Scholarships

​​Overseas Scholarship for MS/M.Phil and Ph.D Studies under Project titled Overseas Scholarship for MS/M.Phil Leading to Ph.D in Selected Fields (Phase-III)

HAT Test Rescheduled to 19-Sep-2026 and roll No Slips Issued​Conten​t Weightage for HAT Test 

Last Date to apply 28-August-2026 1600 hrs 

e-Kachari on OSS Phase-III admission process on 24-08-2026

Important Dates to remember

corrigendum Important Notice 

Applications Open – Batch-IV Announced ​

The Higher Educati​on Commission (HEC), Pakistan invites applications from outstanding Pakistani and AJK nationals for the award of MS/MPhil and PhD scholarships under the project titled “Overseas Scholarship for MS/M.Phil Leading to PhD in Selected Fields (Phase-III)".

The scholarship aims to develop highly qualified human resources by providing opportunities to study at the Top 200 QS/THE Ranked Universities across the world in strategically important disciplines that contribute to Pakistan's socio-economic development.

Objectives

The Overseas Scholarship Program aims to:

• Develop highly qualified faculty and researchers.
• Strengthen Pakistan's higher education and research sector.
• Produce experts in emerging technologies and priority disciplines.
• Enhance innovation, industrial competitiveness and knowledge economy.
• Build human resource capacity in areas critical for national development.

Scholarship Categories

The program offers scholarships for:

• MS/M.Phil
• PhD

at Top 200 QS/THE World Ranked Universities.

Thematic Areas

Scholarships are available only in the following priority areas:

1. Digital Transformation & Emerging Technologies
2. Energy, Climate Change & Environment
3. Agriculture, Food Security & Agri-Tech
4. Health, Biotechnology & Life Sciences
5. Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing
6. Natural & Physical Sciences
7. Social Sciences, Business & Governance
8. Interdisciplinary & Strategic Areas

​Eligibility Criteria for PhD Scholarships: 

1. Applicant must be a Pakistani / AJK National.
2. Applicants who have previously availed an HEC-funded MS/MPhil scholarship shall be eligible to apply only after completing a minimum residency period of two (02) years in Pakistan following the completion of their MS/MPhil degree and must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant authority.
3. Candidates must have a minimum of Eighteen years of education (MS/MPhil, or equivalent). However, candidates having 17 years MSc/MS degree from foreign are also eligible to apply subject to provision of equivalence from A&A division at time of application submission.
4. A maximum of one second division (or equivalent grade) throughout the academic career prior to the terminal/final degree is permissible.
5. Candidates must have minimum CGPA 3.0 (out of 4.0 in the semester system) or first division (in the annual system) in MS/MPhil/Equivalent degree.
6. Employees of any Public Sector University/Colleges/R&D / Government / Semi Government Organizations must submit NOC to apply for the scholarship from their organization.
7. The maximum age to apply for the scholarship is;

1. Maximum 40 years' age for Public Sector University/Colleges/R&D / Government / Semi Government Organizations Employees.
2.  35 for all others.

Eligibility Criteria for MS Scholarships:

1. Applicant must be a Pakistani / AJK National.
2. A maximum of one second division (or equivalent grade) throughout the academic career prior to the terminal/final degree is permissible.
3. Employees of any Public Sector University/Colleges/R&D / Government / Semi Government Organizations must submit NOC to apply for the scholarship from their organization.
4. Candidates must ​have BS/BE/Masters or equivalent to 16 years of education in relevant field of studies with a minimum CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0 in semester system or first division (in the annual system) in BS/BE/Masters/equivalent.
5. The maximum age ( on closing application​​ date) to apply for scholarship is:
1. Maximum 35 years' age for Public Sector University/Colleges/R&D / Government / Semi Government Organizations Employees.
2. 30 for all others
   
3. No age relaxtion in any case.
   

Selection Criteria:

1. Selection of candidates will be made on merit based on HEC Aptitude Test scores and interview results, subject to the approved provincial quotas of the Government of Pakistan & slot available thematic area wise​.
2. Candidates are required to opt for foreign universities (Top 200 QS / THE World University Rankings) / 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.
3. Candidates are required to make sure that their field of subject is being offered in their choice of country/university, otherwise, candidate will not be considered for interview/scholarship.
4. HEC will share the list of potential candidates with the Partner agencies/ Universities for the placement of scholars.
5. Candidates are required to fulfill the requirements of the host university to secure admission which may include international GRE, TOEFL, IELTS etc. Candidates are advised to appear in these tests before interview/admission.

HEC Aptitude Test (HAT)

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

Apply online: Online registration will commence through the HEC e-Services Scholarship Portal (Overseas Scholarship For MS / PhD Studies Batch-4​).

The application processing fee i.e. Rs. 3,000/ shall be deposited through 1LINK payment services.

Important Note:

Candidates holding confirmed unconditional admission in 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 the prescribed eligibility requirements.

Payments to scholars shall be made in accordance with the project's approved financial provisions, which cover stipends, tuition fees, and health insurance. The financial provision details are available under link  https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/scholarshipsgrants/OSSPhase-III. 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.

Applicants are advised to complete their registration and fee submission within the prescribed timeline. Detailed instructions regarding eligibility criteria, thematic areas, test categories, fee payment and application procedure are available on the HEC website.

HEC reserves the right to postpone or cancel the test and amend the schedule, if required

Applicants are requested not to submit / send hard / printed copy of the online application form at this stage. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted to submit a duly signed printout along with the required supporting documents.

Important Dates

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