ISLAMABAD, April 14: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced that the Japan government has offered four scholarships for Pakistani scholars this year. According to a press release issued by the director-general of R&D, the scholarships are being offered under the Monbugakusho ( ministry of education, culture, sports, science and technology) scholarship programme for the academic year 2006.

The press release says these scholarships fall under the categories including researchers, undergraduate students and college of technology students.

The HEC has advised the candidates to apply directly to the Embassy of Japan not later than April 30. The application forms for all programmes may be obtained from the press information and culture department of embassy of Japan.

The candidates will be selected initially on the basis of their academic record and scholastic achievements.

The initial selection will be made by the embassy after an interview by a panel. The final decision for granting scholarships depends upon the placement of each candidate, who will be selected tentatively in January 2006, at respective universities by the ministry of education, science and culture of Japan.