HEC Faculty Development Programme (FDP) 2026 for Pakistani University Faculty

About This Scholarship

The HEC Faculty Development Programme (FDP) is an exclusive, fully funded pathway for regular Pakistani university faculty to pursue their PhDs abroad. Selected scholars will complete a 3-year local research phase in Pakistan and an intensive 1-year research phase at a top 500 QS-ranked foreign university. It provides robust financial backing, including a USD 1,200 monthly stipend abroad and PKR 18,000 locally, along with massive research grants. This is a premier opportunity for lecturers and assistant professors to elevate their academic careers and contribute to national research goals.

Scholarship Benefits & Coverage

• Foreign Monthly Stipend: USD 1,200 per month (for 6-12 months research abroad)
• Foreign Research Grant: USD 440 per month (Bench fees/Administrative costs)
• Local Monthly Stipend: PKR 18,000 per month (for 3 years in Pakistan)
• Local Tuition Fee: Up to PKR 100,000 per annum (paid directly to the university)
• Return Air Ticket: Once for foreign visit (Max reimbursement PKR 250,000)
• Thesis & Research Grant: PKR 150,000 total (Disbursed on Synopsis Approval, Thesis Submission, and Completion)

Eligibility Criteria

• 1
  Must be a Pakistani / AJ&K National
• 2
  Must be a regular faculty member (Lecturer/Assistant Professor) in a Public Sector University/DAI
• 3
  Must have 2 years of consecutive teaching experience in the parent university
• 4
  Academic Qualification: MS/MPhil (18 Years) with min 3.0 CGPA or 1st Division
• 5
  Age Limit: Maximum 45 Years on the application closing date
• 6
  Must secure PhD admission in a *non-parent* HEC recognized university (Conflict of Interest Policy)

How to Apply – Step by Step

1. 1

   Register on the HEC Educational Testing Council (ETC) portal (etc.hec.gov.pk) for the HAT Test.

2. 2

   Take the HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) and secure at least a 60% score (Valid for 2 years).

3. 3

   Log in to the HEC Scholarship Portal (scholarship.hec.gov.pk) and select 'Faculty Development Programme'.

4. 4

   Pay the non-refundable application fee (PKR 1,000) via 1Link/1Bill Invoice using the consumer ID generated on the portal.

5. 5

   Verify the payment online within the portal dashboard.

6. 6

   Submit the complete profile. (Note: Hard copies are NOT required at the initial stage).

7. 7

   If shortlisted, you must secure a supervisor in a Pakistani university (Non-Parent) and a co-supervisor in a foreign university (Top 500 QS Ranked).

Required Documents

• CNIC / Passport (Scanned)
• HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) Score Card
• MS/MPhil Transcript and Degree Certificate (Attested)
• Service Certificate from Registrar of Parent University (Proof of 2 years regular service)
• NOC (No Objection Certificate) from Parent University
• Study Plan / Research Proposal (showing alignment with national needs)

Frequently Asked Questions