US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship Program 2026

About This Scholarship

The US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at placing 10,000 Pakistani scholars in US universities for PhD studies over ten years. Unlike traditional scholarships, this program leverages tuition waivers from top US universities, while HEC covers the monthly living stipend, health insurance, and airfare. If you secure a tuition-free PhD admission in a ranked US university (often through a Graduate Assistantship), HEC will provide the financial safety net for your living expenses in the USA.

Scholarship Benefits & Coverage

• Monthly Stipend: USD 1,600 per month (Annual USD 19,200) for living expenses.
• Health Insurance: Up to USD 2,000 per annum.
• Return Airfare: PKR 250,000 (One-time reimbursement).
• Category I (Top 50 QS Ranked Uni): 100% Tuition Fee covered by HEC.
• Category II (Top 51-300 QS Ranked Uni): Tuition support capped at USD 12,000 per annum (Student must secure a waiver for the rest).

Eligibility Criteria

• 1
  Nationality: Pakistani / AJ&K National.
• 2
  Education: Minimum 4-year Bachelor's (BS/BSc/BE - 16 Years) OR MS/MPhil (18 Years).
• 3
  Academic Record: No 2nd or 3rd Division allowed in the entire academic career.
• 4
  Age Limit: Max 40 years (Public Sector Faculty/Govt Employees), Max 35 years (All others).
• 5
  Admission Status: Must have secured admission in a US University ranked in the Top 300 (QS World Ranking).
• 6
  Test Requirement: Valid GRE General Score (Min 300) OR HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) Score (Min 60%).
• 7
  Exclusion: Candidates who already hold a PhD or are currently availing another scholarship are ineligible.

How to Apply – Step by Step

1. 1

   Take the GRE (Min 300) or HEC HAT (Min 60%) test.

2. 2

   Secure an admission letter from a US University ranked in the Top 300 (QS World Rankings).

3. 3

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

4. 4

   Select 'US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor'.

5. 5

   Fill in the profile and upload the Admission Letter and Test Score.

6. 6

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

Required Documents

• Admission Letter from US University (Top 300 QS)
• GRE General / HAT Score Report
• CNIC / Passport
• Transcripts & Degrees (Attested by HEC/IBCC)
• CV / Resume
• Statement of Purpose

Frequently Asked Questions