Commonwealth Scholarship 2027 Pakistan — Master's & PhD in the UK
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has opened applications for the Commonwealth Scholarship Programme 2027–28, offering fully funded Master's and PhD study at UK universities for Pakistani and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) nationals. The scholarship is delivered jointly by HEC and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK, and this cycle carries 26 nominations for Master's study and 30 for PhD study.
Application Deadline
The closing date for both the CSC and HEC applications is 20 October 2026 — 16:00 BST on the CSC portal, and 4:00 PM PST on the HEC portal. The application system opened on 8 September 2026. Given how close together these deadlines fall across two separate portals, applicants are strongly advised to complete both well ahead of the final days, since HEC's online system typically sees heavy traffic in the run-up to a deadline.
Who Can Apply
- Pakistani or AJK nationals, permanent residents of Pakistan/AJK. Dual nationals are not eligible.
- No upper age limit.
- For Master's: a first-division Bachelor's degree (16 years of education) in the relevant field.
- For PhD: a first-division Master's, MS, or MPhil degree (17–18 years of education) in the relevant field.
- No second or third division allowed in the applicant's most recent degree.
- Candidates still awaiting final results may apply, provided they submit their degree and transcript before the academic session begins (August/September 2027).
The HAT Test Requirement
Every applicant needs a Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) score of at least 60 out of 100. Only HAT-I, HAT-II, HAT-III, and HAT-IV categories count — the HAT tests used for admission to Pakistani universities are not valid for this scholarship. HEC accepts scores from HAT tests taken on or after 25 October 2024. A further HAT test is tentatively scheduled for 25 October 2026 under ETC's test calendar; if your result comes out after the application deadline, HEC will add it automatically once announced, so a pending test doesn't disqualify you from applying. Where two applicants tie on HAT score, HEC breaks the tie using the percentage from the applicant's most recent completed degree.
How to Apply — Two Separate Portals
Both steps are mandatory; missing either one means HEC cannot accept the application.
- Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) portal — apply via the CSC's own online system for Master's scholarships or PhD scholarships.
- HEC portal — register at scholarship.hec.gov.pk, complete your profile, then select "Learning Opportunities Abroad" and submit. Download your submitted application for your own records.
Being nominated by HEC does not guarantee a scholarship — final selection rests with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK.
Fields of Study
Applications are accepted under six CSC development themes: science and technology for development; strengthening health systems and capacity; promoting innovation and entrepreneurship; strengthening global peace, security and governance; strengthening resilience and response to crises; and access, inclusion and opportunity. Applicants should be able to show how their proposed study connects to one of these areas and to development outcomes back home.
Other Things to Know
HEC has set a minimum female nomination ratio of 45% for this cycle. Results of the nomination process are expected around December 2026, with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's own results expected by July 2027 and study starting in the UK around September/October 2027. Do not send hard copies of your application to HEC unless specifically asked — everything is handled through the two online portals above.
Looking for more funded study opportunities? Browse the latest rozgar online scholarships currently open to Pakistani students.
Apply Now → CSC – Master's | CSC – PhD | HEC Portal