On February 26 and 27, 2025, interviews were conducted by the panels constituting of senior ICRMS staffs and representative of UNHCR to select suitable candidates for the ICRMS Crash Course-2025. The objective of the interviews was to assess the students’ eligibility, motivation, and potential to benefit from the program.

The crash course is designed to prepare Afghan refugee students for undergraduate entry test and provide them with essential digital skills. This initiative also aims to equip refugee students with the necessary knowledge and technological expertise to enhance their academic and career prospects.

A total of 310 Afghan refugee students applied for the program. After an initial scrutiny process, 147 candidates were shortlisted for the interviews. Total of 125 shortlisted students appeared for the interviews. Among them, there were 74 male and 51 female candidates.

To ensure a structured and transparent selection process, two interview panels were formed. The first panel consisted of Ms. Tahira Awar from UNHCR, Ms. Hifsa Ghafoor, Project Manager at ICRMS, and Mr. Waseem Ur Rehman, Crash Course Coordinator. The second panel included Ms. Noreen Saher, Education Associate-UNHCR, Mr. Muhammad Kazim, Liaison Officer ICRMS, and Ms. Laraib Ayoub, Field Coordinator ICRMS. The Director ICRMS, Prof. Dr. Zahid Rauf, also visited both panels to observe and contribute to the selection process.

The panels evaluated candidates based on their educational background, personal aspirations, and readiness for the course. The interviews were conducted in an organized and professional manner. The candidates demonstrated enthusiasm and a strong desire to participate in the program. The next phase will involve assessing interview performances and finalizing the list of selected students based on merit and their potential to benefit from the crash course.