HEC PhD scholarships for study in the US top QS ranked universities

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan offers bona fide and ambitious postgraduate students the opportunity to apply for fully or partially funded PhD scholarships in top 300 QS-ranked US Universities. This opportunity is designed to support and encourage advanced research. 

NOTE:

• This scholarship is only for direct PhD Programs and NOT “MS leading to PhD”. 
• Priority will be given to students having admission in specific subject areas; the broad subject areas are: 
  1. Life Sciences and Medicine
  2. Natural Sciences
  3. Engineering and Technology 
  4. Social Sciences and Management
  5. Arts and Humanities

The specific research areas are mentioned here 

http://web-prod-app01/english/scholarshipsgrants/US-Pakcorridor/Pages/Priority-Subject-Areas.aspx

Eligibility criteria 

• Pakistani or Azad Jammu and Kashmir national
• Minimum four years bachelor’s degree (16 years of formal education)
• No 2nd or 3rd division in the entire academic career
• Maximum age on the closing date should not exceed:
  1. 40 years in the case of Govt. employees, faculty members of public sector universities & Govt. colleges, and researchers of approved R&D organizations.
  2. 35 years in all other cases.   
• Must not be availing of any other scholarship.

Scholarship categories and specific criteria 

 

 There are two categories of this scholarship based on the ranking of the universities.

Category-1: Top 50 QS-ranked US universities (overall/subject-wise)

Under this category of the Scholarship, the students get a Monthly Stipend and Health Insurance along with the Tuition fees covered fully as per the university’s official invoice/challan form. 

 

Qualified applicants must have:

1. Secured admission in the top 50 QS ranked US universities

Some of the universities are : 

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• Harvard University

• Stanford University

• University of California, Berkeley

• University of Chicago 

1. Valid GRE -General Score (Minimum 300 in total) OR HEC HAT Score (Minimum 60%)

 

Category-2: QS ranked 51-300 US universities (overall)

Under this category of the scholarship, the students get a Monthly Stipend and Health Insurance but the Tuition fees are covered up to USD 12,000 per annum. 

 

For this category of scholarship, qualified applicants must have:

1. Secured admission in a top (51-300) QS ranked US universities.

Some of the universities are : 

• Boston University

• University of Florida 

• Michigan State University 

• University of Colorado Boulder

1. Subject Ranking up to 100
2. Valid GRE – General Score (Minimum 300 in total) OR HAT Score (Minimum 60%).

 

NOTE:  The latest QS rankings can be checked here https://www.topuniversities.com/

Application process

1. Visit the link, official portal shorturl.at/LiGm2 .
2. Check the detailed eligibility and the program guidelines.
3. Complete the application form and check the documents as per university’s admission requirements.
4. Upload the required documents (academic grades transcripts, certificates & diplomas, proof of application, and research proposal). 
5. Submit before the deadline, check the portal for any updates. 

 

DEADLINES: 

1. Fall 2025 : 20th July, 2025
2. Spring/Summer 2026: 15th November, 2025
3. Fall 2026: 30th April, 2026

Benefits of the HEC scholarship program

The eligible and selected candidates can benefit from this scholarship program through: 

• Access to the world-renowned research and academic facilities. 
• Global exposure adds value to the academic profile. 
• Financial relief through tuition coverage and additional support.