HEC Overseas Scholarships for MS, MPhil and PhD Studies (Phase-III, Batch-IV) 2026 Apply Online

HEC Overseas Scholarships for MS, MPhil and PhD Studies (Phase-III, Batch-IV) 2026 Apply Online

Applications are invited from outstanding Pakistani and AJK nationals for the prestigious HEC Overseas Scholarships for MS/MPhil and PhD studies (Phase-III, Batch-IV). These fully funded and partially supported scholarships are awarded for top-ranked international universities in the Top 200 QS/THE World University Rankings. This program aims to build national capacity in critical academic discipline areas to foster research, innovation, and socio-economic growth in Pakistan.

List of Study Disciplines / Thematic Areas

• Digital Transformation & Emerging Technologies

• Energy, Climate Change & Environment

• Agriculture, Food Security & Agri-Tech

• Health, Biotechnology & Life Sciences

• Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing

• Natural & Physical Sciences

• Social Sciences, Business & Governance

• Interdisciplinary & Strategic Areas

Terms & Conditions

• Eligibility Criteria for PhD Scholarships:

  • Must be a Pakistani / AJK national.

  • Candidates who previously availed an HEC-funded MS/MPhil scholarship are eligible only after completing a minimum residency period of two years in Pakistan and submitting an NOC.

  • Minimum 18 years of education (MS/MPhil or equivalent). Candidates with a 17-year MSc/MS degree from foreign universities are also eligible subject to HEC equivalence.

  • A maximum of one second division (or equivalent grade) throughout the academic career prior to the terminal degree.

  • Minimum CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0 (semester system) or First Division (annual system) in MS/MPhil degree.

  • Employees of public sector universities, colleges, R&D organizations, government, or semi-government organizations must submit an NOC.

  • Maximum age limit: 40 years for public sector employees and 35 years for all others.

• Eligibility Criteria for MS/MPhil Scholarships:

  • Must be a Pakistani / AJK national.

  • A maximum of one second division (or equivalent grade) throughout the academic career prior to the terminal degree.

  • Employees of public sector organizations must submit an NOC from their parent department.

  • Must have 16 years of education (BS/BE/Masters or equivalent) in the relevant field with a minimum CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or First Division.

  • Maximum age limit: 35 years for public sector employees and 30 years for all others.

• Selection & Aptitude Test (HAT):

  • The Education Testing Council (ETC) will conduct the HEC Aptitude Test (HAT). Valid HAT scores from previous ETC tests within the past two years will also be considered.

  • Candidates holding confirmed unconditional admission in thematic areas for Fall 2026 in a Top 200 QS/THE-ranked university are exempted from the test/interview, subject to meeting basic eligibility.

  • Selection is strictly on merit based on HAT test scores and interview results, subject to approved provincial quotas.

  • Candidates must ensure their chosen subject is offered in the target foreign university; otherwise, they will not be considered.

• General Guidelines:

  • Do not send hard copies/printed application forms or documents to HEC at this stage. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to submit signed printouts with documents.

  • HEC reserves the right to postpone or cancel the scholarship program and amend the schedule if required.

How to Apply

• Online Registration: Submit your application online through the official HEC e-Services Portal at eservices.hec.gov.pk.

• Processing Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee of Rs. 3,000/- via 1LINK payment services.

• Detailed instructions on thematic areas, eligibility criteria, test categories, and payment options are available on the HEC portal (www.hec.gov.pk/english/scholarshipsgrants/OSSPhase-III).

Last Date to Apply

• The deadline for online application submission is August 28, 2026 (1600 hours).