HEC Overseas Scholarships 2026 Out

HEC Overseas Scholarship Highlights 2026

Approved Academic Thematic Areas

1. Digital Transformation & Emerging Technologies
2. Energy, Climate Change & Environment
3. Agriculture, Food Security & Agri-Tech
4. Health, Biotechnology & Life Sciences
5. Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing
6. Natural & Physical Sciences
7. Social Sciences, Business & Governance
8. Interdisciplinary & Strategic Areas

Comprehensive Eligibility Requirements

Qualification Standards

• For PhD Scholarships: Minimum 18 years of education MS/MPhil or equivalent with CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 1st Division. Candidates with a 17-year foreign MS/MSc degree require HEC equivalence.
• For MS Scholarships: Minimum 16 years of education BS/BE/Masters or equivalent in relevant disciplines with CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 1st Division.
• Academic History: Maximum of one 2nd Division or equivalent grade allowed throughout the academic career prior to the final degree.

Age Limit Thresholds

• PhD Candidates: Maximum 40 years for public sector employees; maximum 35 years for general candidates.
• MS Candidates: Maximum 35 years for public sector employees; maximum 30 years for general candidates.

+---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                       HEC OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP AGE LIMITS                       |
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Degree Category | General Applicants          | Public Sector / R&D Employees    |
+-----------------+-----------------------------+---------------------------------+
| MS / MPhil      | Maximum 30 Years            | Maximum 35 Years                |
| PhD             | Maximum 35 Years            | Maximum 40 Years                |
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+

Selection Criteria & HAT Test Requirements

• HEC Aptitude Test HAT: Education Testing Council ETC conducts the official entrance test. HAT scores remain valid for two years.
• Direct Test Exemption: Applicants with confirmed, unconditional Fall 2026 admission in Top 200 QS/THE ranked universities within the designated thematic fields receive direct exemption from the scholarship test and interview.
• Host University Admission: Scholars must independently satisfy host university requirements, including international GRE, IELTS, or TOEFL tests.

Strategic Value & Human Capital Investment

Step-by-Step Online Application Guide

1. Access the official HEC portal at eservices.hec.gov.pk.
2. Register an account and fill in personal, academic, and employment history.
3. Select preferred foreign target universities and country choices within the 8 thematic areas.
4. Pay the Rs. 3,000 application processing fee using 1LINK payment services.
5. Submit the digital form directly online without mailing hard copies.

Official HEC Contact Details

• Office: Saima Naurin, Project Director, Higher Education Commission, Sector H-9, Islamabad
• Helpline Numbers: 051-111-119-432 / 0334-111-9432
• Online Portal: https://onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk
• Official Website: https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/scholarshipsgrants/OSSPhase-III