Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan · 🌍 Multiple · Global
FundingFully Funded
LevelPhD
DeadlineMarch
Application feeFree
About this scholarship
Full tuition, monthly living allowance ($1,500-$2,000), return airfare, health insurance, and HEC attestation support for Pakistani PhD students. 3-5 years PhD
DeadlineApplications typically open January and close end of March. Check hec.gov.pk.
IntakeFall / September
Applications openJanuary
CompetitionVery High
Programme duration3-5 years PhD
PhDAll fields
HEC Overseas PhD Scholarship eligibility criteria
Pakistani citizen with valid CNIC
Master's degree with minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0
Valid IELTS (6.5+) or TOEFL (80+) score
Age limit: 40 years on application deadline
Not already enrolled in a PhD program abroad
HEC attested degrees
GRE/GAT subject score where applicable
Benefits and coverage
Full tuition fees at the host university
Monthly living allowance $1,500-$2,000 depending on country
Return economy airfare
Health insurance
HEC degree attestation support
Conference travel grant
Required documents
HEC online application form
CNIC copy
Master's degree and transcripts (HEC attested)
IELTS/TOEFL score report
GRE/GAT subject score
Two academic reference letters
Research proposal outline
No objection certificate from employer (if applicable)
How to apply for the HEC Overseas PhD Scholarship
Review the eligibility criteria above and confirm you meet every requirement.
Prepare all required documents early — transcripts, CV, recommendation letters and motivation letter.
Applications typically open January and close end of March. Check hec.gov.pk. Submit a complete application before the March deadline.
Always confirm the latest details on the official website before applying.
Amount / coverageFull tuition, monthly living allowance ($1,500-$2,000), return airfare, health insurance…
LevelsPhD
Frequently asked questions
Pakistani citizen with valid CNIC Master's degree with minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 Valid IELTS (6.5+) or TOEFL (80+) score Age limit: 40 years on application deadline Not already enrolled in a PhD program abroad HEC attested degrees GRE/GAT subject score where applicable
Full tuition fees at the host university Monthly living allowance $1,500-$2,000 depending on country Return economy airfare Health insurance HEC degree attestation support Conference travel grant
HEC online application form CNIC copy Master's degree and transcripts (HEC attested) IELTS/TOEFL score report GRE/GAT subject score Two academic reference letters Research proposal outline No objection certificate from employer (if applicable)
Applications typically open January and close end of March. Check hec.gov.pk.
No — applications for the HEC Overseas PhD Scholarship are free.