The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has announced PhD scholarships for 2027 admissions under the U.S.-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Project. The program is meant for talented Pakistani students who want to pursue doctoral studies at U.S. universities ranked among the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings. For students in Gilgit-Baltistan and across Pakistan who are planning to study abroad, this is a significant opportunity to explore funded PhD study in the United States.
Please note that GB Testing Service is an information platform and is not affiliated with HEC. Applicants should always confirm final details on the official HEC website and portal.
About the U.S.-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship
According to the announcement, the scholarship is offered by HEC Pakistan as a fully funded program under the Uraan Pakistan initiative. It is exclusively for PhD programs. It does not cover Master’s or MS programs, including MS leading to PhD.
HEC has also indicated that preference is given to applicants who hold admission in the preferred subject areas listed on the HEC website. Candidates should therefore check the subject list before planning their applications.
Scholarship Categories and Benefits
The scholarship is divided into two categories based on the QS World Ranking of the U.S. university in which the applicant has secured admission.
| Category | University Ranking | Benefits (as per poster) |
|---|---|---|
| Category I | Top 50 QS-ranked U.S. universities | Full tuition fee, annual stipend, and USD 2,000 health insurance |
| Category II | QS rank 51–100 | Tuition support of up to USD 12,000 per year, plus stipend and health insurance |
The poster mentions an annual stipend of USD 19,000, while media reports citing the HEC advertisement mention USD 19,200. Applicants should confirm the exact stipend amount on the official HEC page before making any financial plans.
Eligibility Criteria
Based on the poster and published reports, the main conditions are:
- The applicant must be a citizen of Pakistan or Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
- The applicant must have secured admission to a PhD program at a U.S. university ranked within the QS Top 100.
- The applicant must not be receiving any other scholarship.
- For the Top 50 category, reports mention a minimum GRE General score of 300 or at least 60% in the HEC Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT). Applicants should check whether the same requirement applies to Category II.
- The program is limited to PhD studies; MS or MS-leading-to-PhD programs are not eligible.
HEC may list additional requirements, such as academic criteria, preferred subjects or document conditions, on its official page. Read them carefully before applying.
Important Dates
| Intake | Last Date to Apply |
|---|---|
| Spring/Summer 2027 | October 30, 2026 |
| Fall 2027 | March 30, 2027 |
Since the Spring/Summer 2027 deadline is close, applicants targeting that intake should prepare their documents without delay.
How to Apply
- Visit the official HEC scholarship information page and read the full advertisement, eligibility rules and preferred subject areas.
- Secure admission in a PhD program at an eligible U.S. university ranked in the QS Top 100.
- Prepare your GRE General score or HEC HAT result, academic documents and admission letter.
- Open the HEC scholarship portal and register or log in.
- Complete the online application form and upload the required documents.
- Submit the application before the deadline for your intake and keep a copy of the submission confirmation.
These steps are general guidance based on the announcement. Follow the exact instructions published by HEC.
Official Links
- Official HEC information page: https://www.hec.gov.pk/site/US-PAK-KC
- Online application portal: https://scholarship.hec.gov.pk
Important Tips for Applicants
- Start your university applications early, because admission in a ranked U.S. university is a prerequisite.
- Check HEC’s preferred subject list before choosing a program.
- Keep your test scores, transcripts and identity documents ready.
- Do not wait for the last day, since portals often become slow near deadlines.
- Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection. Final decisions rest with HEC.
Conclusion
The HEC U.S.-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship offers eligible Pakistani students a chance to pursue doctoral studies at leading U.S. universities with substantial financial support. Review the eligibility rules, confirm the funding details, and submit your application through the official HEC portal before the deadline. Always rely on the latest official HEC notification before taking any step.