HEC NRPU 2026-27 — Call for Research Proposals (Outline Deadline 2026-10-30)

Higher Education Commission (HEC), Islamabad invites research proposal outlines under the National Research Program for Universities (NRPU) for the 2026-27 cycle. Funding supports high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary and solution-oriented research with strategic relevance to Pakistan’s socio-economic development, industry and society.

Eligible applicants: Universities and researchers as per HEC eligibility criteria. Submission is a two-stage process: project outline (first stage) and shortlisted full proposals (second stage). Joint research proposals in collaboration with national and international partners are encouraged.

Submission & key details:

- Project outline submission method: through HEC online portal (NRPU submission page).
- Application fee: Rs. 5,000 (online deposit required).
- Maximum project duration: 24 months.
- Two-stage submission: only shortlisted outlines will be invited to submit full proposals.
- Joint proposals with partners from countries including KSA, Türkiye, China, USA, UK, European Union, Central Asian states, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Singapore and others are encouraged.

Deadline (outline submission): Friday, October 30, 2026.

Contact / Issuer:
Humaira Quddus, Director, National Research Program for Universities (NRPU), Research & International Division, Higher Education Commission (HEC), H-9, Islamabad.
Phone: 051-90401904, 051-90401924
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]