Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has announced the opening of applications for PhD scholarships under the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor (USPKC) project for Spring/Summer 2026 and Fall 2026 admissions in top-ranked American universities.
The program aims to provide fully funded opportunities for Pakistani and AJK nationals to pursue doctoral studies at the top 300 QS World Ranked universities in the United States, with a focus on building Pakistan’s research and academic capacity.
According to HEC, the scholarships are available only for direct PhD programs and do not include MS leading to PhD options.
Scholarship Categories and Benefits
Two categories of awards are being offered:
- Category I: For candidates admitted to universities ranked among the top 50 globally (overall or by subject). The award covers tuition fees as per university invoice, a monthly stipend, and health insurance.
- Category II: For candidates admitted to QS-ranked universities between 51 and 300, with subject rankings up to 100. This category includes tuition support of up to USD 12,000 per year, along with a stipend and health insurance.
Preference will be given to candidates securing admission in top 100 universities or programs ranked within the top 100 by subject.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be Pakistani or AJK nationals holding at least a four-year bachelor’s degree (16 years of formal education) with no second or third division in their academic record.
They must also hold a valid GRE-General score of at least 300 or an HEC HAT score of 60% or above. The maximum age limit is 40 years for regular government employees and university faculty, and 35 years for all other applicants. Candidates currently availing any other scholarship are not eligible.
Application Deadlines
- Spring/Summer 2026 Intake: November 15, 2025
- Fall 2026 Intake: April 30, 2025
The HEC emphasized that it will conduct a highly competitive selection process and award scholarships only to the “best of the best” candidates based on merit.
Candidates may apply through the HEC Scholarship Portal at https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk.
