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The Commonwealth Scholarship offered through the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan provides an exceptional opportunity for Pakistani students to pursue fully funded postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the program is designed to support talented students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK. Each year, scholars from Pakistan are selected to study at some of the leading universities in the UK.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible, applicants must be Pakistani or AJK nationals and hold a valid CNIC or passport.
For Master’s programs, candidates must have completed 16 years of education with at least a first division in the relevant field of study, while PhD applicants must have completed 18 years of education with no third division throughout their academic career.
Applicants should not have studied or worked for more than one academic year in a high-income country, and they must not already be registered for a Master’s or PhD at a UK university before applying. The age limit is generally 35 years for Master’s applicants and 40 years for PhD applicants at the time of application. Candidates are also expected to demonstrate English language proficiency as required by the host university in the UK.
Here’s a link to check the eligibility and application procedure:
https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/scholarshipsgrants/lao/cwgs/Pages/Application-Procedure.aspx
Programs and fields of study
The Commonwealth Scholarship under HEC Pakistan is primarily aimed at Master’s and PhD studies. It covers a wide spectrum of fields, particularly those that align with development priorities such as:
- Science and technology for development,
- Strengthening health systems,
- Promoting global prosperity,
- Global peace and security, and
- Resilience and response to crises.
The scholarships are tenable at a range of world-class UK universities, including:
- University of Oxford,
- University of Cambridge,
- University College London,
- King’s College London,
- University of Warwick,
- University of Manchester, and many others across the UK.
Candidates are encouraged to choose programs that not only match their academic background but also demonstrate how their study will contribute to Pakistan’s socio-economic development after their return.
Scholarship benefits
The Commonwealth Scholarship through HEC Pakistan is fully funded, covering tuition fees, travel, and living costs. It includes full university tuition fees, approved airfare from Pakistan to the UK and back at the end of the award, a monthly stipend for living expenses, thesis or dissertation grant for PhD scholars, and other allowances to support study-related costs.
Scholars also receive funding for travel within the UK if required for their research, ensuring they are financially supported throughout the course of their studies.
How to apply
The application process for the Commonwealth Scholarship under HEC Pakistan involves two simultaneous steps. Candidates must apply through the HEC online portal, filling in the required details and uploading documents, while also completing the separate Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) online application form for the UK. Both applications are mandatory, and failure to complete either will result in disqualification.
Applicants should ensure they select programs at UK universities that are part of the Commonwealth Scholarship scheme and align with the themes defined by the CSC. After initial screening by HEC, shortlisted candidates are nominated to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for final selection.
Here’s the link to the CSC application for Masters and PhD:
Applicants must prepare a comprehensive set of documents when applying. These include academic transcripts and degree certificates duly attested by HEC, a copy of a valid CNIC or passport, and a recent passport-size photograph. Two academic reference letters are mandatory and must be provided on institutional letterhead. A detailed study plan for Master’s applicants and a well-structured research proposal for PhD applicants are required to show the purpose and relevance of the chosen field of study. Candidates must also provide evidence of their engagement in development-related work or research, along with a signed undertaking to return to Pakistan after completing their studies. Additionally, an HEC online application form and a Commonwealth online application form must both be completed.
Applicants should ensure that they submit both applications on HEC and CSC portal before the deadline of October 14th, 2025.
Now that you have read about the Commonwealth Scholarship offered through HEC Pakistan for fully funded postgraduate study in the UK, it is time to reflect on your own readiness.
Do you have clarity on the program you would like to pursue, the research area that will most benefit Pakistan’s development, and the UK universities where you can contribute your skills and knowledge? Preparing your study plan, gathering references, and ensuring your documents are complete will be key steps in your journey.
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