ISLAMABAD: Nobel Peace Prize laureate and girls’ education activist Malala Yousafzai has announced that applications are now open for the Malala Yousafzai Scholarship under the Oxford Pakistan Programme, offering fully funded opportunities for Pakistani women to pursue Master’s and higher degrees at the University of Oxford.
In a message shared on social media, Malala said that after graduating from Oxford, she felt it was important to give back to girls who had fought for their right to education and aspired to continue their studies at leading institutions.
She stated that the scholarship aims to support talented Pakistani women who wish to study at Oxford and use their education to create positive change in Pakistan. Eligible candidates have been encouraged to apply through the Oxford Pakistan Programme’s official website.
Reflecting on her own journey, Malala said she was deeply grateful for the opportunity to complete her degree at Oxford, particularly after being denied schooling at the age of 11 when educational institutions were banned in her hometown.
“I never wanted my story to be unique or the only one,” she said, adding that Pakistani girls possess immense potential to build successful careers through education and contribute meaningfully to society.
“I want every girl in Pakistan to be able to pursue her dream, complete her education, choose her own future and help the country progress,” she added.
The scholarship provides full financial support to selected candidates, covering the costs associated with higher education at Oxford University. Malala expressed optimism that many young women would apply and said she looks forward to welcoming future scholars to the university.