HEC has announced a fully-funded PhD scholarship program for talented Pakistani and AJK students, giving them a chance to study at top universities in the United States. This initiative falls under the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor, a program designed to strengthen academic collaboration and build Pakistan’s capacity in science, technology, and research.
The program was created to help Pakistani students gain advanced education in key disciplines such as science, technology, engineering, medicine, business, and social sciences. The government aims to increase higher education enrollment to over five million students by expanding access to international opportunities.
Under this initiative, 10,000 Pakistani scholars will receive PhD scholarships in the coming years, while 1,500 students are expected to begin their doctoral studies in leading US universities starting from Fall 2026.
Admission Timeline
- Fall 2025: July 20, 2025
- Spring/Summer 2026: November 15, 2025
- Fall 2026: April 30, 2026
Who Can Apply
The scholarships are open to Pakistani and AJK nationals who hold at least 16 years of education (BS, BE, or equivalent). Candidates must also have completed an MPhil or MS degree from an HEC-recognized university.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- GRE General score of at least 300 or HEC HAT score of 60% or higher
- Maximum age: 35 years (for general applicants), 40 years (for government employees or university faculty)
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or equivalent)
- No other ongoing scholarship at the time of application
Eligible Fields of Study
Scholarships are available in diverse fields, including:
- Engineering and Technology
- Medical and Health Sciences
- Agricultural and Food Security
- Physical and Social Sciences
- Business, Arts, Design, and Media
- Computer Science, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence
- Water, Energy, and Environmental Studies
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application and Contact
Interested candidates can apply online through the HEC scholarship portal: https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk. All applications will be reviewed by HEC, and shortlisted candidates will be nominated for admission to top-ranked US universities.
For queries, applicants can contact the Project Manager, US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor, at HEC Sector H-9, Islamabad, or email [email protected].
Through this initiative, Pakistan aims to build a strong base of researchers and professionals who will contribute to national development after completing their studies abroad. The program not only supports students financially but also opens doors to international research collaborations and innovation.
