HEC Overseas PhD Scholarships 2026 Apply Online US Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Latest

HEC Overseas PhD Scholarships 2026 Apply Online US Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Latest

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has officially announced fully funded PhD scholarships for the 2027 admissions intake under the prestigious US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor initiative. This scholarship opportunity is designed for talented Pakistani and AJK nationals who aspire to pursue doctoral studies at the Top 100 QS World Ranked US Universities.

As detailed in the official advertisement, this initiative aims to cultivate high-quality research and strengthen academic ties between Pakistan and the United States. Funding is divided into Category I (Top 50 QS Ranked Universities) and Category II (51-100 QS Ranked Universities), both offering robust financial coverage including stipends and health insurance.

Scholarship Categories

The scholarship programs available under the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor framework are:

• Category I: PhD Programs at Top 50 QS World Ranked US Universities (Overall Ranking)

• Category II: PhD Programs at 51-100 QS World Ranked US Universities (Overall Ranking)

Terms & Conditions

Prospective candidates must carefully evaluate the strict eligibility criteria and general guidelines outlined in 307241.jpeg before initiating an application:

General Eligibility Criteria:

• Nationality: Open strictly to Pakistani and AJK nationals.

• Academic Background: Minimum 4 years Bachelor's degree (BS/BSc/BE/16 years formal education).

• Academic Performance: No 2nd or 3rd Division is allowed in the entire academic career for both Category I & II scholarships.

• Scholarship Restrictions: The scholarship is solely for the PhD Program and does not include Masters or MS Leading to PhD paths. Candidates must not be availing any other active scholarship.

• Age Limit (On Closing Date):

  • Maximum 40 years for regular Government employees, regular faculty members of public sector universities, and Government colleges/regular researchers of approved R&D organizations.

  • Maximum 35 years for all other cases.

Specific Evaluation Metrics:

• Category I Applicants: Must have secured admission in a Top 50 QS World Ranked US University and hold a valid GRE-General Score (Minimum 300 in total) OR a HEC HAT Score (Minimum 60%).

• Category II Applicants: Must have secured admission in a 51-100 QS World Ranked US University and hold a valid GRE-General Score (Minimum 300 in total) OR a HEC HAT Score (Minimum 60%).

• Ranking Reference: The latest QS Ranking (2027) listed on [www.topuniversities.com](https://www.topuniversities.com) will serve as the standard reference.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates who satisfy both general and specific criteria must apply digitally :

1. Online Registration: Applications for the scholarship must be submitted online through the HEC scholarship portal at [https://scholarship.hec.gov.pk/](https://scholarship.hec.gov.pk/).

2. University Admission: Applicants are highly encouraged to secure admission to preferred subject areas at a qualifying US university. Preferred subject areas are listed on the primary HEC landing page: [http://www.hec.gov.pk/site/US-PAK-KCSA](http://www.hec.gov.pk/site/US-PAK-KCSA).

3. Funding Differential: Applicants are advised to secure university funding to cover any differential amounts if they occur.

Last Date to Apply

The submission deadlines vary based on your target university intake session:

• For Spring/Summer 2027 Intake: 30 October 2026

• For Fall 2027 Intake: 30 March 2027