HEC Announces PhD Scholarships 2027 Under the U.S.–Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Program

​The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has officially opened applications for PhD Scholarships under the prestigious U.S.–Pakistan Knowledge Corridor initiative. Designed to strengthen higher education and foster research collaboration between the two nations, this scheme offers fully and partially funded opportunities for high-achieving Pakistani and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) nationals to pursue doctoral studies at top 100 QS-ranked U.S. universities for the 2027 academic intake.

​Key Highlights at a Glance

• ​Program Name: U.S.–Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarships (2027 Admissions)
• ​Degree Level: Doctoral (PhD only; does not cover Master’s or MS leading to PhD)
• ​Target Destinations: Top 100 QS World-Ranked U.S. Universities
• ​Spring/Summer 2027 Intake Deadline: October 30, 2026
• ​Fall 2027 Intake Deadline: March 30, 2027
• ​Application Mode: Online via HEC Scholarship Portal ([https://scholarship.hec.gov.pk/](https://scholarship.hec.gov.pk/))

​Financial Support and University Categories

​Funding is structured based on the QS World Ranking (2027 edition) of the host institution:

​Category I: Top 50 QS World-Ranked U.S. Universities

• ​Tuition Fee: Full tuition coverage as per actual university invoice.
• ​Living Allowance: Stipend of $19,200 per annum.
• ​Health Insurance: $2,000 allowance per annum.

​Category II: 51–100 QS World-Ranked U.S. Universities

• ​Tuition Fee: Up to $12,000 per annum (applicants must secure additional funding/waivers from the university if tuition exceeds this cap).
• ​Living Allowance: Stipend of $19,200 per annum.
• ​Health Insurance: $2,000 allowance per annum.

​General Eligibility Criteria

​To be eligible for consideration, candidates must fulfill the following general conditions:

1. ​Nationality: Must be a citizen of Pakistan or AJK.
2. ​Academic Qualification: Must hold a minimum of 16 years of formal education (BS, BSc, BE, or equivalent 4-year degree).
3. ​Academic Record: No 2nd or 3rd division throughout the academic career for Category I & II scholarship applicants.

• ​Age Limit (as of the closing date):​Up to 40 years: For regular government employees and regular faculty/researchers from public sector universities or approved R&D organizations.
• ​Up to 35 years: For all other candidates.

1. ​No Dual Benefits: Applicants must not currently hold any other scholarship.

​Specific Eligibility & Admission Requirements

​Beyond general conditions, candidates must meet specific academic testing and admission prerequisites:

• ​Secured Admission: Applicants must independently secure admission to a Top 100 QS World-Ranked U.S. university in an eligible academic area. Preference is given to applicants admitted to preferred subject areas specified on the HEC website.
• ​Standardized Testing:​A valid GRE General Score of at least 300 in total, OR
• ​A valid Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) score of at least 60%.

​Important Instructions for Applicants

• ​Selection is strictly merit-based, and satisfying basic eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee a scholarship grant.
• ​The official reference point for university eligibility is the latest 2027 QS World University Rankings.
• ​Applicants are strongly encouraged to secure institutional funding or tuition waivers directly from U.S. universities to meet any financial differential.
• ​Applications submitted by any means other than the designated HEC online portal will not be processed.

​For full details regarding priority subject fields, eligible university lists, and online application guidelines, visit HEC's official web portal or contact the Project Management Unit at HEC Sector H-8, Islamabad.