The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has officially announced that scholarships are open for Fall 2026 admissions under the prestigious US-Pak Knowledge Corridor. This opportunity enables talented Pakistani and AJK students to pursue fully funded and partially funded PhD programs at Top 100 QS World Ranked US Universities. With tuition support, stipends, and health insurance, the program aims to develop Pakistan’s research and academic capacity. Eligible applicants meeting the criteria—especially those already admitted in preferred subject areas—are encouraged to apply online before the closing date.
Program Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Ad Posted Date | November 2025 |
| Program Name | HEC Scholarships Under US-Pak Knowledge Corridor |
| Scholarship Type | PhD Programs Only (No MS leading to PhD) |
| Funding Coverage | Tuition Fee, Monthly Stipend, Health Insurance |
| Eligible Countries | United States (Top 100 QS Ranked Universities) |
| Who Can Apply | Pakistani / AJK Nationals |
| Application Mode | Online via HEC Scholarship Portal |
| Last Date to Apply | April 30, 2026 |
| Official Sources | HEC Website & Scholarship Portal |
| Location | Islamabad, Pakistan (HEC HQ) |
Positions / Categories Available
Category I – Scholarships for Top 50 QS World Ranked US Universities (Overall)
Financial Benefits:
- Full Tuition Fee (as per university invoice)
- Stipend
- Health Insurance
Specific Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have secured admission in any Top 50 QS World Ranked US University (Overall ranking).
- Must hold a valid GRE-General score of at least 300, OR an HEC HAT score of at least 60%.
Category II – Scholarships for QS Ranked 51–100 US Universities (Overall)
Financial Benefits:
- Tuition Fee up to USD 12,000 per annum
- Stipend
- Health Insurance
Specific Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have secured admission in a Top 51–100 QS World Ranked US University.
- Must hold a valid GRE-General score of minimum 300, OR an HAT score of at least 60%.
General Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be Pakistani or AJK nationals.
- Must hold a minimum 4-year bachelor’s degree (BS/BSc/BE/16 years of education).
- No 2nd or 3rd division in academic career for Category I & II scholarships.
- Maximum age on closing date:
- 40 years for regular government employees, public-sector university faculty, or researchers of approved R&D organizations.
- 35 years for all other applicants.
- Applicant must not be availing any other scholarship simultaneously.
Important Notes
- Only those who meet both general and specific eligibility criteria may apply.
- HEC is not obligated to award scholarships to all applicants; selection will be based purely on merit.
- The latest QS Rankings (2025) available at topuniversities.com will be used for evaluation.
- Preferred subject areas listed on the HEC website will be prioritized.
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How to Apply
- Visit the HEC Scholarship Portal:
👉 https://scholarship.hec.gov.pk - Create an account or log in.
- Fill in the online application form for the US-Pak Knowledge Corridor.
- Upload required documents, including admission letter, test scores, and academic certificates.
- Submit the application before April 30, 2026.
Terms & Conditions
- Applicants must ensure that all documents submitted are authentic and valid.
- Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection.
- HEC reserves the right to change or amend policies as per program needs.
- Scholarship benefits apply only after the candidate receives final approval from HEC.
- The program supports only PhD studies; MS-to-PhD pathways are not included.
- Applicants already receiving any scholarship are not eligible.
- Rankings verified through QS World University Rankings 2025 will be considered final