HEC Overseas Scholarship 2026-27: MS/MPhil & PhD Eligibility, Funding and 28 August Deadline

The Higher Education Commission has opened Batch IV of the Overseas Scholarship for MS/MPhil and PhD Studies under Phase III. Pakistani and AJK nationals can apply for funded study in eight priority thematic areas at universities placed in the Top 200 of QS or Times Higher Education world rankings.

Online registration started on 9 August 2026 and the application deadline is 28 August 2026 at 4:00 PM Pakistan time. HEC charges a Rs 3,000 application processing fee through 1LINK.

Which degree levels are available?

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• MS/MPhil scholarships
• PhD scholarships

Applicants already enrolled in an MS/MPhil or PhD programme are not eligible for this current batch. HEC says applicants should have completed the degree required for entry into the scholarship level before applying.

Eight thematic areas

HEC says the current batch is limited to eight priority areas:

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

An applicant should make sure the intended subject fits the current thematic scope before paying the application fee.

MS/MPhil eligibility

For the MS scholarship, HEC publishes the following main conditions:

• Pakistani or AJK national.
• BS/BE/Master’s or equivalent qualification representing at least 16 years of education in the relevant field.
• Minimum CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0 in the semester system or first division in the annual system.
• A maximum of one second division or equivalent grade before the terminal/final degree.
• Public-sector university/college, R&D, government and semi-government employees must submit the required NOC.
• Maximum age is 35 years for qualifying public-sector/government employees and 30 years for other applicants.

PhD eligibility

For PhD, the main HEC criteria include:

• Pakistani or AJK nationality.
• Normally at least 18 years of education through MS/MPhil or equivalent. A 17-year foreign MSc/MS may be considered subject to the required HEC equivalence.
• Minimum CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0 in MS/MPhil/equivalent or first division in the annual system.
• A maximum of one second division or equivalent before the terminal degree.
• Maximum age of 40 years for specified public-sector/government employees and 35 years for others.
• Public-sector employees must follow the NOC/proper-channel requirement.

A person who previously used an HEC-funded MS/MPhil scholarship also has an additional residency/NOC condition before applying for the PhD award.

How are candidates selected?

HEC states that selection is merit-based using the HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) and interview results, subject to approved provincial quotas. Applicants with a valid HAT score can use it according to HEC’s rules; the HAT score remains valid for two years.

Only shortlisted candidates who pass the required selection stage are called for interview.

Important exemption for unconditional admission holders

A strong feature of Batch IV is the treatment of applicants who already hold a confirmed unconditional admission for Fall 2026 in an eligible thematic area at a Top-200 QS/THE university.

HEC says these candidates can be exempt from the scholarship test/interview, subject to meeting all other prescribed eligibility conditions. They still have to submit the HEC scholarship application; holding an offer does not replace the HEC application.

How much funding does HEC provide?

HEC publishes clear financial limits for this project.

MS/MPhil financial provisions

• Maintenance allowance: up to USD 1,600 per month or the approved country rate, for a maximum of 24 months.
• Tuition: up to USD 4,000 per year for a maximum of two years.
• Health insurance: actual cost up to USD 600 per year for a maximum of two years.
• Airfare: one economy-class round trip, subject to the project’s approved airfare limit.

PhD financial provisions

• Maintenance allowance: up to USD 1,600 per month or the approved country rate, for a maximum of 48 months.
• Tuition: up to USD 4,000 per year for a maximum of four years.
• Health insurance: actual cost up to USD 600 per year for a maximum of four years.
• Airfare: one economy-class round trip under the approved project limit.

An important limitation is that if university tuition exceeds HEC’s approved tuition provision, the applicant is responsible for securing a tuition waiver or covering the excess cost under HEC’s rules.

Is IELTS required by HEC?

HEC’s FAQ says international GRE/IELTS is not required specifically for award of this scholarship. However, the chosen foreign university may require IELTS, TOEFL, GRE or another admission test.

Applicants should therefore check the host university’s admission requirement separately rather than assuming HEC eligibility guarantees university admission.

Can applicants choose non-partner universities?

Yes. HEC lists several partner agencies and universities, but the FAQ also allows eligible applicants to seek admission at non-partner universities that fall within the required Top-200 QS/THE ranking.

The applicant remains responsible for meeting the university’s admission and funding-gap conditions.

How to apply

1. Create or log in to the HEC e-Services Scholarship Portal.
2. Complete the common profile if it is not already complete.
3. Select the Overseas Scholarship MS/PhD Batch IV application.
4. Choose the correct degree level and thematic area.
5. Enter education, employment, proposed university/country and other required details accurately.
6. Pay the Rs 3,000 processing fee through 1LINK.
7. Submit the online application before 28 August 2026, 4:00 PM.

HEC says no hardcopy is required at the initial application stage. Shortlisted applicants will be asked for supporting documents later.

What should applicants check before final submission?

• Degree level and thematic area are correct.
• CGPA/division satisfies the scholarship rule.
• Age is within the correct MS or PhD limit.
• Employment and NOC status is accurately declared.
• HAT information is correct where applicable.
• The university is within the required ranking.
• The application fee has been paid through the prescribed method.
• The form is actually submitted, not merely saved as a draft.

Return-to-Pakistan requirement

HEC’s FAQ states that scholars and their guarantors sign an agreement requiring the scholar to return to Pakistan after completing studies and serve the mandatory bond period. Applicants considering long-term settlement abroad should understand this obligation before accepting the award.

Official links

• HEC Overseas Scholarship Phase III
• How to Apply
• Funding Details

FAQs

What is the last date?

28 August 2026 at 4:00 PM.

What is the application fee?

Rs 3,000 through 1LINK.

Can a currently enrolled MS or PhD student apply?

No. HEC’s current FAQ says applicants already enrolled in an MS/MPhil or PhD programme are not eligible.

Does HEC pay unlimited tuition?

No. The project publishes a tuition contribution limit of up to USD 4,000 per year, with excess tuition requiring a waiver or other approved arrangement.