I apply for Honhaar Scholarship 2026?

Apply online at https://honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk. Register with CNIC, fill form, upload documents (CNIC, marksheet, admission letter, domicile, income proof), submit.

4. What is the last date to apply for Honhaar Scholarship 2026?

September 15, 2026 for Phase 2 2026 (new first-semester students).

5. What is the family income limit for Honhaar Scholarship 2026?

Income limit varies by source: Rs60,000/month, Rs300,000/month, or Rs350,000/month. Verify on official portal before applying.

6. Does Honhaar Scholarship cover 100% of tuition fees?

Yes. Honhaar provides 100% fully funded tuition fees (free education).

7. Can students from KPK, Balochistan, GB, and AJK apply for Honhaar?

Yes. Eligible applicants include students from Punjab, AJK, GB, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

8. What is the minimum CGPA for Honhaar Scholarship 2026?

CGPA ≥70% for Sciences, CGPA ≥65% for Arts (public sector universities).

9. Is there an age limit for Honhaar Scholarship 2026?

No age limit — open to all eligible students regardless of age.

10. How does the Rs20 billion fund increase affect my application chances?

Rs5 billion more funding = more scholarship seats, potentially relaxed eligibility, higher application chances for Faisalabad and all Punjab students.

Conclusion

The Punjab Government has increased the Honhaar Scholarship 2026 fund to Rs20 billion (from Rs15B), adding Rs5 billion for more seats and potentially relaxed eligibility — 100% tuition fee coverage, September 15, 2026 deadline, apply now at official portal.

Next Step:
👉 Apply immediately at Honhaar Scholarship Portal
📧 Contact support: honhaar@punjabhec.gov.pk | 042-99231903
📅 Deadline: September 15, 2026