NBP Student Loan Scheme 2025-26: Qarz-e-Hasna for Higher Education
The NBP Student Loan Scheme 2025-26, also known as Qarz-e-Hasna, is a government-backed interest-free financing program administered by the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) in collaboration with HEC and the Ministry of Education. It provides up to Rs. 300,000 (extended to Rs. 400,000 for medical/engineering) for tuition, books, hostel, and supplies in HEC-approved public universities and DAIs for BS, MS, MPhil, and PhD programs.
Since 2001, the scheme has funded over 500,000 students, with 100% interest-free repayment starting 1 year after graduation. The 2025-26 cycle is open year-round, with no fixed deadline – apply after admission. Priority for merit (70%+ marks) and public institutions.
November 29, 2025 Update: Loan limits extended to Rs. 400,000 for high-cost programs; online application portal launched at nbp.com.pk/studentloan. 50,000 new approvals targeted for 2025-26.
Prepared by Abdul Rahman (Lahore financial aid specialist), LearnBit.pro has assisted 10,000+ students with NBP loan applications. From UET Lahore to Quaid-i-Azam University, this is your comprehensive resource for debt-free education.
NBP Student Loan Scheme 2025-26 Eligibility Criteria
Merit-based with preference for financially needy; only regular students in HEC-recognized public DAIs.
You Qualify If:
- Academics: 70%+ marks in last exam (FSc/BA/BS)
- Enrollment: Full-time in HEC-approved public DAI (BS/MS/PhD)
- Program: Approved discipline (engineering, medicine, IT, business, etc.)
- Guarantor: Govt employee or property owner (co-signer)
- No Other Aid: Not receiving full scholarship covering fees
You Don't Qualify If:
- Private university or self-finance program
- Below 70% marks or third division
- No guarantor available
- Already on full HEC/other govt scholarship
- Non-HEC recognized institution
Quotas: 40% female, 20% rural/low-income. Covers 150+ public DAIs (full list on NBP site).
Success Story: Sana from Lahore (85% FSc, family income Rs. 40,000/month) got Rs. 250,000 for BS Engineering at UET. "Grace period let me focus – now repaying Rs. 2,500/month," she says.
NBP Student Loan Amounts & Coverage 2025-26
Interest-free financing tailored to program cost; renewable annually.
Standard Programs
Up to Rs. 300,000 total (tuition, books, hostel)
Medical/Engineering
Up to Rs. 400,000 total (extended Nov 2025)
Interest Rate
0% markup – Qarz-e-Hasna
Coverage: Tuition (100%), hostel/mess, books, supplies. Disbursed semester-wise.
How to Apply for NBP Student Loan Scheme 2025-26: Online & Offline
Online portal live; also branch submission. Takes 10–15 minutes.
Step 1: Visit NBP Portal
1 minnbp.com.pk/studentloan → "Apply Online"
Step 2: Register/Login
2 minEnter CNIC, mobile OTP, create password.
Step 3: Fill Form
5 minPersonal, academic, loan amount, guarantor details.
Step 4: Upload Docs
3 minRequired: CNIC, transcripts, admission letter, fee challan, guarantor CNIC, income proof. PDFs max 5MB.
Step 5: Submit
1 minGet application ID; track status online.
Repayment Terms: 1-Year Grace + 10-Year Plan
Zero burden during study. Repayment starts 1 year after graduation or employment.
- Grace Period: 1 year after program completion
- Tenure: Maximum 10 years
- EMI Example: Rs. 300,000 loan → Rs. 2,500/month
- Early Settlement: Allowed without penalty
2025 Update: Flexible EMI for low-income earners (Rs. 1,000/month minimum).
Approval Process: Merit + Need Formula
NBP Apex Committee reviews applications; transparent scoring.
- 70% Weight: Academic merit (marks)
- 20% Weight: Financial need
- 10% Weight: Discipline priority (STEM > Arts)
- Processing Time: 4–8 weeks
2025 Stats: 80,000 applications; 50,000 approved (62% rate).
Study Now, Pay Later – With Zero Interest
NBP Student Loan Scheme empowers 500K+ dreams. Online portal live – apply today for debt-free education.
Apply Online – Year-Round