The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has announced a major opportunity for Pakistani students by offering fully funded Chinese Government Scholarships for Master’s and PhD degree programmes in China for the 2026 academic year.
According to HEC, the scholarships are being offered under the Chinese Government Scholarship – High-Level Postgraduate Programme (Type-B) in collaboration with the China Scholarship Council and top Chinese universities. The initiative aims to strengthen academic cooperation between Pakistan and China while enabling talented Pakistani students to gain advanced international education.
The scholarship covers all major academic and living expenses, making it one of the most attractive overseas study opportunities currently available. Successful candidates will receive a full tuition fee waiver, free on-campus accommodation or a housing allowance, a monthly stipend of approximately 3,500 Chinese Yuan, and comprehensive medical insurance for the entire duration of their studies. However, international airfare will not be covered under the programme.
HEC stated that the scholarships are open to Pakistani nationals who meet the academic and eligibility requirements. Applicants for Master’s programmes must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree, while PhD applicants must possess a Master’s or MPhil degree with a minimum GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 or equivalent. PhD candidates are also required to have at least one published research paper.
Language proficiency is another key requirement. Students applying for English-taught programmes must provide proof of English language proficiency through recognized tests, while those applying for Chinese-taught programmes must meet the required HSK level.
The commission clarified that HEC’s role is limited to nominating eligible candidates, while the financial responsibility of the scholarship lies entirely with the Chinese Government. Applicants must also fulfill the admission criteria of their selected Chinese universities.
Interested candidates are advised to submit their applications through HEC’s online portal before the January 18, 2026 deadline. HEC has encouraged students from diverse academic backgrounds, including engineering, sciences, social sciences, and management, to apply.
The scholarship programme is expected to attract a large number of applicants and is seen as a significant step toward expanding higher education opportunities for Pakistani students while further strengthening Pakistan-China educational ties.
