HEC Overseas Scholarships 2026 for MS/MPhil & PhD – Apply Online
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has announced Overseas Scholarships for MS/MPhil and PhD Studies (Phase-III, Batch-IV) for outstanding Pakistani/AJK nationals. The scholarships are available for study at Top 200 QS/THE-ranked universities worldwide.
🎓 HEC Overseas Scholarships 2026 – Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program | Overseas Scholarships for MS/MPhil & PhD |
| Batch | Phase-III, Batch-IV |
| Eligible Applicants | Pakistani/AJK Nationals |
| Universities | Top 200 QS/THE-ranked universities |
| Study Areas | Selected thematic areas |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Processing Fee | Rs. 3,000/- |
| Deadline | August 28, 2026 at 1600 hours |
📚 Thematic Areas for PhD Scholarships
HEC scholarships will be offered in the following major areas:
- 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 for PhD
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Must be a Pakistani/AJK National.
- Candidates who previously availed an HEC-funded MS/MPhil scholarship must fulfill the required residency period and provide an NOC where applicable.
- Minimum 18 years of education (MS/MPhil or equivalent) is required.
- Candidates with 17-year foreign MS/MSc degrees may also be eligible subject to the prescribed equivalence requirements.
- A maximum of one second division throughout the academic career prior to the terminal/final degree is permissible.
- Minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 in the semester system or first division in the annual system is required.
- Employees of public-sector universities, colleges, R&D, government and semi-government organizations may require an NOC.
- Maximum age is generally 40 years for employees of public-sector organizations and 35 years for others, as specified by HEC.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria for MS/MPhil
- Applicant must be a Pakistani/AJK National.
- Maximum one second division throughout the academic career before the final degree is permissible.
- Relevant 16 years of education (BS/BE/Master’s or equivalent) is required.
- Minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 or first division in the annual system is required.
- Government/public-sector employees must submit an NOC where required.
- Age limits apply according to the applicant’s employment category.
📝 HEC Aptitude Test (HAT)
The Education Testing Council (ETC), Pakistan, under HEC, will conduct the HEC Aptitude Test (HAT).
Candidates who have previously appeared in the HAT may use a valid score where applicable. Applicants should check the latest HEC instructions regarding the validity of HAT scores and test arrangements.
🌐 How to Apply Online
Candidates are required to apply through the HEC e-Services Portal and complete the application within the prescribed deadline.
Application Processing Fee: Rs. 3,000/- through 1LINK payment services.
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria, thematic areas, test requirements and application procedure before submitting the application.
📅 Application Deadline
August 28, 2026 – 1600 Hours
Applicants are advised to complete both registration and fee submission before the closing date.
Important: Applicants are requested not to submit/send hard or printed copies of the online application at this stage. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to submit a duly signed printout along with the required supporting documents.
🔗 Official HEC Details & Application
For complete eligibility criteria, thematic areas, instructions and application information, visit the official HEC scholarship page:
HEC Overseas Scholarships – OSS Phase-III
Applicants should rely on the official HEC website for any subsequent updates, test schedules or amendments.
