HEC Overseas Scholarships for PhD in Selected Fields (Phase-III) 2026

About This Scholarship

The HEC Overseas Scholarships for PhD in Selected Fields (Phase-III) is one of Pakistan's flagship international funding programs. It offers fully funded doctoral studies at leading global universities in disciplines critical to Pakistan's development (like Renewable Energy, Advanced Agriculture, Engineering, and Social Sciences). It covers 100% of foreign tuition, a standard living allowance, health insurance, and airfare. This program is highly competitive, relying heavily on academic excellence and a high HAT score.

Scholarship Benefits & Coverage

• Tuition Fee: 100% paid directly to the foreign university.
• Monthly Stipend (USA): USD 1,600 per month.
• Monthly Stipend (UK): GBP 1,015 per month (London rates may vary).
• Monthly Stipend (Europe): EUR 1,000 - 1,286 per month (Country specific).
• Monthly Stipend (China/Malaysia): USD 800 - 900 per month.
• Monthly Stipend (Australia): AUD 1,583 per month.
• Return Airfare: Economy class ticket (One-time for joining and return).
• Health Insurance: Covered (Up to a capped limit/Standard Policy).

Eligibility Criteria

• 1
  Nationality: Pakistani / AJ&K National.
• 2
  Academic Criteria (PhD): Must hold MS/MPhil (18 years) with Minimum 3.0/4.0 CGPA or 1st Division.
• 3
  Academic Criteria (MS Eng Tech): Must hold 16 years B.Tech/BS Engineering Tech with NTC Registration.
• 4
  Maximum 2nd Divisions: No more than one 2nd Division in the entire academic career.
• 5
  No 3rd Division: No 3rd Division/Grade D allowed in academic history.
• 6
  Age Limit: Max 35 years (Open Merit), Max 40 years (Regular Faculty/Govt Employees).
• 7
  Test Requirement: Must score min 70% in HEC Aptitude Test (HAT).

How to Apply – Step by Step

1. 1

   Register for the HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) via etc.hec.gov.pk (Score of 70% is mandatory).

2. 2

   Wait for the HEC advertisement for 'Overseas Phase-III'.

3. 3

   Log in to the HEC Scholarship Portal (scholarship.hec.gov.pk).

4. 4

   Fill out the application form and select your preferred country/university from the HEC Partner List.

5. 5

   Pay the processing fee via 1Link.

6. 6

   Submit the application online. (Hard copies required only after shortlisting).

7. 7

   Once shortlisted, secure admission in the foreign university.

Required Documents

• HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) Score Card (Min 70%)
• CNIC / Passport
• MS/MPhil Transcript & Degree (for PhD applicants)
• NTC Registration Certificate (for Engineering Tech applicants)
• Domicile Certificate
• NOC (for Govt/University Employees)

Frequently Asked Questions