🎓 HEC Overseas Scholarships (MS & PhD) – Pakistan Guide 2026
📅 Last Updated: February 2026
(Overseas scholarships are updated year-to-year — final deadlines and requirements are always posted on the official HEC website and portal.)
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan runs several Overseas Scholarship Programs that support talented Pakistani and AJK students to study at top-ranked universities abroad — for Master’s leading to PhD or direct PhD degrees (fully or partially funded). These allow you to study in countries like Germany, China, France, USA, UK, Australia, South Korea, Turkey, and more.
1️⃣ What Are HEC Overseas Scholarships?
“HEC Overseas Scholarships” are programmes where HEC helps Pakistani students get admission and funding for MS/MPhil leading to PhD or direct PhD abroad at top international universities based on merit and research potential.
These include:
Overseas Scholarships for PhD (Phase-III)
MS/MPhil leading to PhD Scholarships
Government partnership schemes with agencies like DAAD (Germany), Campus France, and others
These scholarships cover tuition fee support, monthly stipends, and other allowances depending on the country and agreement with HEC.
2️⃣ Who Can Apply?
Eligible Candidates
✔ Pakistani or AJK citizens
✔ Applicants with:
For MS/MPhil leading to PhD — minimum 16 years education (e.g., BS, BE, MSc etc.)
For Direct PhD — minimum 18 years education (e.g., MS/MPhil/ME or equivalent)
✔ Strong academic record (usually CGPA ≥ 3.0 or equivalent)
✔ Pass HEC’s aptitude/scholarship test (HAT or equivalent) if required
✔ Not already receiving another major scholarship
Age Limits (Typical)
35 years or below for general applicants
40 years or below for faculty or public sector employees
❌ NOT Eligible:
Those already getting another full government scholarship
Incomplete degrees at application time (for PhD)
3️⃣ Countries & Partner Universities
HEC has partnerships and agreements to place scholars in many advanced countries:
🇩🇪 Germany (through DAAD)
Examples:
Many public universities offer English-taught PhDs where you first contact a supervisor then apply for HEC funding.
🇫🇷 France
HEC works via Campus France for placement and scholarship support.
🇨🇳 China
HEC works with China Scholarship Council and partner universities.
🇺🇸 USA
HEC funds PhD opportunities in top US universities through open competitive scholarship calls.
🇬🇧 UK, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇹🇷 Turkey
HEC has placed Pakistani scholars under various global scholarship arms.
📌 One common requirement is that the host universities must be top-ranked (often QS/Times Higher Education top 500).
4️⃣ What the Scholarship Covers
The benefits vary by country and agreement, but typically include:
✔ Monthly stipend / living allowance
e.g., in Europe (~€1,000/month)
China (~$800/month)
USA/Canada (~$1,600/month)
✔ Tuition fee support or waiver
✔ Health insurance support (depends on country)
✔ Research and printing allowance (varies by scheme)
✔ Support for travel or airfare (sometimes included or part-funded)
📌 HEC stipends and allowances are approved per country standards at the time of award.
5️⃣ Eligibility Requirements (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 — Educational Requirements
For MS/MPhil loans leading to PhD: at least 16 years of higher education
For Direct PhD: at least 18 years of education (MS/MPhil/ME or equivalent)
Step 2 — Academic Criteria
Minimum CGPA typically 3.0/4.0 or equivalent
No more than specified number of second divisions in prior degrees (often ≤ two).
Step 3 — Aptitude / Test Scores
HEC may require a pass in the HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) or similar test.
Step 4 — Research Proposal
For PhD applications, a research proposal is needed
For countries like Germany, acceptance by a supervisor at the host university is essential before interview.
Step 5 — Language Tests
GRE, TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent may be required depending on university.
6️⃣ How to Apply (2026 Process)
Step 1: Monitor HEC Official Portal
Visit HEC online scholarship / e-portal (scholarships.hec.gov.pk)
Look for Overseas Scholarship calls when announced
Step 2: Online Application
Create HEC e-portal account
Fill profile with academic info
Upload educational certificates, CNIC/passport, CGPA certificate, research proposal (for PhD), test scores (GRE/IELTS etc.)
Step 3: Application Fee
Often a non-refundable processing fee (e.g., Rs. 300/-) is required during application.
Step 4: Submit Before Deadline
Submit the online form before the official closing date.
Step 5: Shortlisting & Interviews
HEC shortlists candidates based on merit
Some schemes (e.g., Germany/DAAD) involve interviews with international professors or selection panels.
Step 6: Admission & Award
If selected, secure the offer letter from the host university and complete documentation (visa, medical, etc.).
7️⃣ Why This Scholarship Is Trusted
✔ Backed by Government of Pakistan – HEC
✔ Partner agreements with DAAD (Germany), Campus France, and other agencies
✔ Positioned at top international universities
✔ Thousands of placements historically — over 4,000 awarded globally in recent years
✔ Strong alumni and placement support mechanisms
8️⃣ Real Pakistan Problems & Solutions
❌ Problem: Eligibility Uncertainty
Solution: Check official HEC calls; don’t rely on old advertisements — they change yearly.
❌ Problem: Research Proposal Not Accepted
Solution: Contact potential supervisors early; start proposal drafting 6–12 months before deadlines.
❌ Problem: Language Requirements
Solution: Prepare IELTS/TOEFL and GRE early — many universities require these scores before shortlisting.
❌ Problem: Missing Deadlines
Solution: Note multiple batch calls throughout the year; plan timelines carefully.
❓ 9️⃣ FAQs (Pakistan-Focused)
Q1: Can I apply for overseas scholarship while in Pakistan?
Yes. You apply through the HEC online portal and then the shortlist moves to the interview or university admission phase.
Q2: Do I need a supervisor first (e.g., for Germany)?
For some countries (especially Germany), having an acceptance from a potential supervisor is required before interview.
Q3: Does HEC pay airfare?
It may be included depending on the specific overseas scholarship scheme.
Q4: Are these scholarships competitive?
Yes — competitive and merit-based due to limited awards and global university partnerships.
Q5: What if I’m an overseas Pakistani?
You remain eligible but must meet the nationality and academic criteria set by HEC.
Q6: Do I serve in Pakistan after returning?
Some HEC overseas scholarships have a bond requirement where scholars serve in Pakistan for a period after completion.
🧠 Conclusion
The HEC Overseas Scholarships offer a life-changing opportunity for Pakistani students to pursue advanced studies at internationally recognized universities. By combining merit, preparation, and strong applications, you can secure funding to study in Germany, China, France, USA, Australia, and beyond — with tuition support and living stipends. Start early, plan your research proposal, prepare required tests, and always follow the HEC portal’s official announcements.
