LAHORE: The Punjab University Syndicate on Thursday recommended a Rs20.87 billion budget for the financial year 2026-27, including Rs10 billion for student subsidies and scholarships, during its 1761st meeting chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali.
The proposed budget has been forwarded to the university Senate for final approval. According to university officials, the budget will be financed through government grants, the university’s own resources and other funding sources to expand access to higher education.
On the directions of the vice chancellor, allocations for scholarships have been increased. The university has earmarked Rs341 million from its own resources for scholarships, while students will also continue to benefit from the Honhaar Programme, Higher Education Commission (HEC) schemes and the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF).
The Syndicate was informed that financial reforms had reduced the budget deficit to Rs1.6 billion from Rs2.2 billion in the previous fiscal year. Members welcomed the improvement and also approved Rs284 million in research grants to strengthen the university’s research culture and improve its academic rankings.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali expressed confidence that the remaining budget deficit would be eliminated in the coming years through increased revenue generation rather than borrowing. He added that the university expected to receive Rs786 million from the Punjab government.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026