HEC International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) 2026

About This Scholarship

The International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) is a prestigious 6-month fellowship designed for full-time PhD scholars enrolled in Pakistan. It provides a unique opportunity to conduct advanced research at top 200 QS-ranked foreign universities. IRSIP covers your international return airfare, a generous monthly living stipend (depending on the destination country), and bench fees up to GBP 2,000 for the foreign university. This global exposure is instrumental in enhancing the quality of domestic PhD research and building international academic networks.

Scholarship Benefits & Coverage

• President’s International Scholarship of Excellence: $180,000 total ($45,000/year for 4 years) covering full tuition and living expenses
• Tentanda Via Award: $120,000 total ($30,000/year for 4 years) for students overcoming significant barriers
• Global Leader of Tomorrow Award: $80,000 total ($20,000/year for 4 years) recognized for international leadership
• Automatic renewable entrance scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $37,500 based on admission average
• Comprehensive 4-year renewable funding packages awarded across all direct-entry faculties

Eligibility Criteria

• 1
  Status: Must be a full-time PhD scholar enrolled in a Pakistani/AJ&K University.
• 2
  Academic Standing: Must have completed PhD coursework (18 Credit Hours) with min 3.0 CGPA.
• 3
  Enrollment Period: Must have completed at least 1.5 years of enrollment but not more than 3.5 years at the time of application.
• 4
  Ranking Requirement: Must have an Acceptance Letter from a foreign university ranked in the **Top 200 World Universities** (QS General or Subject Ranking).
• 5
  Supervisor Rule: The foreign supervisor must NOT be an ex-supervisor of your local supervisor.
• 6
  Approvals: PhD research synopsis must be approved by the university's Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR).
• 7
  Test: Must have passed the GAT-Subject or University-specific admission test.

How to Apply – Step by Step

1. 1

   Secure an official Acceptance Letter from a supervisor at a Top 200 QS-ranked foreign university.

2. 2

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

3. 3

   Fill out the application form.

4. 4

   Upload the following mandatory docs: Acceptance Letter, CV of Foreign Supervisor, BASR Synopsis Approval Notification, Local Supervisor Recommendation.

5. 5

   Submit the application online. (Hard copies are usually requested only after provisional selection).

Required Documents

• Acceptance Letter (stating duration, research topic, and bench fee if any)
• CV of Foreign Supervisor (Short)
• NOC from Local Supervisor & Department
• BASR/DASR Approval Notification (Scanned)
• PhD Coursework Transcript
• Passport Copy

Frequently Asked Questions