NOC Request Letter Sample for a Foreign Scholarship (Employees)

When to use this

If you work for the federal or a provincial government, a public university, a public-sector company or the armed forces, you usually need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before you apply for a foreign scholarship, and study leave or ex-Pakistan leave before you travel. Many scholarships ask for the NOC at the application stage. HEC requires one from employed applicants for most of its overseas and nominated scholarships, and Fulbright, Chevening and Commonwealth applicants who work in government are often asked for one at the interview or award stage.

Private employers do not issue an NOC by law, but a short letter confirming that you may apply, and ideally that your job will be held for you, can strengthen an application.

The NOC request goes through official channels: you address it to the head of your office or the competent authority and submit it through your immediate supervisor. Rules differ by department, so ask your administration or HR section for the format they use before you write.

What the approving officer looks for:

• The scholarship, the degree, the university or country and the duration
• Whether you are only asking permission to apply, or also for leave
• Confirmation that you will meet the bond or service conditions on return
• Your service details: designation, grade (BPS), date of joining, and whether you are confirmed or on probation
• Any documents they will need: the scholarship advertisement, the admission or award letter, and your service record

The sample

To, The [Director General / Secretary / Registrar], [Name of department or organisation], [City]

Through: Proper channel

Subject: Request for No Objection Certificate to apply for the [Name of scholarship], [Year]

Respected Sir/Madam,

I, [Full name], [Designation] (BPS-[17]), posted at [section or office], [Name of department], respectfully submit that I wish to apply for the [Name of scholarship] for a [Master's / PhD] degree in [subject] at [university or "a university in the United Kingdom"]. The programme lasts [12 months / 3 years] and is expected to begin in [month, year].

The degree is directly related to my duties. I currently work on [brief description, e.g. "monitoring district health budgets"], and the training in [subject] will allow me to [one concrete benefit to the department, e.g. "design the costing models the department now buys from consultants"].

My service particulars are as follows:

• Date of first appointment: [date]
• Present post and grade: [designation, BPS-17]
• Service status: [Regular / Confirmed]
• Previous study leave availed: [None / details]

I request that a No Objection Certificate be issued to allow me to apply. I understand that this NOC is only for the application, and that if I am selected I will apply separately for study leave under the applicable leave rules. I undertake to serve the department after completing my studies for the period required under the rules and to abide by any bond the department requires.

The scholarship advertisement and a copy of my latest service record are attached. The application deadline is [date], and I would be grateful if the request could be processed before then.

Yours obediently,

[Signature]

[Full name] [Designation], [Office] [Employee or personnel number] [Phone] | [Official email] Dated: [date]

Enclosures: (1) Scholarship advertisement (2) Copy of service record / latest pay slip

How to adapt this

• Ask your section officer or HR for the exact format. Some departments use a set proforma and only need you to fill it in.
• Apply early. An NOC can take weeks because it moves from desk to desk. Start at least six weeks before the scholarship deadline.
• Separate the two requests. Ask for an NOC to apply now; ask for study leave only after you are selected. Asking for leave before you have an offer is often refused.
• Tie the degree to your job. Departments approve NOCs more readily when the course clearly benefits their work.
• Know the bond. Many public-sector bodies require you to serve for a set period after study leave, or repay salary and costs if you do not. Read it before you sign.
• For a private employer, turn this into a short email to your manager and HR asking for a letter that confirms they support your application and, if possible, will hold your position.
• Keep copies of the request, the diary number and the issued NOC. Scholarship offices sometimes ask for the original.

Common mistakes

• Applying for the scholarship first and asking for the NOC after you are selected, when the scholarship needed it at the application stage.
• Submitting the letter directly to the head of the department instead of through proper channel.
• Leaving out the duration or start date, so the officer cannot assess the request.
• Promising a bond or return period you have not checked with the rules.
• Assuming a probationer can get study leave. Many departments only grant it to confirmed employees; check before you apply.

For the rest of your application, see the professional recommendation letter sample and the document checklist.