A mobile application named the Higher Education Management System is expected to be launched by October, aimed at assisting government-funded students studying abroad in submitting their concerns and receiving timely support, the Minister for Higher Education, Dr Ali Haider Ahmed, announced today.

Responding to questions raised by members of the House, the Minister explained that a modernised mechanism is currently being developed to address the challenges faced by such students. He noted that once the application is operational, it would enable the Ministry to receive and respond to student requests and grievances more efficiently.

Minister Dr Haider stated that although the application is still under development, preliminary steps have already been taken. Dedicated WhatsApp numbers have been introduced to facilitate communication, and the first number is currently active. According to the Minister, students have begun using the platform to submit complaints and requests, and prompt responses are being provided.

The  Minister added that those who had submitted their concerns via this interim channel were receiving timely replies.

Reports indicate that students studying abroad are encountering significant difficulties in accessing financial assistance under the existing student loan scheme. The issue has become more pronounced over the past year, with a group of aviation students based in Spain writing to the Ministry in February to request intervention.

Their letter highlighted multiple concerns, including the Government’s delay in approving top-up loans and the lack of available funding for the full duration of their studies.

In response, Minister Dr Haider informed Parliament that the Ministry had already initiated steps to resolve these issues, following discussions held during an online meeting with affected students last week.