HEC Overseas Scholarship Scheme (MS and PhD)

Higher Education Commission (HEC), Government of Pakistan

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Pakistani or AJK nationals. MS applicants need 16 years of education and a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 and must be under 30 (35 for public servants); PhD applicants need 18 years of education and must be under 35 (40 for public servants). Selection uses the HEC aptitude test and an interview. Not open to Bangladeshi nationals.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan operates two major overseas doctoral engines for Pakistani citizens: (1) Overseas Scholarships for MS/MPhil leading to PhD in Selected Fields (Phase-III) at the world’s top-ranked universities, and (2) the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship Program (funding 1,000+ Pakistani scholars at leading US R1 universities). Scholars receive full living stipends, health insurance, return airfare, and tuition coverage in exchange for a national service bond in Pakistan upon graduation.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Pakistani or AJK nationals. MS applicants need 16 years of education and a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 and must be under 30 (35 for public servants); PhD applicants need 18 years of education and must be under 35 (40 for public servants). Selection uses the HEC aptitude test and an interview. Not open to Bangladeshi nationals.
2. Note the deadline. Aug – Sep (annual; the 2026 batch took applications from 9 to 28 Aug 2026 on the HEC e-services portal, followed by the HEC aptitude test) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Academic Degrees & HEC-Attested Transcripts: BS (4-year) and MS/MPhil transcripts showing First Division and no Third Division across the entire academic career.; Standardized Test Scores: Valid HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) score ≥ 60% or GRE General Score ≥ 300 (plus IELTS/TOEFL).; Foreign University Admission / Supervisor Acceptance: Unconditional admission offer from a QS/Times Higher Education top-ranked university or HEC Tuition-Free partner university in Germany, France, China, UK, or the USA.; Surety Bond & NOC: Legal deed of agreement/bond committing to serve in Pakistan post-PhD, plus No Objection Certificate (NOC) if currently employed in the public sector..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Academic Career Score (SSC to MS/MPhil CGPA) + HAT/GRE Test Score + QS/THE Global Ranking of Host Foreign University (applicants holding tuition-waived PhD offers from US R1 or European universities receive priority fast-track awards).

Profile of past winners

Pakistani BS/MS graduates who score 70+ in the HEC HAT (or 310+ on the GRE) and secure a tuition-waived PhD acceptance from a top US R1 university or a German/European partner institution.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for HEC Overseas Scholarship Scheme (MS and PhD)?

Pakistani or AJK nationals. MS applicants need 16 years of education and a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 and must be under 30 (35 for public servants); PhD applicants need 18 years of education and must be under 35 (40 for public servants). Selection uses the HEC aptitude test and an interview. Not open to Bangladeshi nationals.

What does HEC Overseas Scholarship Scheme (MS and PhD) cover?

Stipend, tuition and health insurance for MS/MPhil or PhD study at a QS/THE Top-200 university abroad; if tuition is higher than the allocated amount the scholar must arrange a fee waiver for the difference

When is the deadline for HEC Overseas Scholarship Scheme (MS and PhD)?

Aug – Sep (annual; the 2026 batch took applications from 9 to 28 Aug 2026 on the HEC e-services portal, followed by the HEC aptitude test) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with HEC Overseas Scholarship Scheme (MS and PhD)?

Host countries: United States, United Kingdom, Germany, China.

What documents do I need for HEC Overseas Scholarship Scheme (MS and PhD)?

Academic Degrees & HEC-Attested Transcripts: BS (4-year) and MS/MPhil transcripts showing First Division and no Third Division across the entire academic career.; Standardized Test Scores: Valid HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) score ≥ 60% or GRE General Score ≥ 300 (plus IELTS/TOEFL).; Foreign University Admission / Supervisor Acceptance: Unconditional admission offer from a QS/Times Higher Education top-ranked university or HEC Tuition-Free partner university in Germany, France, China, UK, or the USA.; Surety Bond & NOC: Legal deed of agreement/bond committing to serve in Pakistan post-PhD, plus No Objection Certificate (NOC) if currently employed in the public sector..

How are applicants selected for HEC Overseas Scholarship Scheme (MS and PhD)?

Academic Career Score (SSC to MS/MPhil CGPA) + HAT/GRE Test Score + QS/THE Global Ranking of Host Foreign University (applicants holding tuition-waived PhD offers from US R1 or European universities receive priority fast-track awards).

How much work is the HEC Overseas Scholarship Scheme (MS and PhD) application?

Very High: HEC Online Application + HAT/GRE Score + Admission Offer from QS/THE Top-200/300 Global University + Legal Surety Bond to Return to Pakistan