HEC Learning Opportunities Abroad (LOA) - Foreign Funded Scholarships

About This Scholarship

The HEC Learning Opportunities Abroad (LOA) acts as a gateway for Pakistani students to access foreign-funded scholarships offered by international governments and organizations. Instead of direct HEC funding, HEC serves as the nominating agency for prestigious bilateral grants (such as the Commonwealth, Chevening, and various European government scholarships). Through the LOA portal, HEC conducts initial screening and aptitude tests (HAT) to nominate the brightest Pakistani minds for fully funded undergraduate, master's, and PhD programs worldwide.

Scholarship Benefits & Coverage

• Tuition Fee: Generally 100% waived by the donor country.
• Monthly Stipend: Provided by the host government (Rates vary: e.g., Hungary ~EUR 120, China ~CNY 3000, UK ~GBP 1300).
• Accommodation: Free dormitory or housing allowance.
• Medical Insurance: Standard coverage in the host country.
• Airfare: Some countries (like China/Hungary) do NOT cover airfare; others (like Commonwealth/UK) DO cover it.

Eligibility Criteria

• 1
  Nationality: Must be a Pakistani / AJ&K National (Dual nationals often restricted).
• 2
  Test Requirement: Must have a valid **HEC Aptitude Test (HAT)** score for MS/PhD or **USAT** for Undergraduate.
• 3
  Academic Merit: Generally requires min 60% or CGPA 3.0, but specific donor countries set their own limits.
• 4
  Dual Application Rule: MUST apply on **BOTH** the HEC Portal and the Donor Country's Portal. Failure to apply on either results in rejection.
• 5
  Health: Must be medically fit (Medical Certificate often required).

How to Apply – Step by Step

1. 1

   Step 1 (HEC Portal): Register at scholarship.hec.gov.pk and select 'Learning Opportunities Abroad' (LOA).

2. 2

   Step 2 (Donor Portal): Submit a separate application on the donor country's website (e.g., stipendiumhungaricum.hu or campuschina.org).

3. 3

   Step 3 (Test): Ensure you have a valid HAT/USAT score. HEC shortlists candidates purely on this score + Academic formula.

4. 4

   Step 4 (Nomination): HEC sends the list of shortlisted candidates to the donor country.

5. 5

   Step 5 (Final Award): The donor country makes the final selection and issues the award letter.

Required Documents

• HEC Aptitude Test (HAT/USAT) Score Card
• Copies of all Educational Degrees & Transcripts
• CNIC / Passport (Valid for at least 6 months)
• Statement of Purpose / Research Proposal
• Medical Certificate (Specific format often required)
• Police Clearance Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions