Lahore, Punjab – October 2, 2025: The Government of Punjab, in partnership with Google and Tech Valley, has launched over 20,000 Google Career Certificates scholarships for students enrolled in public sector universities and district colleges across Punjab.
The initiative was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Tech Valley and the Higher Education Department, Government of Punjab, at a ceremony held in Lahore. The MoU signing was held in the presence of Honorable Minister of Higher and School Education, Government of Punjab, Rana Sikandar Hayat and Secretary of the Higher Education Department Government of Punjab, Ghulam Farid, underscoring the government’s commitment to equipping students with globally recognized digital skills to enhance their employability in today’s fast-evolving job market.
This expansion builds on the strong results of the 2024 program, where thousands of students successfully completed Google Career Certificates in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, digital marketing, and project management. The success highlighted the transformative potential of the program in preparing graduates for a digitally driven workforce.
Speaking at the signing, Punjab’s Higher and School Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat, mentioned: ““This partnership with Tech Valley reflects our vision to position Punjab as a hub of innovation and skills development. By offering over 20,000 scholarships, we are not only strengthening education but also investing in the future of our youth and the long-term prosperity of our province.”
The Google Career Certificates program aims to close the gap between education and employment by offering students flexible, online training designed by Google experts. These courses can be completed within three to six months and provide job-ready credentials without the requirement of a traditional degree.
Ensuring inclusivity remains a cornerstone of the initiative, with a target of at least 40% female enrollment and a strong focus on underserved communities. Scholarships will be awarded across 40 public sector universities and colleges from 9 districts across Punjab, covering nine in-demand specializations, the AI Essentials Course, and two new offerings: Prompting Essentials and Agile Essentials.
Calling the program a breakthrough for Punjab’s education system, Ghulam Farid, Secretary of the Higher Education Department, stated: “By providing our youth with globally recognized certifications, we are empowering them to compete internationally while contributing to the progress and prosperity of our province.”
Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley, shared: “We are honored to collaborate with the Government of Punjab on this transformative initiative. By providing 20,000 scholarships, we are not only imparting essential digital skills but also creating opportunities that will power Punjab’s digital economy.”
Alongside skills training, the program emphasizes career development by connecting students with employers through job placement support, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs. This initiative reflects the power of public-private collaboration in driving large-scale impact.
