The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced the opening of applications for the 60th batch of its International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP), offering Pakistani and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) PhD scholars an opportunity to conduct research abroad for six months.
Applications Open for Batch 60
The fellowship is available to eligible full-time PhD students enrolled at HEC-recognized universities across Pakistan. Applications for the latest batch are open until October 30, 2026.
Under the program, selected scholars will be placed at universities, research centers, or laboratories in developed countries, allowing them to gain exposure to international research environments and advanced academic facilities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have completed at least 18 credit hours of PhD coursework and should have been enrolled in their doctoral program for between 18 months and 3.5 years. For Batch 60, eligible PhD programs generally fall within the Spring 2023 to Spring 2025 intake period.
Candidates must also have an approved research topic and synopsis and meet HEC’s prescribed testing requirements. In addition, applicants are required to obtain an acceptance or invitation letter from an eligible foreign host institution.
Financial Assistance
HEC will provide financial support to scholars selected under the fellowship for their six-month research placement. The package includes an economy-class return airfare allowance of up to $1,300, along with monthly living support based on the destination country.
For example, scholars conducting research in the United States may receive up to $1,500 per month, while those travelling to the United Kingdom may receive up to £750 per month.
Research and Academic Benefits
The IRSIP initiative is designed to strengthen the quality of doctoral research in Pakistan by giving scholars access to international research facilities, academic expertise and potential collaborations.
Selected candidates will work with foreign supervisors and research institutions while continuing their doctoral research, helping build academic links between Pakistani universities and institutions abroad.
Application Process
Applicants are required to submit the necessary supporting documents through the HEC online scholarship portal before the deadline. These documents include the foreign university’s acceptance letter, details and CV of the host supervisor, approved research synopsis and a recommendation from the applicant’s local PhD supervisor.
HEC has also advised applicants to ensure that their online applications are fully completed and submitted before the deadline, as applications saved but not formally submitted may not be considered.
The IRSIP fellowship provides Pakistani PhD scholars with an opportunity to gain international research experience while contributing to the development of advanced academic and research capacity in Pakistan.
