Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced Batch-IV of its fully funded overseas scholarship program for Pakistani and AJK nationals seeking admission to MS/MPhil and PhD programs at top-ranked universities worldwide.
The scholarships are being offered under the project “Overseas Scholarship for MS/MPhil Leading to PhD in Selected Fields (Phase-III)”, with opportunities available at universities ranked among the Top 200 in QS or THE World University Rankings. The program is designed to strengthen Pakistan’s research and higher education capacity in strategically important disciplines.
Priority Fields for Scholarships
Scholarships are available in the following thematic areas:
- Digital Transformation and Emerging Technologies
- Energy, Climate Change and Environment
- Agriculture, Food Security and Agri-Tech
- Health, Biotechnology and Life Sciences
- Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing
- Natural and Physical Sciences
- Social Sciences, Business and Governance
- Interdisciplinary and Strategic Areas
Eligibility for PhD Scholarships
Applicants for PhD scholarships must be Pakistani or AJK nationals and generally require at least 18 years of education, including an MS/MPhil or equivalent qualification.
Candidates must have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 in the semester system or a first division in the annual system in their MS/MPhil or equivalent degree.
Applicants may have a maximum of one second division or equivalent grade during their academic career before the terminal degree.
Those who previously received an HEC-funded MS/MPhil scholarship must have completed at least two years of residency in Pakistan after completing their degree and must provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant authority.
For applicants holding a 17-year foreign MSc/MS degree, an equivalence certificate from HEC’s A&A Division must be provided at the time of application.
Eligibility for MS Scholarships
For MS scholarships, applicants must hold a BS, BE, Master’s or equivalent 16-year qualification in a relevant field.
Candidates must have at least a 3.0 CGPA out of 4.0 in the semester system or a first division under the annual system.
A maximum of one second division or equivalent grade is permitted in the academic record before the terminal degree.
Age Limits and NOC Requirement
The maximum age for both MS and PhD applicants is:
- 40 years for employees of public-sector universities, colleges, R&D organizations, government and semi-government institutions.
- 35 years for all other applicants.
Employees of public-sector universities, colleges, R&D institutions, government and semi-government organizations must submit an NOC from their organization.
Selection Process
Candidates will be selected on merit based on their HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) scores and interview performance, subject to approved provincial quotas.
Applicants must indicate their preferred foreign universities and countries in the online application. The selected institutions must fall within the Top 200 QS/THE rankings, and the applicant’s chosen field must be offered by the selected university or country.
HEC may reallocate a university or country where necessary. Only shortlisted candidates who meet the required criteria and pass the HAT will normally be called for interviews.
Candidates must also meet the admission requirements of their selected foreign university, which may include GRE, TOEFL or IELTS.
HEC Aptitude Test and Application Fee
The HEC Aptitude Test will be conducted by the Education Testing Council (ETC). HAT scores remain valid for two years, and applicants with a previously obtained valid HAT score may use their best available score.
Online applications are to be submitted through the HEC e-Services Portal.
The application processing fee is Rs. 3,000, payable through 1LINK payment services.
Applicants With Fall 2026 Admission May Be Exempt
Candidates who already hold confirmed unconditional admission for Fall 2026 in an eligible thematic field at a Top 200 QS/THE-ranked university may be exempt from the scholarship test and interview, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
The scholarship package includes financial support covering stipends, tuition fees and health insurance, according to the project’s approved financial provisions.
Where a university’s tuition exceeds the amount covered under the project, the scholar will be responsible for securing a fee waiver to cover the additional cost.
Applicants are advised to complete their online registration and fee payment within the prescribed deadline and carefully review the detailed eligibility and application requirements provided by HEC.
HEC may postpone or cancel the test or modify the schedule if required. Applicants do not need to submit printed copies of their applications at this stage. Only shortlisted candidates will later be asked to provide a signed printout and required supporting documents.
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