The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is Pakistan’s largest source of funded overseas study. From fully funded PhDs to research fellowships, this guide covers every major HEC program active in 2026.
1. HEC Overseas Scholarship (PhD)
Flagship program for PhD at top global universities (UK, USA, Europe, China, Australia).
Coverage: Full tuition, $1,000–1,500/month stipend, return airfare, $1,000–2,000/year research allowance, medical insurance. Up to 4 years.
Eligibility: MPhil + 3.0 CGPA + GAT-Subject 70th percentile + under 35 + faculty nomination from HEC-recognized institution.
2. US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor (PhD in USA)
HEC’s bilateral PhD program with the US (ten-year plan goal: 10,000 scholars; Phase-1 approved for 1,000 PhD scholarships). Two categories for 2027 admissions:
- Top 50 QS universities: Full tuition + USD 19,200/year stipend + USD 2,000/year health insurance + PKR 250,000 return airfare
- QS Rank 51-100: Tuition support up to USD 12,000/year (a university tuition-waiver letter is required for the award) + the same stipend, insurance and airfare
Eligibility: Pakistani/AJK national, 16 years education (a 4-year BS/BSc/BE is enough — a Master’s is not required), no 2nd/3rd division, under 35 (40 for regular government employees and public-sector faculty), not holding another scholarship. Test requirement: GRE General
total 300 or HEC HAT 60% (either one). IELTS/TOEFL are not required by the HEC project — some US universities may still ask for English scores at admission. Deadlines (2027 cycle): 30 October 2026 for Spring/Summer 2027 intake; 30 March 2027 for Fall 2027 intake.
Many of these scholarships require a strong IELTS score — start with our free IELTS preparation course with practice tests.
Sources: Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan — Knowledge Corridor FAQ (hec.gov.pk) and HEC’s official announcement for the 2027 cycle (1 July 2026). Figures checked October 2026.
3. IRSIP Research Fellowship
Six-month overseas research for PhD students. Batch 60 deadline: October 30, 2026.
Coverage: $1,500/month (USA) or £750/month (UK) + $1,300 airfare.
Eligibility: Full-time PhD student, 18 credit hours done, 18 months–3.5 years into PhD, GAT passed, approved synopsis, MUST secure foreign acceptance letter. Portal status must show “Submitted” (not “Saved”).
4. Chinese Government Scholarship via HEC
Fully funded Master’s/PhD in China. Covers tuition, living allowance, accommodation, insurance. (Travel not included.)
5. HEC Need-Based Scholarships
For financially disadvantaged undergraduates at HEC universities. Full tuition + stipend.
The GAT: Your Gateway
- GAT-General: For MS/MPhil admissions
- GAT-Subject: For PhD and HEC overseas scholarships
Score targets: 70th percentile+ (Overseas PhD), 60th percentile+ (Indigenous PhD). Held multiple times yearly via NTS.
Application Timeline
- 18 months before: Take GAT/GRE, start IELTS
- 12 months: Shortlist programs, contact supervisors
- 9 months: Secure acceptance letters (IRSIP)
- 6 months: Prepare documents, recommendations
- 3 months: Submit HEC application
- Deadline: Ensure “Submitted” status
Common Rejection Reasons
- Application left in “Saved” status
- Missing acceptance letter (IRSIP)
- Low GAT percentile
- Second division in academic career
- Holding another scholarship
FAQs
Q: Can I apply without faculty nomination?
A: Overseas Scholarship requires it. Try US-Pakistan Corridor instead.
Q: HEC scholarship for Bachelor’s abroad?
A: HEC overseas is postgraduate. Try CSC or Türkiye Bursları for undergrad.
Q: How often is IRSIP announced?
A: In batches. Batch 60 deadline Oct 30, 2026.
Q: Where do I apply?
A: HEC e-portal at hec.gov.pk. Create profile early.
Related: Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for Pakistani Students 2026 |