HEC Overseas PhD Scholarship

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

ProviderHigher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan

CountryMultiple (Global)

Host university / institutionTop-ranked universities worldwide (USA, UK, Germany, Australia, Canada, etc.)

Degree levelsPhD

Fields of studyAll fields

Funding typeFully Funded

Application feeFree

DeadlineApplications typically open January and close end of March. Check hec.gov.pk.

IntakeFall / September

Applications openJanuary

CompetitionVery High

Programme duration3-5 years PhD

PhD All 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…

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.

No application fee — apply free

Apply on the official website → Official info page

DeadlineMarch

OpensJanuary

IntakeFall / September

CompetitionVery High

CountryMultiple

Deadlines and details change — always confirm on the official website before applying.

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