HEC Overseas Scholarships 2026 — MS/MPhil & PhD (Top 200 QS/THE Universities)

Higher Education Commission (HEC) invites applications from outstanding Pakistani / AJK nationals for Overseas Scholarships (Phase-III) for MS/MPhil and PhD studies at Top 200 QS/THE ranked universities. Scholarships cover thematic research areas and include stipends, tuition, and health insurance as per project provisions.

Key eligibility highlights

• Applicant must be a Pakistani / AJK national.
• PhD: Minimum 18 years of education (MS/MPhil or equivalent). Candidates with 17 years from foreign institutions may be eligible subject to equivalence at time of application.
• MS: Minimum 16 years of education (BS/BEng/Masters or equivalent) in a relevant field.
• Academic standard: Generally minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 (semester) or first division (annual) in the relevant degree; maximum one second division/equivalent across academic record permissible (as per HEC criteria).
• Employees of public sector universities / colleges / R&D / government / semi-government organizations must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer.
• Age limits (as published): PhD — maximum 40 years for public sector employees and 35 years for others; MS — maximum 35 years for public sector employees and 30 years for others.

Selection & tests

• Candidates selected on merit based on HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) scores and interviews (subject to approved provincial quotas).
• HAT is administered by the Education Testing Council (ETC), Pakistan. A valid HAT score on the closing date is required; HAT scores remain valid for two years.
• Candidates must opt for foreign universities (Top 200 QS/THE) and ensure the chosen university offers the proposed field of study; candidates must meet host university requirements (GRE, TOEFL, IELTS) where applicable.
• Applicants holding confirmed unconditional admission for Fall 2026 at a Top 200 QS/THE university in the thematic areas may be exempt from the scholarship test/interview, subject to eligibility.

Important notes

Payments and award details follow the project's approved financial provisions. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview/scholarship at later stages. Applicants are advised to complete registration and fee submission through the HEC portal within the prescribed timeline and to follow detailed instructions on the HEC scholarship webpage.

More information & official links: https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/scholarshipsgrants/OSSPhase-III and HEC e-Services portal (eservices.hec.gov.pk).