HEC Indigenous Ph.D. Fellowship Program Phase-II 2026

About This Scholarship

The HEC Indigenous Ph.D. Fellowship Program (Phase-II) provides exceptional financial support for researchers pursuing MS leading to PhD or direct PhD programs within Pakistan. Scholars receive full tuition coverage, a PKR 18,000+ monthly stipend, and additional grants for books, laptops, and lab consumables. It empowers top-tier academic talent to conduct advanced domestic research under HEC-approved supervisors, eliminating financial burdens so you can focus entirely on innovation and discovery.

Scholarship Benefits & Coverage

• Monthly Stipend (MS/MPhil): PKR 12,000 per month (for 2 years)
• Monthly Stipend (PhD): PKR 18,000 per month (for 3 years, with annual increment)
• Tuition Fee Support: Up to PKR 100,000 per year (paid to university)
• Book Allowance: PKR 5,000 per annum
• Laptop Allowance: One-time grant of PKR 60,000 (subject to policy)
• Thesis Evaluation Charges: Paid by HEC (Foreign evaluation fees)
• Support to University: PKR 60,000 - 75,000 per year for lab/consumables (Science subjects only)

Eligibility Criteria

• 1
  Nationality: Pakistani / AJ&K National
• 2
  Academic Track 1 (MS leading to PhD): Must have 16 years of education (BS/MA/MSc) with no 3rd Division/Grade D in academic career
• 3
  Academic Track 2 (Direct PhD): Must have 18 years of education (MS/MPhil) with min 3.0 CGPA (Semester) or 1st Division (Annual)
• 4
  Age Limit: Max 35 years (General), Max 40 years (Regular Faculty members)
• 5
  Admission: Must secure admission in an HEC-recognized university with approved PhD supervisor (Max 5 scholars per supervisor)
• 6
  Exclusion: Candidates already availing other scholarships or with less than 3.0 CGPA in terminal degree are INELIGIBLE

How to Apply – Step by Step

1. 1

   Create a profile on HEC E-Portal (eportal.hec.gov.pk).

2. 2

   Select 'Indigenous Ph.D. Fellowship Program' under Scholarships.

3. 3

   Choose your category: 'Enrolled' (if already studying) or 'Completed' (if applying fresh).

4. 4

   Pay the application fee (PKR 500-1000) via 1Link/1Bill Invoice.

5. 5

   Submit the online application. (Hard copies NOT required initially).

6. 6

   Take the HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) organized by ETC (Score Weightage: 50-60%).

Required Documents

• CNIC / Passport
• Educational Documents (Matric to Terminal Degree)
• Domicile Certificate
• HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) Score Card
• Research Proposal (for PhD candidates)
• NOC from Employer (if employed)
• Supervisor Consent Letter (if already enrolled)

Frequently Asked Questions