OPF Scholarship for Children & Spouses of Overseas Pakistanis 2026اوورسیز پاکستانیوں کے بچوں اور شریک حیات کے لیے او پی ایف تعلیمی وظائف
A comprehensive guide to the Overseas Pakistanis Education Fund (OPEF) scholarships. Learn about academic merit benchmarks (60% / 2.5 CGPA), compulsory vs voluntary OPF membership categories, monthly income caps (Rs. 200,000), and how to apply through the official OPF portal.
How to Check or Verify: What Does the OPF Scholarship Cover and Who is Eligible?
The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) awards OPEF scholarships to children and spouses of registered OPF members studying in Pakistan (Intermediate, Bachelor's, MBBS, Engineering, and Master's). Eligible applicants must have at least 60% marks or 2.5 CGPA and a parent/spouse monthly income of under Rs. 200,000.
Understanding OPF Membership: The Key Prerequisite
To qualify for the scholarship, at least one parent (or the spouse) of the applicant must be an active registered member of OPF. There are two membership categories:
Automatic & Lifetime: Any overseas Pakistani worker who registered their employment visa with the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BEOE) Protectorate and paid the Rs. 4,000 welfare fund before departing Pakistan is automatically an OPF member.
For Non-Protector Filers: Non-resident Pakistanis residing abroad for at least 1 year who traveled on student, business, or independent visas can register directly online at opf.org.pk to unlock family scholarship rights.
Complete Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
Academic Merit
Minimum 60% marks in Matric / Intermediate board exams, or a minimum 2.5 CGPA in university semesters from an HEC-recognized institution.
Income Threshold
The monthly salary or verified income of the overseas parent / spouse must not exceed Rs. 200,000 per month (salary slip or embassy attestation required).
Special Provisions
Children of deceased registered OPF members can apply if the parent passed away within 3 years of the annual advertisement closing date.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the OPF Scholarship
Download Form
Visit opf.org.pk and download the OPEF scholarship form under the Education / Downloads tab.
Get College Attestation
Have the institution section certified and stamped by the head of your college or university registrar.
Attach Documents
Attach CNIC/NICOP copies, OPF membership card/Protector stamp, marksheets, and monthly salary proof.
Submit to OPF Office
Submit physically or via courier to OPF Head Office Islamabad or regional offices in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Multan, Quetta, or Mirpur.
Scholarship advertisements are published annually in national dailies and on the OPF website (with application deadlines typically falling in spring/summer cycles). Always verify the current cycle's exact closing date on the official portal:
Related Overseas Pakistanis Services on Pakistan Info Hub
BEOE Protector Registration Guide →
How mandatory protector registration enables automatic OPF membership.
Identity CardNADRA NICOP Overseas Rules →
Mandatory NICOP entry guidelines for expatriates.
Welfare SchemesOPF Housing & Financial Aid →
Housing schemes, airport counters, and emergency grants.
Frequently Asked Questions (OPF Scholarships)
How do I become an OPF member if I was not registered during overseas departure?
If you went abroad on an independent or visit visa and did not register with the Protectorate of Emigrants (BEOE), you can obtain Voluntary OPF Membership by applying online at opf.org.pk or at any OPF office with proof of valid foreign legal residence (visa/residence permit of at least 1 year).
Can a spouse of an overseas Pakistani apply for the OPF scholarship?
Yes. Spouses of registered OPF members studying in Pakistan at HEC-recognized colleges or universities are fully eligible to apply, provided they meet the academic merit criteria and no other child from the same OPF member is concurrently receiving an OPF scholarship in that cycle.
Are children of deceased overseas Pakistanis eligible for the OPEF scholarship?
Yes. Children of registered OPF members who passed away while working abroad or within 3 years prior to the scholarship advertisement closing date remain eligible under the special welfare category.
What educational levels and disciplines are covered by the OPF scholarship?
The scholarship covers Intermediate (FA, FSc, ICS, ICom), Undergraduate Degree programs (including professional qualifications such as MBBS, BDS, Engineering, IT, LLB, BBA), and Postgraduate Master’s / MS programs at HEC-recognized institutions across Pakistan.
Can an applicant receive an OPF scholarship alongside another government scholarship?
No. OPF enforces a strict single-scholarship rule. The student must not be receiving any concurrent financial aid, fee waiver, or scholarship from any other government or private entity during the same academic year.
Official Sources Cited:
Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Education Division: https://www.opf.org.pk/Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development: https://overseas.gov.pk/Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BEOE): https://beoe.gov.pk/