OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MS/MPhil & PhD STUDIES

Phase-III, Batch-IV

ANNOUNCEMENT

Applications are invited from outstanding Pakistani/AJK Nationals for the award of Overseas Scholarships for MS/MPhil and PhD studies under Phase-III, Batch-IV. Scholarships will be awarded for enrollment in Top 200 QS/THE ranked universities worldwide.

QS World University Rankings: https://www.topuniversities.com/qs-world-university-rankings
THE World University Rankings: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/latest/world-ranking

THEMATIC AREAS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships will be awarded only in the following thematic areas. Detailed information is available on the HEC official website:

https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/scholarshipsgrants/OSSPhase-III

Digital Transformation & Emerging Technologies
Energy, Climate Change & Environment
Agriculture, Food Security & Agri-Tech
Health, Biotechnology & Life Sciences
Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing
Natural & Physical Sciences
Social Sciences, Business & Governance
Interdisciplinary & Strategic Areas

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

A. Eligibility Criteria for PhD Scholarships

Requirement	Details
Nationality	Must be a Pakistani / AJK National.
Previous HEC Scholarship	Applicants who have previously availed an HEC-funded MS/MPhil scholarship are eligible to apply only after completing a minimum residency period of two (02) years in Pakistan following completion of their MS/MPhil degree. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant authority is required.
Academic Qualification	Minimum of Eighteen (18) years of education (MS/MPhil or equivalent). Note: Candidates with a 17-year MSc/MS degree from a foreign university are also eligible, subject to provision of equivalence from the A&A Division at the time of application submission.
Academic Record	A maximum of one second division (or equivalent grade) throughout the academic career prior to the terminal/final degree is permissible.
Minimum CGPA/Grade	Minimum CGPA 3.0 (out of 4.0 in semester system) OR First Division (in annual system) in MS/MPhil/Equivalent degree.
NOC for Employees	Employees of any Public Sector University/Colleges/R&D/Government/Semi-Government Organizations must submit an NOC from their organization.
Maximum Age	a) 40 years for Public Sector University/Colleges/R&D/Government/Semi-Government Organizations Employees. b) 35 years for all others.

B. Eligibility Criteria for MS Scholarships

Requirement	Details
Nationality	Must be a Pakistani / AJK National.
Academic Record	A maximum of one second division (or equivalent grade) throughout the academic career prior to the terminal/final degree is permissible.
Minimum CGPA/Grade	Must have BS/BE/Masters or equivalent to 16 years of education in relevant field with a minimum CGPA 3.0 (out of 4.0 in semester system) OR First Division (in annual system) in BS/BE/Masters/Equivalent.
NOC for Employees	Employees of any Public Sector University/Colleges/R&D/Government/Semi-Government Organizations must submit an NOC from their organization.
Maximum Age	a) 35 years for Public Sector University/Colleges/R&D/Government/Semi-Government Organizations Employees. b) 30 years for all others.

SELECTION CRITERIA

#	Selection Process Details
a)	Selection will be made on merit based on HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) scores and interview results, subject to the approved provincial quotas of the Government of Pakistan.
b)	Candidates must opt for foreign universities (Top 200 QS/THE) and countries of their choice in the online application form. HEC reserves the right to re-allocate any university/country to the candidate. Only shortlisted candidates who have passed the HEC aptitude test will be called for interviews.
c)	Candidates must ensure that their field of study is being offered in their chosen country/university; otherwise, they will not be considered for interview/scholarship.
d)	HEC will share the list of potential candidates with Partner agencies/Universities for placement of scholars.
e)	Candidates are required to fulfill host university requirements for admission, which may include international GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, etc. Candidates are advised to appear in these tests before the interview/admission.

HEC APTITUDE TEST (HAT)

The Education Testing Council (ETC) , Pakistan, under HEC, will conduct the HEC Aptitude Test (HAT).
For test updates, keep visiting the HEC website.
The HAT test score remains valid for two years.
Applicants who have already appeared for the HAT test in the past must have a valid test score on the closing date of the application.
The best score will be considered.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Step	Details
Online Registration	Registration will commence through the HEC e-Services Portal: eservices.hec.gov.pk
Application Processing Fee	A non-refundable fee of Rs. 3,000/- shall be deposited through 1LINK payment services.
Hard Copies	Applicants are requested NOT to submit/send hard/printed copies of the online application form at this stage. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted to submit a duly signed printout along with required supporting documents.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Exemption from Test/Interview: Candidates holding confirmed unconditional admission in the thematic areas for the upcoming semester (i.e., Fall 2026) in a Top 200 QS/THE-ranked university will be exempted from the scholarship test/interview, subject to meeting all prescribed eligibility requirements.
Financial Provisions:
- Payments to scholars shall be made in accordance with the project's approved financial provisions, which cover stipends, tuition fees, and health insurance.
- Financial provision details are available at: https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/scholarshipsgrants/OSSPhase-III
- Important: If the applicable tuition fees exceed the amount allocated under the project, the candidate shall be responsible for securing a fee waiver to cover the additional costs.
Application Deadline: Applicants are advised to complete their registration and fee submission within the prescribed timeline.
HEC Rights: HEC reserves the right to postpone or cancel the test and amend the schedule, if required.
Detailed Instructions: Detailed instructions regarding eligibility criteria, thematic areas, test categories, fee payment, and application procedure are available on the HEC website.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

August 28, 2026 (by 1600 hours / 4:00 PM)

CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact	Details
Project Director	Saima Naurin Higher Education Commission, Sector H-9, Islamabad
Helpline	051-111-119-432 0334-111-9432
Online Help	https://onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk
Website	https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/scholarshipsgrants/OSSPhase-III