How many types of FA mechanisms are available at IBA? What are the other options available apart from need-based scholarship?

- Fee Installments
- Need-based scholarships / IBA Bridge financing
- Qarz e Hasna arranged through external donors

Does the FA office accept manual applications?

The FA office accepts applications submitted electronically. This is needed for efficient processing and to keep proper tracking at both ends.

How can I apply online for FA?

The FA application can be submitted online by clicking on the link:https://ibaapps.iba.edu.pk/financialassistance/.Applications are invited through this link only during the specified period as mentioned on the FA webpage: https://www.iba.edu.pk/financial-assistance.php

Once need-based FA (scholarship) is awarded to me, do I have to reapply for FA every semester? For how many semesters is the scholarship awarded to students at a time?

The scholarship award percentage usually remains valid for the remaining semesters in an academic year. For example, if a scholarship is awarded in the Fall semester, it will also remain valid for the following Spring semester. Meeting eligibility criteria is mandatory in all cases. Considering possible changes in need evaluation criteria, which is reviewed annually, as well as yearly changes in the financial condition of the family, students should apply for need-based scholarships at the start of each academic year.

Can FA be applied for before securing admission at IBA?

No, FA can only be applied for after securing admission at IBA.

Which students are eligible to apply for need-based scholarships?

Only full-time students enrolled in morning programs, who are facing financial constraints and cannot manage to pay fees through FA options like fee installments and Qarz e Hasna, may apply for need-based scholarships. These students can apply for financial assistance to cover their tuition fees for Fall and Spring semester. Financial assistance will be provided on a course basis up to the 8th semester. The repetition of courses for grade improvement or otherwise, and previously withdrawn courses, are not covered under need-based scholarships.

What are my chances of getting a scholarship? What is the need assessment process? What is the criteria for awarding scholarships?

The need-based scholarship award is determined through a prescribed need evaluation criteria and is concluded by the FA Committee on a comparative need level basis.

Is there a waiting list for need-based scholarships?

The scholarship awards are concluded by the FAC after following a comprehensive process; hence, there is no waiting list for need-based scholarships. Students who couldn't get the desired percentage of scholarships, or whose cases were declined, can reapply at the prescribed dates as mentioned on the IBA FA webpage.

Can I get a scholarship for a graduate program?

Yes, graduate program students can get scholarships

Where can I find scholarship opportunities?

The IBA, as well as donor-funded scholarship opportunities, are shared with students through the following channels:

- IBA FA Web page
- IBA FA Facebook page
- IBA Portal and Website

Which documents are required with the scholarship application?

Standard documents are required along with the scholarship application form. The list of these documents is available on the IBA FA webpage and is also included in the scholarship application form.

When should I apply for the scholarships?

Applications for need-based scholarships are invited by the IBA FAC during the prescribed period as mentioned on the IBA FA webpage. Students are advised to apply ONLINE during the stated period only.

Which types of fees are covered under need-based scholarships? Does the IBA Scholarship cover hostel fees and other charges?

The need-based scholarships are awarded to eligible students and are applicable to tuition fees only. Other forms of fees are not covered under need-based scholarships. NTHP scholars are dealt with as per the applicable policy.

Can I get more than one donor-funded scholarship?

Students can apply for more than one donor-funded scholarship, but only one donor-funded scholarship can be availed at a time.

I want to apply for other need-based scholarships like SEEF, HEC Ehsaas, CMEEF, BEEF, etc. Do I need to submit another application form?

Yes, some donor-funded scholarships require filling out their prescribed scholarship forms, which are then shared with the donor for review, evaluation of need, and award of the scholarship.

Which programs are covered under need-based scholarships?

Only full-time students enrolled in morning programs may apply for need-based scholarships.

What is IBA Bridge Financing?

IBA Bridge Financing is a Short-term financial assistance mechanism designed to support students until external donor funding is secured. Under this arrangement, IBA provides interim funding to cover tuition fees, ensuring students can continue their studies without disruption. Once a donor scholarship is awarded, IBA reverses the bridge financing, transferring the financial responsibility to the donor program.

Undergraduate Students
For how long is Financial Assistance provided to undergraduate students?

Financial Assistance is provided on a course basis for up to eight consecutive semesters, starting from the date of admission into the student’s first undergraduate program.

Are repeated, withdrawn, deficiency, or remedial courses covered under Financial Assistance?

No. Courses that are repeated for grade improvement or any other reason, previously withdrawn, or taken as deficiency or remedial courses are not covered under need-based Financial Assistance or scholarships.

What happens if I exceed eight semesters?

Financial Assistance will not be extended beyond eight consecutive semesters, even if the degree requirements have not been completed.

Does Financial Assistance restart if I change my program or take extra courses?

No. The eight-semester limit is calculated from the initial date of admission into the first undergraduate program.

What is the minimum CGPA requirement to maintain Financial Assistance?

Students must maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.5. If a student’s CGPA falls below 2.5, Financial Assistance will be placed on probation, and failure to improve the CGPA may result in discontinuation of Financial Assistance.

What happens if I miss the Financial Assistance application deadline?

If a student misses the deadline for submitting the need-based scholarship form (fresh or exisiting), Financial Assistance will not be extended, and the student must reapply in the next year.

For graduate students, how long is Financial Assistance provided to graduate students?

Financial Assistance is provided for the duration of the program as specified in the official Program Announcement. This does not apply to the EMBA & MSJ program.

Do graduate students need to take a full course load to remain eligible?

Yes. Graduate students must maintain a full course load throughout their studies to remain eligible for Financial Assistance.

Can graduate students freeze a semester while on Financial Assistance?

No. Freezing or deferring any semester is not permitted for students receiving Financial Assistance.

Are repeated or withdrawn courses covered for graduate students?

No. Courses repeated for grade improvement or previously withdrawn courses are not covered under need-based scholarships.

What is an externally funded scholarship?

An externally funded scholarship is a financial assistance opportunity supported by external donors (Government, Private, or Zakat) and facilitated by IBA.

When am I required to apply for externally funded scholarships?

Students are required to apply for externally funded scholarships arranged by IBA until they are successfully placed with a donor. The Financial Assistance Department will notify students via email whenever a donor-funded scholarship opportunity is announced. Students must wait for this communication and, once notified, apply promptly, completing all required forms and interviews if applicable.

How will I know about available externally funded scholarships?

Students should regularly check the IBA Financial Assistance webpage and their email accounts for announcements and application instructions regarding donor-funded scholarships.

What happens if I do not apply for an externally funded scholarship?

Failure to apply for externally funded scholarships arranged by IBA will result in the discontinuation of bridge financing, at the discretion of the Financial Assistance Committee.