The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has announced a new batch of overseas scholarships for Pakistani and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) nationals seeking admission to MS/MPhil and PhD programs at leading universities around the world.
The scholarships have been introduced under the Overseas Scholarships for MS/MPhil & PhD Studies, Phase-III, Batch-IV, offering eligible candidates an opportunity to pursue higher education at internationally ranked institutions. According to the HEC announcement, successful applicants will be placed at universities ranked among the Top 200 universities in the QS or Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.
The deadline for submitting the online application is August 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Candidates interested in applying are advised to complete the application process before the deadline, as late submissions are unlikely to be entertained.
Scholarships Focus on Key Academic Areas
The latest HEC scholarship program will not cover every academic discipline. Instead, scholarships will be awarded in specific thematic areas considered important for Pakistan’s future development.
These areas include 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; and Interdisciplinary and Strategic Areas.
The focus on these fields is intended to support advanced education and research in sectors that can contribute to technological development, economic growth, environmental sustainability and improved public services.
PhD Scholarship Eligibility
For PhD scholarships, applicants must be Pakistani or AJK nationals and should normally have completed at least 18 years of education through an MS, MPhil or an equivalent qualification.
Candidates holding a 17-year foreign MS or MSc qualification may also be considered, provided they obtain the required equivalence from the relevant HEC division.
Applicants must have achieved at least a 3.0 CGPA out of 4.0 under the semester system or a first division under the annual examination system in their MS, MPhil or equivalent degree.
HEC has also specified an academic performance condition under which candidates may have a maximum of one second division, or an equivalent grade, during their academic career before the terminal degree.
The age limit varies depending on the applicant’s employment status. The maximum age is 40 years for employees of public-sector universities, colleges, research and development organizations, government and semi-government institutions. For other applicants, the maximum age limit is 35 years.
MS/MPhil Scholarship Requirements
Candidates applying for MS/MPhil scholarships must also be Pakistani or AJK nationals. They should have completed at least 16 years of education, such as a BS, BE, Master’s degree or another equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline.
Applicants are required to have a minimum 3.0 CGPA out of 4.0 under the semester system or a first division under the annual system. Similar to the PhD eligibility criteria, a maximum of one second division or equivalent grade is permitted before the final degree.
For MS/MPhil applicants, the maximum age is 35 years for eligible employees of public-sector universities, government, semi-government and R&D organizations. The age limit for all other candidates is 30 years.
HAT Test and Merit-Based Selection
HEC will select candidates through a merit-based process involving HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) scores and interviews. Approved provincial quotas of the Government of Pakistan will also be applicable during the selection process.
Applicants are required to mention their preferred foreign universities or countries when completing the online application. However, the selected institution must fall within the eligible Top 200 QS or THE rankings.
HEC has also reserved the right to reallocate a university or country based on program requirements, availability or other relevant considerations.
How to Apply for HEC Overseas Scholarships
Candidates must submit their applications online through the HEC e-Services Portal. Applicants are required to complete the online registration process and pay a Rs. 3,000 application processing fee through 1LINK payment services.
At the initial stage, applicants do not need to send a hard or printed copy of their application. Only shortlisted candidates will later be contacted and asked to provide a duly signed printed application along with the required supporting documents.
Students are advised to carefully review their academic information, personal details, preferred universities and other required information before submitting the application.
Opportunity for Pakistani Students
The scholarship program provides Pakistani and AJK students with an opportunity to pursue advanced degrees at internationally ranked universities and gain exposure to global research environments.
For students interested in emerging technologies, engineering, health sciences, agriculture, environmental studies, natural sciences, business and governance, the program could provide an important pathway toward international academic and research opportunities.
With the August 28, 2026 deadline approaching, eligible candidates should prepare their documents, complete the HAT-related requirements and submit their applications through the designated HEC portal before the closing time.
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