HEC Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program 2023 (phase 3), is a Postdoctoral Scholarship Program to aims to provide funding to Pakistani scholars to pursue their research in top universities abroad. Earlier when the HEC announced this fellowship program, the delaine of the scholarship program was 30th June 2023 but now the HEC has announced that the deadline for the Postdoctoral Scholarship Program has been extended. This extended deadline for the Postdoctoral Scholarship Program offers a great opportunity for Pakistani scholars to apply and conduct their research in foreign universities.
Extended Deadline
The initial deadline for the Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program 2023 (phase 3) applications was 30th June 2023 however, the deadline has now been extended due to the Eid-ul-Azha Holidays. The new deadline for the HEC Postdoctoral Scholarship Program is 5th July 2023. The new deadline offers scholars an additional opportunity to apply for this excellent scholarship program.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the HEC Postdoctoral Fellowship Program Phase-III candidate must:
- Hold a PhD degree from a HEC-recognized local or international university.
- Be a regular employee of a public or private sector HEC-recognized university/degree awarding institution or public sector R&D organization (recognized by Pakistan Council of Science & Technology).
- Have not availed/completed any post-doctoral fellowship either funded or self-funded, local or foreign, before.
- Be no more than 45 years of age on the date mentioned in the advertisement.
- Possess five years' recognized work experience in Pakistan after completion of a foreign PhD.
- Have a placement letter from a top 200 QS world-ranked university/research institute from a relevant supervisor along with his CV.
- Have acquired requisite qualifications on or before the closing date.

Application Procedure
To apply for the Postdoctoral Scholarship Program, individuals are required to submit their applications online through the HEC's e-portal. The application must include a research proposal, an endorsement letter from the scholar's host institution, attested copies of academic and professional credentials, and an acceptance letter from the institution. Applicants are also required to pay an application processing fee (non-refundable) of Rs. 2000/- to successfully submit their applications. Applications must be submitted before the deadline through the HEC e-portal.
Coverage of the Scholarship Program
The Postdoctoral Scholarship Program offers numerous benefits to the eligible candidates, including grants for research expenses, health insurance, travel allowances, and a monthly living allowance. The monthly living allowance will be provided till the end of the research. Following is the total coverage of the HEC Postdoctoral Scholarship Program:
Sr. No. |
Definition |
Scholarship Coverage |
1. |
Health Insurance |
USD 2,000 Once |
2. |
Living Allowance |
USD 1,600 per month |
3. |
Air Ticket (Return) |
PKR 250,000 Once |
4. |
Research Lab/Experimentation Cost |
USD 6,000 Once |
Background
The HEC is a regulatory body that promotes higher education and research in Pakistan. One of its functions is the management of scholarships and grants to fund research projects to improve education in the country. The Postdoctoral Scholarship Program aims to provide funding to scholars to pursue their research in Pakistan.
