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For a PhD abroad in HEC’s selected-fields scheme, start with the Overseas Scholarship for MS/MPhil Leading to PhD in Selected Fields (Phase-III). HEC’s Batch-IV deadline was 28 August 2026 at 1600 hours; that date had passed by 4 October 2026. Check HEC’s page for a later notice rather than assuming the same application is still open.
Find the right HEC route for your goal
Phase-III is the general selected-fields route for overseas MS/MPhil and PhD study. Two other HEC programs may appear in searches, but they serve different purposes:
- US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor: a separate, United States-focused PhD program with its own eligibility rules and admission or test requirements. See the Knowledge Corridor eligibility criteria and verify the live call because dates and eligible university-ranking bands can change.
- International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP): for eligible students already enrolled full-time in a PhD at a recognized Pakistani university who arrange research at a foreign host. It is not an award to begin a PhD abroad. HEC’s IRSIP Batch 60 criteria include at least 18 credit hours completed, enrollment between 18 months and 3.5 years, an approved topic or synopsis, and an official foreign-host invitation. The host must meet HEC’s stated developed-country and QS/THE ranking condition. The IRSIP application instructions list a 1–30 October 2026 window; check the current batch documents for the exact requirements.
If you want HEC support to undertake the PhD overseas, assess Phase-III first unless the current call or your circumstances point to a separate program.
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HEC’s published Phase-III criteria set these baseline conditions for PhD applicants. Confirm them against the current call before applying, since program rules can change.
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- Nationality: Pakistani or AJK national.
- Education: ordinarily at least 18 years of education, such as an MS/MPhil or equivalent. HEC says applicants with certain foreign 17-year MSc/MS degrees may be considered if they provide equivalence from HEC’s A&A Division at application.
- Earlier academic record: no more than one second division, or equivalent, before the terminal/final degree.
- Qualifying MS/MPhil result: at least 3.0 CGPA on a 4.0 scale, or first division in the annual system, in the MS/MPhil or equivalent degree.
These are scholarship eligibility thresholds; meeting them does not itself secure a place at a foreign university.
Age, employment and previous HEC funding
- Age ceiling: maximum 40 for employees of public-sector universities, colleges or R&D organizations, and government or semi-government organizations; maximum 35 for other applicants.
- Employer NOC: employees in the specified public-sector, government or semi-government groups need a no-objection certificate from their organization.
- Previous HEC-funded MS/MPhil: HEC requires at least two years’ residence in Pakistan after completing the degree, as well as a relevant NOC.
Because age categories and NOC conditions can affect otherwise academically qualified applicants, resolve these points with the current HEC call and the relevant employer or HEC office before paying the application fee.
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Separate scholarship selection from university admission
HEC says selection is merit-based on HAT results and interview results, subject to approved provincial quotas. The HAT is conducted by HEC’s Education Testing Council; HEC states that a score is valid for two years and that it considers the best score. Host-university admission is a separate process: a university may require international GRE, TOEFL or IELTS, depending on its rules and the applicant’s program. These are not universal HEC scholarship tests.
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Before choosing preferences, check that the field is offered at the university and that the program fits the current call’s ranking rules and intake. HEC may reallocate a country or university preference, so a preference is not a guarantee of placement.
Estimate funding fit before choosing a university
HEC says the project’s financial provisions cover stipend, tuition fees and health insurance. If a university’s tuition is above the project allocation, the scholar must secure a fee waiver for the excess. The allocation can therefore affect which offers are financially workable; do not assume that a scholarship covers any tuition amount in full. Review HEC’s Phase-III financial provisions and current call details and ask the university about fees and waiver availability before committing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Apply through HEC e-Services when a call is open
- Open HEC’s Phase-III overview and application instructions and verify the current fields, eligible universities, criteria, deadlines and notices.
- Create an account or sign in to the HEC e-Services Scholarship Portal and complete the online application.
- Pay the published Rs. 3,000 processing fee through 1LINK, if that remains the fee for the current call.
- Submit the online form before the deadline. HEC says no printed copy is required initially; shortlisted applicants may later be asked for signed printouts and supporting documents.
For Batch IV, HEC listed registration opening on 9 August 2026 and a deadline of 28 August 2026 at 1600 hours. Those dates are past. HEC’s overview and separate notices gave conflicting HAT dates, so use the latest official announcement rather than relying on an older date. The deadline, test schedule, eligible fields, rankings and funding allocations should all be rechecked for any later call.
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