The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has opened applications for a fully funded scholarship opportunity in China under the Academic Collaboration Program of the CPEC Consortium of Universities. The six-month research fellowship aims to promote academic cooperation between Pakistan and China while allowing Pakistani students and researchers to gain international experience.
The scholarship is available for full-time MS, MPhil, and PhD students studying at HEC-recognised universities across Pakistan. Successful candidates will get the chance to conduct research at Chinese universities, laboratories, and research centres for up to six months. The program will provide access to advanced facilities, expert supervision, and global academic networks.
According to HEC, applicants must be Pakistani or Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) nationals and should be enrolled as full-time students. Their research topic must be approved and directly linked with their degree program. Both the Pakistani university and the Chinese host institution must be part of the CPEC Consortium of Universities.
PhD applicants must have completed their coursework, spent at least 18 months in their program, and entered the research stage. They are also required to have an approved research synopsis and must not have crossed three and a half years of PhD enrollment by the closing date.
For MS and MPhil candidates, applicants must have completed at least 18 credit hours of coursework and should be working on their approved thesis or research project.
A major requirement for the scholarship is an official invitation or acceptance letter from a supervisor at a Chinese university, research organisation, or laboratory affiliated with the CPEC Consortium of Universities.
The fellowship covers multiple priority research fields, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, robotics, renewable energy, climate change, biotechnology, agriculture, health sciences, infrastructure, economics, trade, Chinese studies, and CPEC-related areas.
Applicants must submit a complete PDF file containing academic transcripts, enrollment proof, approved research synopsis, research statement, acceptance letter from the Chinese supervisor, recommendation letter, and other required documents.
The online application process started on July 26, 2026, and interested candidates can apply until August 14, 2026. HEC has advised applicants to carefully complete the online form and ensure their application status shows “Submitted”, as saved applications will not be considered for the scholarship.
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