HEC Overseas Scholarship 2026| Batch-IV Apply now

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan has announced Batch-IV of the Overseas Scholarship Programme for outstanding Pakistani and AJK nationals seeking MS/MPhil and PhD studies abroad.

The programme, titled “Overseas Scholarship for MS/MPhil Leading to PhD in Selected Fields (Phase-III)”, aims to develop highly qualified researchers, academics and professionals in strategically important fields. Selected scholars will have the opportunity to study at Top 200 QS/THE World University Rankings institutions.

Scholarship Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Develop highly qualified faculty and researchers
• Strengthen Pakistan’s higher education and research sector
• Support expertise in emerging technologies and priority disciplines
• Promote innovation and industrial competitiveness
• Build human-resource capacity in areas important for Pakistan’s development
• Contribute to the country’s knowledge economy

Available Scholarship Categories

HEC is offering overseas scholarships for:

• MS/MPhil
• PhD

Scholarships are available for eligible programmes at Top 200 QS/THE-ranked universities worldwide.

Priority Fields

Applications are invited in selected thematic areas, including:

1. Digital Transformation & Emerging Technologies
2. Energy, Climate Change & Environment
3. Agriculture, Food Security & Agri-Tech
4. Health, Biotechnology & Life Sciences
5. Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing
6. Natural & Physical Sciences
7. Social Sciences, Business & Governance
8. Interdisciplinary & Strategic Areas

PhD Scholarship Eligibility

Applicants for the PhD scholarship must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a Pakistani or AJK national.
• Must have at least 18 years of education, such as MS/MPhil or equivalent.
• Candidates with a 17-year foreign MSc/MS degree may also be considered, subject to providing the required equivalence.
• Must have a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0 in MS/MPhil/equivalent under the semester system or first division under the annual system.
• A maximum of one second division is permissible throughout the academic career before the terminal/final degree.
• Applicants who previously received an HEC-funded MS/MPhil scholarship must complete at least two years of residency in Pakistan after completing their MS/MPhil and provide an NOC from the relevant authority.
• Employees of public-sector universities/colleges, R&D institutions, government and semi-government organisations must provide an NOC.
• Maximum age is 40 years for eligible public-sector/government/R&D employees.
• Maximum age is 35 years for other applicants.

MS Scholarship Eligibility

For MS scholarships, applicants must:

• Be a Pakistani or AJK national.
• Hold BS/BE/Master’s or equivalent qualification representing 16 years of education in the relevant field.
• Have a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0 under the semester system or first division under the annual system.
• Have no more than one second division throughout the academic career before the terminal/final degree.
• Government, semi-government, R&D and public-sector university/college employees must provide an NOC.
• Be no older than 40 years if employed in eligible public-sector/government/R&D organisations.
• Be no older than 35 years for other applicants.

Selection Process

Selection will be conducted on merit, taking into account HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) scores and interview performance, subject to approved provincial quotas.

Applicants must select their preferred foreign universities and countries through the online application system. The selected university must offer the applicant’s intended field of study.

Shortlisted candidates who pass the HAT may be called for an interview. HEC may also reallocate a candidate to another eligible university or country where required.

Candidates must separately satisfy the admission requirements of their selected foreign university. Depending on the institution, this may include tests such as GRE, IELTS or TOEFL.

HEC Aptitude Test (HAT)

The Education Testing Council (ETC) under HEC will conduct the HAT.

Applicants who have previously taken an HAT organised by ETC may use their existing score if it remains valid on the application closing date. The HAT score remains valid for two years, and the best valid score will be considered.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship provides financial support according to the project’s approved financial provisions, including:

• Tuition fees
• Monthly stipends
• Health insurance
• Other approved scholarship-related expenses

If the tuition fee charged by the selected university exceeds the amount approved under the project, the scholar may be required to obtain a fee waiver to cover the additional cost.

Special Exemption for Fall 2026 Admission

Candidates who already hold confirmed unconditional admission for Fall 2026 in an eligible thematic area at a Top 200 QS/THE-ranked university may be exempted from the scholarship test and interview, provided they meet all prescribed eligibility requirements.

Application Fee

Applicants are required to pay an application processing fee of Rs. 3,000 through 1LINK payment services.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the HEC e-Services Portal. Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements, thematic areas, test category and university requirements before submitting the application.

No hard or printed copy of the online application should be submitted at this stage. HEC will contact shortlisted applicants later for the signed application form and required supporting documents.

Important Dates

Activity	Date
Online Registration Starts	August 9, 2026
Last Date to Apply	August 28, 2026 – 4:00 PM
HAT Test	Will be announced by HEC

Official Application

Applicants should use the official HEC e-Services Portal to submit their applications and consult HEC’s official scholarship information for the latest updates, financial provisions and instructions.

Scholarship: HEC Overseas Scholarship Phase-III, Batch-IV
Degree Levels: MS/MPhil & PhD
Study Destination: International / Top 200 QS/THE Universities
Eligible Applicants: Pakistani & AJK Nationals
Funding: Fully Funded / Approved Financial Support
Application Opens: August 9, 2026
Deadline: August 28, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Application Fee: Rs. 3,000
HAT: Date to be announced

Applicants should verify all requirements, deadlines and updates directly through HEC before applying, as HEC reserves the right to amend the schedule or programme arrangements.

OFFICIAL LINK