HEC Overseas Scholarship 2026 (Batch-4) for MS, MPhil and PhD: Eligibility and Funding Guide

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has officially opened applications for the Overseas Scholarship Scheme 2026 (Batch-4). Designed to build advanced human capital in priority academic and technological fields, the program offers fully funded opportunities for qualified Pakistani and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) nationals to pursue MS, MPhil, and PhD degrees at top international partner universities across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia.

Comprehensive Financial Coverage and Benefits

Recipients of the Batch-4 Overseas Scholarship benefit from a complete financial support package managed directly by the HEC and international host institutions. The award covers full university tuition fees, a monthly living stipend tailored to the host nation’s cost of living, comprehensive foreign health insurance, and round-trip economy airfare. This financial security allows scholars to focus entirely on advanced coursework and groundbreaking research without financial strain.

Eligibility Criteria and Academic Requirements

Applicants must hold a minimum of 16 years of education for MS/MPhil programs or 18 years for PhD admissions in relevant academic disciplines from HEC-recognized institutions. Candidates are required to secure a minimum score in the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) conducted by the Higher Education Testing Council (ETC). Furthermore, candidates must maintain maximum age limits—generally 35 years for regular applicants and 40 years for full-time faculty members of public sector universities and R&D organizations—at the time of application.

Step-by-Step Portal Submission Guide

Interested scholars must complete their applications online through the official HEC portal. Applicants are required to create a profile, upload verified educational degrees, transcripts, domicile certificates, and valid HAT scorecards. Shortlisted candidates will undergo merit screening and potential interview rounds before receiving formal award letters. HEC stresses that all documents must be verified prior to final award clearance.