HEC Pakistan Scholarships for International Students (Allama Iqbal Scholarships)

Higher Education Commission (HEC), 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

Citizens of the partner countries of each scheme (for example Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Central Asian countries). For the Bangladesh scheme: Bangladeshi citizens only, aged 17 to 23 for bachelor's and up to 35 for doctoral study; online application, an HEC scholarship test and an online interview; recipients must serve Bangladesh after graduating.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Funded by the Government of Pakistan through the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (Technical Assistance Programme / Allama Iqbal Scholarship Scheme), this flagship program awards hundreds of fully funded scholarships each year to international students from Asia, Africa, the Commonwealth, and OIC states to pursue Bachelor’s (including MBBS, BDS, B.Sc. Engineering, and BS CS), Master’s, and PhD degrees at Pakistan’s premier universities (NUST, Quaid-i-Azam University, UET, King Edward Medical University, Dow, LUMS, COMSATS, and UAF).

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Citizens of the partner countries of each scheme (for example Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Central Asian countries). For the Bangladesh scheme: Bangladeshi citizens only, aged 17 to 23 for bachelor's and up to 35 for doctoral study; online application, an HEC scholarship test and an online interview; recipients must serve Bangladesh after graduating.
2. Note the deadline. Varies by country scheme – usually Apr – Jun (the Bangladesh call for 500 awards closed on 10 Jun 2026; watch hec.gov.pk for the next round) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Academic Transcripts & Certificates: Certified Grade 10 (SSC/O-Level) and Grade 12 (HSSC/A-Level) mark sheets for Undergraduates; Bachelor’s/Master’s transcripts for Postgraduate applicants.; HEC Online Application & Embassy Endorsement: Completed HEC e-portal form and nomination through the Pakistan High Commission/Embassy in the home country.; Research Proposal (for MS/PhD): 2–3 page statement of research objectives.; Medical & Identity Documents: Valid Passport, Birth Certificate, and Physical Fitness Certificate..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

HEC Written/Online Academic Aptitude Test + Academic GPA Evaluation + Bilateral Country-Quota Interview conducted by HEC and the local Pakistan High Commission.

Profile of past winners

High-GPA science, pre-medical, and engineering students from South Asia, Central Asia, and Africa who apply early through both the HEC portal and their local Pakistan Mission.

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. Beyond grades, show leadership and community impact with concrete numbers and outcomes.
5. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
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 Pakistan Scholarships for International Students (Allama Iqbal Scholarships)?

Citizens of the partner countries of each scheme (for example Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Central Asian countries). For the Bangladesh scheme: Bangladeshi citizens only, aged 17 to 23 for bachelor's and up to 35 for doctoral study; online application, an HEC scholarship test and an online interview; recipients must serve Bangladesh after graduating.

What does HEC Pakistan Scholarships for International Students (Allama Iqbal Scholarships) cover?

Full tuition, monthly stipend, hostel and mess charges, settlement allowance, air ticket and books (for example the Pak-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor scheme)

When is the deadline for HEC Pakistan Scholarships for International Students (Allama Iqbal Scholarships)?

Varies by country scheme – usually Apr – Jun (the Bangladesh call for 500 awards closed on 10 Jun 2026; watch hec.gov.pk for the next round) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with HEC Pakistan Scholarships for International Students (Allama Iqbal Scholarships)?

Host countries: Pakistan.

What documents do I need for HEC Pakistan Scholarships for International Students (Allama Iqbal Scholarships)?

Academic Transcripts & Certificates: Certified Grade 10 (SSC/O-Level) and Grade 12 (HSSC/A-Level) mark sheets for Undergraduates; Bachelor’s/Master’s transcripts for Postgraduate applicants.; HEC Online Application & Embassy Endorsement: Completed HEC e-portal form and nomination through the Pakistan High Commission/Embassy in the home country.; Research Proposal (for MS/PhD): 2–3 page statement of research objectives.; Medical & Identity Documents: Valid Passport, Birth Certificate, and Physical Fitness Certificate..

How are applicants selected for HEC Pakistan Scholarships for International Students (Allama Iqbal Scholarships)?

HEC Written/Online Academic Aptitude Test + Academic GPA Evaluation + Bilateral Country-Quota Interview conducted by HEC and the local Pakistan High Commission.

How much work is the HEC Pakistan Scholarships for International Students (Allama Iqbal Scholarships) application?

Medium: Online HEC Scholarship Application + Attested Academic Transcripts + Written/Online Aptitude Test + Embassy Interview