HEC Overseas Scholarships August 2026 Apply Online for MS/MPhil & PhD Studies

Applications are invited from outstanding Pakistani/AJK Nationals for the award of Overseas Scholarships for MS/MPhil and PhD Studies (Phase-III, Batch-IV). Scholarships will be awarded in Top 200 QS/THE ranked universities of the world.

The scholarships are offered in the following thematic areas: Digital Transformation & Emerging Technologies; Energy, Climate Change & Environment; Agriculture, Food Security & Agri-Tech; Health, Biotechnology & Life Sciences; Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing; Natural & Physical Sciences; Social Sciences, Business & Governance; and Interdisciplinary & Strategic Areas.

Eligibility Criteria for PhD Scholarships: Applicant must be a Pakistani/AJK National. Candidates who have previously availed an HEC-funded MS/MPhil scholarship must complete a minimum residency period of two years in Pakistan and submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Minimum 18 years of education (MS/MPhil or equivalent) is required; candidates with 17 years MSc/MS degree from a foreign university are eligible subject to equivalence. A maximum of one second division throughout the academic career is permissible. Minimum CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0 (semester system) or first division (annual system) in MS/MPhil/Equivalent degree. Employees of public sector universities/colleges/R&D/Government/Semi Government Organizations must submit NOC. Maximum age is 40 years for public sector employees and 35 for all others.

Eligibility Criteria for MS Scholarships: Applicant must be a Pakistani/AJK National. A maximum of one second division is permissible. Public sector employees must submit NOC. Candidates must have BS/BE/Masters or equivalent 16 years of education with minimum CGPA 3.0 or first division. Maximum age is 35 years for public sector employees and 30 for all others.

Selection will be made on merit based on HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) scores and interview results, subject to approved provincial quotas. Candidates are required to opt for foreign universities (Top 200 QS/THE World University Rankings) in the online application form. HEC reserves the right to re-allocate any university/country. Only shortlisted candidates who have passed the HEC aptitude test will be called for interviews. Candidates must ensure their field is offered in their choice of country/university. HEC will share the list of potential candidates with partner agencies/universities. Candidates must fulfill host university admission requirements, which may include GRE, TOEFL, IELTS etc.

HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) will be conducted by Education Testing Council (ETC), Pakistan. The HAT score remains valid for two years; the best score will be considered. Apply online through the HEC e-Services Portal at https://eservices.hec.gov.pk/. The application processing fee of Rs. 3,000/- shall be deposited through LINK payment services. Candidates holding confirmed unconditional admission in thematic areas for Fall 2026 in a Top 200 QS/THE-ranked university will be exempted from the scholarship test/interview. Payments to scholars include stipends, tuition fees, and health insurance. Application deadline is August 28, 2026 up to 1600 hours.