HEC Overseas Scholarship 2026 — MS/MPhil & PhD at Top 200 Universities

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has invited applications from outstanding Pakistani and Azad Jammu and Kashmir nationals for overseas scholarships for MS/MPhil and PhD studies under Phase III, Batch IV of its Overseas Scholarships programme. This is a strong opportunity for Pakistani students seeking fully funded higher education at top-ranked global institutions.


Scholarship Overview

  • Successful candidates will be given an opportunity to pursue higher education at universities ranked among the Top 200 in the QS or Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.
  • Degree Levels: MS/MPhil and PhD
  • Nationality: Pakistani and AJK nationals
  • Application Deadline: August 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM


Eligible Thematic Areas

The programme covers selected thematic areas considered important for Pakistan's academic, technological and economic development, including:

  • 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

  • Minimum eighteen years of education (MS/MPhil or equivalent) required. Candidates with a 17-year foreign MSc/MS degree are also eligible, subject to equivalence from the A&A Division at the time of application.
  • A maximum of one second division (or equivalent grade) is permissible throughout the academic career prior to the terminal/final degree.
  • Minimum CGPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0 in the semester system) or first division required.
  • Candidates who have previously availed an HEC-funded MS/MPhil scholarship are eligible only after completing a minimum two-year residency in Pakistan post-degree, along with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant authority.


Selection Process

Selection will be conducted on merit based on HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) scores and interviews, while applicable provincial quotas of the Government of Pakistan will also be observed. Candidates who already hold confirmed unconditional admission for Fall 2026 at a Top 200 QS/THE-ranked university in the specified thematic areas may be exempted from the selection test and interview, subject to meeting other eligibility requirements.


What's Covered

Scholarship payments will be made according to the project's approved financial provisions, covering prescribed stipend, tuition fees and health insurance. Note: if a university's tuition fee exceeds the amount allocated under the project, the candidate is responsible for securing a fee waiver to cover the additional cost.


How to Apply

Applicants must submit their applications online through the HEC e-Services Portal. Applicants must indicate their preferred foreign universities or countries during the application process, and the selected institution must fall within the eligible Top 200 QS/THE rankings, though HEC reserves the right to reallocate a university or country if needed.


Important Dates

  • Application Deadline: 28 August 2026, 4:00 PM

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