HEC Overseas Scholarships for MS/MPhil & PhD Studies 2026

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced the HEC Overseas Scholarships 2026 for MS/MPhil and PhD Studies, inviting applications from eligible Pakistani and AJK Nationals. These prestigious scholarships aim to support students pursuing higher education in top 200 QS/THE ranked universities worldwide. Interested candidates can apply online through the HEC e-Services Portal.

Job Overview

Available Scholarships (Thematic Areas)

The scholarships will be awarded in the following thematic areas. Detailed information is available on the HEC official website: https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/scholarshipsgrants/OSSPhase-III

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

Eligibility Criteria for PhD Scholarships

• Applicant must be a Pakistani / AJK National.
• Applicants who have previously availed an HEC-funded MS/MPhil scholarship shall be eligible to apply only after completing a minimum residency period of two (02) years in Pakistan following the completion of their MS/MPhil degree and must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant authority.
• Candidates must have a minimum of Eighteen years of education (MS/MPhil, or equivalent). However, candidates having 17 years MSc/MS degree from foreign universities are also eligible to apply subject to provision of equivalence from A&A division at the time of application submission.
• A maximum of one second division (or equivalent grade) throughout the academic career prior to the terminal/final degree is permissible.
• Candidates must have a minimum CGPA 3.0 (out of 4.0 in the semester system) or first division (in the annual system) in MS/MPhil/Equivalent degree.
• Employees of any Public Sector University/Colleges/R&D/Government/Semi Government Organizations must submit NOC to apply for the scholarship from their organization.
• The maximum age to apply for the scholarship is:
  • Maximum 40 years for Public Sector University / Colleges / R&D / Government / Semi Government Organizations Employees.
  • 35 for all others.

Eligibility Criteria for MS Scholarships

• Applicant must be a Pakistani / AJK National.
• A maximum of one second division (or equivalent grade) throughout the academic career prior to the terminal/final degree is permissible.
• Employees of any Public Sector University / Colleges / R&D / Government / Semi Government Organizations must submit NOC to apply for the scholarship from their organization.
• Candidates must have BS/BE/Masters or equivalent to 16 years of education in a relevant field of studies with a minimum CGPA 3.0 (out of 4.0 in the semester system) or first division (in the annual system) in BS/BE/Masters/equivalent.
• The maximum age to apply for scholarship is:
  • Maximum 35 years for Public Sector University / Colleges / R&D / Government / Semi Government Organizations Employees.
  • 30 for all others.

Selection Criteria

• Selection of candidates will be made on merit based on HEC Aptitude Test scores and interview results, subject to the approved provincial quotas of the Government of Pakistan.
• Candidates are required to opt for foreign universities (Top 200 QS / THE World University Rankings) / countries of their choice in the online application form. HEC reserves the right to re-allocate any university/country to the candidate. Only shortlisted candidates who have passed the HEC aptitude test will be called for interviews.
• Candidates are required to make sure that their field of subject is being offered in their choice of country/university, otherwise, the candidate will not be considered for interview/scholarship.
• HEC will share the list of potential candidates with the Partner agencies/Universities for the placement of scholars.
• Candidates are required to fulfill the requirements of the host university to secure admission which may include international GRE, TOEFL, IELTS etc. Candidates are advised to appear in these tests before interview/admission.

HEC Aptitude Test (HAT)

The Education Testing Council (ETC), Pakistan, under the Higher Education Commission (HEC), will conduct the HEC Aptitude Test (HAT). For test updates, applicants should keep visiting the HEC website. The HAT test score remains valid for two years, and applicants who have already appeared for HAT tests organized by ETC in the past should have a valid test score on the closing date of application. The best score will be considered.

Important Note

• Candidates holding confirmed unconditional admission in thematic areas for the upcoming semester (i.e., Fall 2026) in a Top 200 QS/THE-ranked university will be exempted from the scholarship test/interview, subject to meeting the prescribed eligibility requirements.
• Payments to scholars shall be made in accordance with the project’s approved financial provisions, which cover stipends, tuition fees, and health insurance. The financial provision details are available under link https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/scholarshipsgrants/OSSPhase-III. If the applicable tuition fees exceed the amount allocated under the project, the candidate shall be responsible for securing a fee waiver to cover the additional costs.
• Applicants are advised to complete their registration and fee submission within the prescribed timeline. Detailed instructions regarding eligibility criteria, thematic areas, test categories, fee payment, and application procedure are available on the HEC website.
• HEC reserves the right to postpone or cancel the test and amend the schedule, if required.
• Applicants are requested not to submit/send hard/printed copy of the online application form at this stage. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted to submit a duly signed printout along with the required supporting documents.

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the HEC Overseas Scholarships for MS/MPhil & PhD Studies is August 28, 2026, by 1600 hours.

Contact Information

For further details, please visit: https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/scholarshipsgrants/OSSPhase-III

Saima Naurin, Project Director
Higher Education Commission, Sector H-9, Islamabad
Helpline: 051-111-119-432 or 0334-111-9432
Online Help: https://onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk

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