ISLAMABAD, Aug 26: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced 1,000 fully-funded scholarships to be offered to Pakistani students by the Cuban government for graduate studies in general comprehensive medicine (equivalent to MBBS) in leading Cuban institutions.

The HEC said it had finalised the project implementation plan and other details with the Cuban embassy after the prime minister’s directives early this month for preparation of the scholarships project detail.

For this purpose, a committee was constituted headed by HEC chairman Dr Attaur Rahman and consisting of representatives of the education and health ministries.

All Pakistani/AJK nationals born between August 25, 1981, and August 24, 1989, who have obtained at least 60 per cent marks in FSc/A level (pre-medical), are eligible to apply for the scholarship. All students will be required to learn Spanish and undergo a one-year language training programme in Cuba.

Applicants must download the application form available at www.hec.gov.pk/cuba and submit it with their testimonials by September 5.—Online