IN THIS POST
– About HEC
– HEC National Scholarships
– HEC Foreign Scholarships
– HEC Contact Details
Updated: Dec 30, 2021
The applications for Chinese and Hungarian scholarships offered in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) are now open for the year 2022-23. The deadline for Chinese Government Scholarships is January 3, 2021, whereas, with the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme, you can get registered latest by January 17, 2021.
HEC scholarships and grants offer qualified students a chance to enrol in top public and private-sector universities not only in Pakistan but in countries around the world. Also, you don’t have to pay any fees or charges to apply for these scholarship programmes.
Have you been planning to apply for higher studies but couldn’t do so because of financial restrictions? If that’s the case, you should consider applying for the Higher Education Commission or HEC scholarships to fulfil your dreams of a better and brighter future.
For the sake of convenience, we’ve compiled a list of HEC scholarships that all students in Pakistan must know about.
What is the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan?
The Higher Education Commission is an independent and autonomous institution that oversees the primary funding, regulation, and accreditation of the higher education institutions in Pakistan. It was established in 1947 as the University Grants Commission (UGC) before being revised into HEC following the promulgation of the Higher Education Commission Ordinance 2002.
These are some of the main functions of HEC in Pakistan:
- Online degree attestation
- Faculty development
- Curriculum revision
- Higher education infrastructure development
- National scholarships
- Foreign scholarships
- Patent filing support
- Enhance research collaboration between industries and universities
- Developing new technology parks
What is an HEC Scholarship?
The Higher Education Commission allows eligible individuals from all across Pakistan to apply for scholarships and grants in a wide range of disciplines at both public and private sector universities.
There are two main types of HEC scholarships that students in Pakistan can apply for:
- National Scholarships
- Foreign Scholarships
National Scholarships allow students to pursue higher studies in Pakistan whereas foreign scholarships allow them to enrol in degree programs in universities abroad.
How to get an HEC scholarship?
The application process varies with each HEC scholarship. However, those to study within Pakistan have to apply for HEC scholarships online. Meanwhile, students seeking to study at foreign universities usually have to submit their applications at both the HEC and the donor organization. The nominations for all international scholarships are routed through HEC, though the final decision is usually taken by the partner university or the donor organization.
HEC National Scholarships
Here are the most renowned HEC scholarship programmes that students in Pakistan can apply for:
- HEC Need-Based Scholarships
- Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Program
- USAID-funded Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Program
Let’s take a look at the eligibility criteria, application process, financial coverage offered by the HEC scholarships in Pakistan.
HEC Need-Based Scholarships
The HEC Need-Based Scholarships are meant for deserving students in Pakistan struggling with limited financial resources.
These HEC scholarships for undergraduates provide financial assistance to academically qualified students in all disciplines at selected public sector Pakistani universities and institutions. The number of slots is decided by the participating universities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Students must secure admission at the participating university or institute on merit-basis for a 4-year undergraduate programme
- Those applying for Medicine, Pharm-D and other five year programs are also eligible to apply for the scholarship. The funding will be provided for the entire duration of their degree programme
- Students who are already enrolled in undergraduate programmes at participating university are also eligible for this HEC scholarship
- The Institutional Scholarship Award Committee will review the financial background of the applicant’s family
- If a student drops out of the university before completing the degree, they will be replaced by another candidate on the waiting list
How to Apply for HEC Need-Based Scholarship
Step 1: Applicants can obtain the HEC Scholarship Application Form from the Financial Aid Office at the participating university or download it from the official HEC website.
Step 2: Submit the duly-filled scholarship form and the required documents to the Financial Aid Office at the university only. Please note that HEC does not accept scholarship application forms directly from the students.
Step 3: Secure admission in one of the approved disciplines at a participating university on merit-basis
Step 4: If the application is approved, HEC will transfer the funds to the participating university to make the payments to the successful student
It is important to mention that the Need-Based Scholarships by HEC also offer partial funding for students who are already enrolled at the selected universities or institutes.
What Does It Cover?
The HEC Needs Based Scholarship programme covers the following expenses:
- Tuition Fee
- Accommodation allowance (if needed)
- Transportation
- Textbooks
- Monthly stipend of PKR 6,000
- Miscellaneous academics costs
Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Programme
This undergraduate scholarship was introduced by the Government of Pakistan under its flagship Ehsaas Social Safety Net Programme. With an annual budget of PKR 6 billion, Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Programme aims to help students with limited financial resources complete their 4 and 5-year undergraduate degrees in all major fields of education.
Moreover, 50 percent of Ehsaas scholarships are reserved for female students while 2 percent are reserved for students with physical disabilities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Students must be currently enrolled in undergraduate degree programs in selected public sector universities to be eligible for the scholarship programme
- Applicants who have fulfilled the admission criteria of the respective university and have secured admission on merit-basis can also apply through HEC
- Applicant must be under the age limit as per the university regulations for admission
- Students who have availed any other scholarship or grant are ineligible to apply for Ehsaas scholarship
- Students who have secured admission on self-finance basis in evening programs are ineligible to apply
- Students enrolled in distant learning programs are also not eligible for the programme
How to Apply for Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Programme
Students are required to apply for the Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Programme through the HEC Online Application System.
What Does It Cover?
The scholarship programme covers the following expenses:
- Tuition fees
- Annual Stipend
USAID-funded Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Programme
The United States Agency for International Development, more commonly referred to as USAID, launched this programme in 2004 in partnership with the HEC. The aim of this scholarship programme was to support academically qualified students who are unable to continue their studies due to financial restraints.
Phase 1 of USAID-funded Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Programme was implemented in 11 top universities in Pakistan in the disciplines of Agriculture and Business only. In 2013, USAID launched Phase 2 of the scholarship programme by implementing in 19 more universities. As of right now, this scholarship is being offered in 30 partner universities in Pakistan in different disciplines.
Eligibility Criteria
- The student must be eligible to secure admission in a respective degree program covered under this scheme on the basis of merit
- The applicant must secure a new admission in an offered degree program at a participating university
- The applicant must demonstrate financial need
How to Apply for USAID-funded Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Programme
Students can apply for this scholarship through the official HEC portal. The application forms can also be obtained from the Financial Aid Offices at the partner universities. Just make sure to submit the duly filled form to the same Financial Aid Office as HEC does not accept any application forms from the students.
What Does It Cover?
The USAID Needs Based Scholarship programme covers the following expenses:
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks
- Boarding and lodging
- Transportation
- Other academic costs
Please note that the list of participating universities is available on the official HEC website.
Here are some other national scholarships and programmes offered by HEC for deserving students in Pakistan:
- HEC Indigenous PhD Fellowship Programme
- Award of Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships for Afghan Nationals
- Higher Education Opportunities for the students of Balochistan & FATA
- OGDCL Need-Based Scholarships Program through HEC
- Prime Minister’s Fee Reimbursement Scheme for Less Developed Areas
- Gwadar-China Scholarship Program
- HEC Indigenous Scholarship Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Project
HEC Foreign Scholarships
These are the top foreign-funded international scholarships for Pakistani students that require nominations through the HEC.
- Commonwealth Scholarship Programme for PhD
- Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program
- Fulbright Scholarships for Masters
Let’s take a look at their eligibility criteria, the application process, financial provisions, admission cycle and more.
Commonwealth Scholarship Programme
Host Country: United Kingdom
Commonwealth Scholarship Programme is considered one of the best scholarships to apply for through HEC. It is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and offers talented individuals an opportunity to pursue higher studies in the United Kingdom.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Programme for Masters and PhD was introduced for deserving candidates from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be a citizen and permanent resident of Pakistan or Azad Jammu and Kashmir
- Candidates applying for a Masters Scholarship must hold a first-class/first division degree in the relevant field of study by the closing date of applications. The degree must be complete in all aspects in graduate qualification and must be equivalent to 16 years of education
- Candidates applying for PhD scholarships must hold a first-class degree in relevant postgraduate qualification (18 years MS/MPhil degree) by the closing date of applications
- The applicant must not already be registered for Masters, PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, at a UK university or have studied in the UK at the same level before
- Students applying for this scholarship must be unable to afford the study in the United Kingdom without this programme
- The applicant must not have any third division throughout their academic career. A maximum of two second divisions are allowed, but the candidate must not have a second division in the last degree
- The candidate must apply under one of the following six themes:
- Science and Technology for Development
- Strengthening Health Systems and Capacity
- Promoting Global Prosperity
- Strengthening Global Peace, Security and Governance
- Strengthening Resilience and Response to Crises
- Access, Inclusion and Opportunity
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship
Step 1: Visit the official website for Commonwealth Scholarships and apply online through the Electronic Application System (EAS) form for Masters or PhD
Step 2: Visit the HEC portal and click on ‘Register’
Step 3: After registering yourself, fill out your personal and academic profile
Step 4: Click on ‘Learning Opportunities Abroad’ tab under the ‘Scholarship and Grant’ menu in the left-hand side panel of the online HEC portal
Step 5: Submit your application for Commonwealth Scholarship
Step 6: Since all nominations from Pakistan are routed through HEC, the commission may conduct tests, interviews or both to shortlist candidates
Step 7: Shortlisted candidates will have to submit hard copies of their HEC application form along with relevant documents and transcripts
Please note that applicants have to submit both EAS Application form and online HEC form to qualify for this scholarship. The final decision is taken by the donor organization.
What Does It Cover?
The Commonwealth Scholarships cover the following expenses:
- Airfare from Pakistan to the UK and vice versa at the end of the award
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Warm clothing allowance, if applicable
- Study travel grants
- Airfare for a mid-term visit to Pakistan, if applicable
- Family allowances, if applicable
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme
Host Country: Hungary
This scholarship offers students in Pakistan an opportunity to pursue higher studies in Hungary.
Launched by the Hungarian Government under Higher Education and Scientific Exchange Programme, the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme offers Bachelors, One-Tier Masters, Masters and PhD scholarships at Hungarian universities for students in Pakistan. The programme only awards scholarships to individuals on the basis of merit.
The applications are managed by HEC in Pakistan and the Tempus Public Foundation in Hungary.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be a citizen and permanent resident of Pakistan or Azad Jammu and Kashmir
- The applicant must be between 18 and 22-years-old to qualify for Undergraduate Programme (12 years)
- Candidates applying for Masters Programme (18 years) must not be older than 35 years
- For PhD programs, the maximum age for candidates is 40 years
- The applicant must have completed Intermediate or equivalent to apply for the Undergraduate Program or One-Tier Master’s degree
- The candidate must have completed 16 years Bachelors or equivalent degree to apply for a Master’s program
- The applicant must have completed 18 years MS/MPhil or equivalent degree to apply for PhD programme
- Applicants must fulfil all requirements set by the host Hungarian university
- Hungarian citizens are not eligible for the scholarship
- IELTS/TOEFL scores may also be required by the host Hungarian university
How to Apply for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme
Step 1: Visit the official Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme website and click on the ‘Apply’ tab on the right-hand navigation panel to fill out the scholarship application form
Step 2: Visit the HEC portal. After registering and filling your profile, fill out the HEC scholarship application form. Make sure all columns and fields are filled accurately
Step 3: Attached relevant transcripts and degrees. All of the educational documents must be attested by IBCC and HEC
Step 4: Attach relevant technical and professional certificates. Make sure they have been accredited by respective councils and governing bodies
Step 5: Shortlisted candidates will have to submit a medical certificate as a proof of satisfactory health condition
Step 6: Successful applicants will have to submit a bond on a legal paper to HEC stating they will not change the discipline after final award of scholarship, and immediately return to Pakistan after the completion of their degree. The award-holders will have to stay in Pakistan for a certain period as specified by the HEC following their return
What Does It Cover?
The scholarship covers the following financial expenses:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation
- Medical insurance
Fulbright Scholarships for Masters and PhD
Host Country: United States of America
The Fulbright Scholarship Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. This award is offered in 150 countries. In Pakistan, Fulbright works in collaboration with HEC. Since 2005, the country also has the largest Fulbright Scholarship Programme in the world.
Considered one of the best scholarships to apply for, Fulbright Programme allows deserving and qualified individuals a chance to complete their Masters and PhD studies at prestigious universities in the United States. All fields of study are eligible for this scholarship except for clinical medicine.
Furthermore, Fulbright encourages women, people with disabilities, and individuals from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Northern Sindh, Southern Punjab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and FATA to apply for its scholarship programmes.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be a citizen and permanent resident of Pakistan or Azad Jammu and Kashmir
- Those applying for the Master’s programme must have 16 years of formal education from an accredited university
- Those applying for PhD programmes must have 18 years of formal education along with work experience in teaching and public sector
- The candidate must have the minimum score of 138 in the verbal and 136 in the quantitative sections of their Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- U.S. citizens and those with dual nationalities are not eligible to apply for the Fulbright Degree Programme
- Individual who are employees or associated with HEC or USAID are also ineligible to apply
- Pakistani student already studying in the U.S. are ineligible as well
How to Apply for the Fulbright Degree Programme
Aspiring candidates need to complete their Fulbright applications online as paper applications are not accepted at all.
All you need to do is visit the official website for Fulbright Degree Program and start an application. Once you complete and submit your online application form, the system will send an auto-generated email to your referees asking for your recommendation letters. You will also have to submit your TOEFL results.
The HEC may conduct interviews to shortlist the candidates. However, all the applications will be processed by the United States embassy in Islamabad.
What Does It Cover?
Fulbright awards enable grantees to live at the same standard as most American graduate students.
- Airfare
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks
- Living stipend
- Health insurance
- Visa fees
- Computer
- Settling-in allowance
Some other foreign-funded international scholarships that require HEC nomination from Pakistan include:
- IDB Merit Scholarships Programme for PhD and Postdoc
- Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarships
- Scholarships from CRBC China for Masters at SEU
- Morocco Scholarship Programme
- Azerbaijan (AIDA) Scholarship Programme
- Cuban Government Scholarship for Medicine
- Airlangga Development Program
- The Xi’an Jiaotong University Scholarships for Master’s and PhD Programme
- Chulabhorn Graduate Institute-Post Graduate Scholarship programme
- Mexican Government Scholarship Program for International Students
You can find out more about international scholarships for Pakistani students in our detailed guide on the topic. Almost all foreign HEC scholarships for PhD studies and Masters also require a language proficiency certificate, with IELTS being the most common option. Here is a complete guide on how to take IELTS in Pakistan that you may find helpful.
Furthermore, the Higher Education Commission has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a number of international educational agencies and institutes for the selection of students, placement, and funds disbursement etc.
HEC awards partial or full scholarships in partnership with select universities located in the following countries.
- The United Kingdom
- The United State of America
- Australia
- China
- France
- Germany
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Austria
- Norway
- South Korea
- Sweden
- Thailand
- Turkey
Our detailed guide on HEC National Digital Library Program might also help you out.
HEC Contact Details
If you have any questions regarding the application process for national or foreign HEC scholarships, you can contact their head office and regional centres on the following numbers:
HEC Head Office Islamabad: 051-9040 0000
HEC Regional Center Karachi: 021-99230290
HEC Regional Center Lahore: 042-99263093
HEC Regional Centre Peshawar: 091-9217878
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Disclaimer: Please note the information presented above has been extracted from the official websites of HEC and Fulbright Degree Programme. Therefore, it is subject to change at the discretion of these organisations. However, we will be updating this blog with new information on a regular basis, so make sure to check back frequently.
