How to apply for HEC’s MS/M.Phil and Ph.D scholarships at international universities

The Higher Education Commission Pakistan announced fully funded overseas scholarships for MS/MPhil and PhD studies under Phase-III, Batch-IV. Successful applicants will study at the top 200 QS or Times Higher Education ranked universities globally. The deadline for online application submission is August 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM.

Scholarship Details

• Target placement: Top 200 QS/THE World University Rankings.
• Eligible candidates: Pakistani and AJK nationals.
• Application deadline: August 28, 2026 (4:00 PM).
• Application fee: Rs. 3,000/- via 1LINK.

Eligible Fields of Study

• 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 Criteria for PhD Scholarships

1. Applicant must be a Pakistani / AJK National.
2. Applicants who have previously availed an HEC-funded MS/MPhil scholarship shall be eligible to apply only after completing a minimum residency period of two (02) years in Pakistan following the completion of their MS/MPhil degree and must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant authority.
3. Candidates must have a minimum of Eighteen years of education (MS/MPhil, or equivalent). However, candidates having 17 years MSc/MS degree from foreign are also eligible to apply subject to provision of equivalence from A&A division at time of application submission.
4. A maximum of one second division (or equivalent grade) throughout the academic career prior to the terminal/final degree is permissible.
5. Candidates must have minimum CGPA 3.0 (out of 4.0 in the semester system) or first division (in the annual system) in MS/MPhil/Equivalent degree.
6. Employees of any Public Sector University/Colleges/R&D / Government / Semi Government Organizations must submit NOC to apply for the scholarship from their organization.
7. The maximum age to apply for the scholarship is;-
8. Maximum 40 years’ age for Public Sector University/Colleges/R&D / Government / Semi Government Organizations Employees.
9. 35 for all others.

Eligibility Criteria for MS Scholarships

1. Applicant must be a Pakistani / AJK National.
2. A maximum of one second division (or equivalent grade) throughout the academic career prior to the terminal/final degree is permissible.
3. Employees of any Public Sector University/Colleges/R&D / Government / Semi Government Organizations must submit NOC to apply for the scholarship from their organization.
4. Candidates must have BS/BE/Masters or equivalent to 16 years of education in relevant field of studies with a minimum CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0 in semester system or first division (in the annual system) in BS/BE/Masters/equivalent.
5. The maximum age to apply for scholarship is:
6. ​Maximum 40 years’ age for Public Sector University/Colleges/R&D / Government / Semi Government Organizations Employees.
7. 35 for all others.

How to Apply

Visit the HEC e-Services Portal to create or log into your account.

Fill out the online application form completely.

Pay the processing fee through 1LINK payment services.

Submit the digital application before the final deadline.

Explore the official guidelines on the HEC Overseas Scholarships Page.

Review step-by-step submission instructions via HEC How to Apply Portal.