The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced a change in the date of the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) for applicants seeking overseas scholarships. The test has now been rescheduled to Saturday, September 19, 2026.
The HAT was previously scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 27. HEC has moved the examination to an earlier date due to administrative reasons and unavoidable circumstances.
The revised schedule applies to applicants under the Overseas Scholarships for MS/MPhil Leading to PhD in Selected Fields Phase III, Batch IV programme. Candidates participating in the scholarship programme have been advised to take note of the new examination date and make the necessary arrangements.
The change in the test schedule is important for applicants who may have already planned their travel, preparation or other commitments around the original date. Candidates are encouraged to check their examination details and ensure they are prepared for the revised schedule.
HEC had invited applications for MS/MPhil and PhD scholarships through an advertisement issued on August 9, 2026. The commission later issued a corrigendum and addendum on August 20 to provide updates related to the scholarship programme.
The overseas scholarship initiative provides opportunities for Pakistani students to pursue higher education in selected fields at international universities. Applicants are required to complete the relevant selection process, which includes the aptitude test where applicable.
According to the latest notice, the change only affects the date of the HAT. HEC has confirmed that all other terms, conditions and details mentioned in the original advertisement remain unchanged.
The same applies to the information included in the corrigendum and addendum issued on August 20. Applicants therefore do not need to make changes to other aspects of their applications unless specifically instructed by HEC.
Candidates should carefully review the updated test schedule and ensure that they do not rely on the previously announced September 27 date. Missing the revised examination date could affect their participation in the scholarship selection process.
The HEC has urged applicants to make arrangements according to the new schedule. Students who are planning to appear in the test should also keep their relevant documents and examination information ready ahead of the revised date.
The announcement comes as Pakistani students continue to seek international scholarship opportunities for postgraduate studies. Overseas scholarships can provide students with opportunities to gain advanced qualifications and research experience in their chosen fields.
With the HAT now scheduled for September 19, applicants have a shorter preparation period than originally expected. Students should therefore adjust their study plans and make sure they are familiar with the test requirements.
The latest notification is specifically relevant to candidates applying under Phase III, Batch IV of the selected fields scholarship programme. Other applicants should follow the schedule and instructions applicable to their respective scholarship programmes.
Also read: HEC Warns Applicants Against Fake Attestation Agents
