Pak-UK Education Gateway (Innovative & Collaborative Research Grant - Phase II)

About This Scholarship

The Pak-UK Education Gateway is a prestigious collaborative research grant launched by HEC and the British Council. Aimed at fostering high-impact research partnerships between Pakistani and UK universities, this Phase-II grant supports joint projects in critical sectors like Climate Change, Medical Sciences, and Emerging Technologies. It provides massive funding (up to GBP 50,000 to GBP 100,000) for collaborative research, covering international mobility, lab consumables, and scholar exchanges. This is an unparalleled opportunity for faculty and PhD researchers to engage in globally recognized, innovative research.

Scholarship Benefits & Coverage

• Research Grant: Up to PKR 50 Million (or £200k+) per project for joint research.
• Student Stipend: Monthly stipend for PhD/MPhil scholars working on the project.
• Mobility Funding: Covers airfare, visa, and accommodation for short-term visits to the UK (2 weeks to 3 months).
• Training: Free access to research capacity-building workshops.
• Equipment Cost: Funds to purchase lab equipment/consumables.

Eligibility Criteria

• 1
  Lead Applicant (PI): Must be a full-time faculty member of a Pakistani Public/Private University.
• 2
  Partner (UK): Must have a Co-PI from a UK Higher Education Institution.
• 3
  Student Eligibility: PhD/MPhil students must be enrolled in the PI's university and selected as 'Project Research Associates'.
• 4
  Thematic Areas: Climate Change, Medical/Allied Health, Energy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and Social Sciences.
• 5
  Exclusion: Individuals cannot apply directly for a 'scholarship' without being part of a faculty-led project.

How to Apply – Step by Step

1. 1

   Step 1 (Faculty): The Pakistani Principal Investigator (PI) collaborates with a UK Partner to draft a Joint Research Proposal.

2. 2

   Step 2 (Submission): The proposal is submitted via the HEC/British Council online portal during the active 'Call for Proposals'.

3. 3

   Step 3 (Selection): If the project is won, the PI advertises positions for PhD/MPhil students.

4. 4

   Step 4 (Student Application): Students apply to the PI directly for the 'Research Assistant/Scholar' position.

5. 5

   Step 5 (Mobility): Selected students are sponsored for short-term research visits to the UK partner university.

Required Documents

• Joint Research Proposal (PI & Co-PI)
• CVs of Research Team (Faculty & Students)
• Letter of Support from UK & Pakistani Universities
• Detailed Budget Sheet
• Gantt Chart / Timeline of Activities

Frequently Asked Questions