Higher Education Commission (HEC)

Islamabad, Pakistan

NATIONAL RESEARCH PROGRAM FOR UNIVERSITIES (NRPU)

2026-27

CALL FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS

Funding Purpose:
Funding is aimed at supporting high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary, and solution-oriented research with strategic relevance to Pakistan's socio-economic development, industry, and society.

ELIGIBLE RESEARCH DOMAINS

The following research domains are eligible for application:

1. Social, Behavioral, Economic & Human Sciences

2. Natural/Emerging Sciences

3. Product/Process/Technology Development

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

General Information:
General information, eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and other relevant details are available on the HEC website:
http://www.hec.gov.pk/site/nrpu

Two-Stage Submission:
The application process consists of two stages (First and Second Stage). Only shortlisted short proposals of the 1st stage will be invited to submit a detailed research proposal (2nd stage).

Submission of Outlines:
Research proposal outlines must be submitted through the online portal:
https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/universities/nrpu/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Application Fee:
An application fee of Rs. 5,000 must be deposited online using the 1-link/1-bill service through a mobile banking app or internet banking.

Important Note:
Universities having more than five (05) delayed/unsettled cases are not eligible to apply.

Maximum Duration:
24 Months

PROJECT OUTLINE SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Friday, October 30, 2026

NOTE

Pakistani researchers are encouraged to submit joint research proposals in collaboration with researchers and institutions preferably from:

• KSA

• Türkiye

• China

• USA

• UK

• European Union

• Central Asian States

• Japan

• New Zealand

• Australia

• South Korea

• Singapore

• Among other developed countries

The collaborations should focus on co-creating innovative, interdisciplinary, and solution-oriented research projects through international research engagements on a voluntary basis.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Humaira Quddus
Director, National Research Program for Universities (NRPU)
R&ID, Higher Education Commission
H-9, Islamabad

Phone: 051-90401904 & 90401924
Email: hquddus@hec.gov.pk & smbatool@hec.gov.pk
Website: www.hec.gov.pk