HEC CPEC Consortium: Six-Month Research Placement in China — Apply by 2026-08-14

Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan invites eligible MS/MPhil and PhD scholars for six-month research placements in China under the CPEC Consortium of Universities. The program aims to strengthen Pakistan-China academic linkages and advance research in national priority and emerging fields.

Eligibility (summary)

• Pakistan/AJK nationals only.
• Full-time MS/MPhil or PhD scholars enrolled at a recognized Pakistani higher education institution; must remain enrolled during selection and the proposed visit.
• Proposed research in China must be directly connected to the applicant’s degree research and feasible within six months.
• Official acceptance/invitation from a Chinese university, institute, or laboratory stating research area, host supervisor and proposed duration is required.
• Host university must be a member of the CPEC Consortium of Universities.

Additional Requirements for PhD Applicants

• Completion of PhD coursework.
• Eligible after at least 18 months of enrollment and up to a maximum of 3.5 years measured at the closing date.
• Research topic and synopsis approved by BASR, DASR, or equivalent competent university body.

Additional Requirements for MS/MPhil Applicants

• Completion of at least 18 credit hours.
• Must have entered thesis/research stage with the topic approved by the host university/department.

Priority Research Areas

1. Emerging Technologies: AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Automation and related disciplines.
2. Water, Environment & Climate: Water/wastewater treatment, desalination, water security, environmental engineering, climate resilience.
3. Energy & Green Technologies: Renewables, storage, smart grids, green hydrogen, energy efficiency, energy security.
4. Advanced Industry & Earth Resources: Advanced manufacturing/materials, minerals, geosciences, marine and coastal technologies.
5. Agriculture, Food & Biotechnology: Precision agriculture, sustainable food systems, food security, agricultural biotechnology.
6. Infrastructure, Transport & Logistics: Bridges/tunnels, ports, shipping, supply chains, sustainable cities.
7. Health & Life Sciences: Biomedical sciences, telemedicine, public health, pharmaceuticals, infectious disease control.
8. Society, Economy & CPEC Studies: Economics, trade, Chinese studies, media, tourism and CPEC-related social sciences.

Please ensure all eligibility conditions and required approvals are in place before applying online. For full details, application portal, and submission instructions visit the HEC website link above.