The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has announced overseas scholarships for Pakistani and AJK nationals seeking MS/MPhil and PhD studies at leading universities around the world.
The scholarships have been announced under Overseas Scholarships for MS/MPhil & PhD Studies, Phase-III, Batch-IV, with successful candidates to be placed at universities ranked among the Top 200 in the QS or Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. The last date to submit an online application is August 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
The scholarships will be awarded only in specified thematic areas covering Digital Transformation & Emerging Technologies; Energy, Climate Change & Environment; Agriculture, Food Security & Agri-Tech; Health, Biotechnology & Life Sciences; Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing; Natural & Physical Sciences; Social Sciences, Business & Governance; and Interdisciplinary & Strategic Areas.
Eligibility Criteria for PhD Scholarships
Applicants for the PhD scholarship must be Pakistani or AJK nationals and should normally have completed at least 18 years of education through an MS, MPhil, or equivalent qualification.
Candidates possessing a 17-year foreign MS/MSc qualification may also be considered subject to obtaining the required equivalence from HEC’s relevant division.
Applicants must have at least a 3.0 CGPA out of 4.0 under the semester system or first division under the annual system in their MS/MPhil or equivalent degree. A maximum of one second division, or equivalent grade, is permissible during the academic career before the terminal degree.
The maximum age is 40 years for employees of public-sector universities, colleges, R&D organizations, government and semi-government organizations, while the limit is 35 years for other applicants.
Eligibility Criteria for MS/MPhil Scholarships
Candidates applying for an MS scholarship must be Pakistani or AJK nationals and have completed 16 years of education, such as a BS, BE, Master’s degree or equivalent qualification, in a relevant discipline.
They must have a minimum 3.0 CGPA out of 4.0 under the semester system or first division under the annual system. A maximum of one second division or equivalent grade is permitted before the final degree.
The maximum age limit is 35 years for eligible public-sector, government, semi-government and R&D employees and 30 years for all other candidates.
HAT Test and Selection Process
Selection will be made on merit based on HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) scores and interviews, while the approved provincial quotas of the Government of Pakistan will also apply.
Candidates are required to indicate their preferred foreign universities or countries during the online application process. The selected university must fall within the eligible Top 200 QS/THE rankings, although HEC reserves the right to reallocate a university or country.
How to Apply for HEC Overseas Scholarships
Applications must be submitted online through the HEC e-Services Portal.
Applicants are required to pay a Rs. 3,000 application processing fee through 1LINK payment services and complete their online registration within the prescribed deadline.
Candidates should not send a hard or printed copy of their online application at this stage. Only shortlisted applicants will subsequently be contacted and asked to submit a duly signed printed application along with the required supporting documents.
Visit EduNation to find scholarships from around the world.
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