The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has announced multiple scholarship opportunities for 2025 offering students a chance to pursue higher education both locally and internationally without financial constraints.
These scholarships cover a wide range of programs from undergraduate need-based support to fully funded PhD placements at top global universities helping bright students continue their academic journeys.
US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship
One of the flagship initiatives under HEC Scholarship 2025 is the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor aimed at sending Pakistani scholars to top-ranked American universities (QS World Top 300).
The scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living stipend
- Health insurance
- Return airfare
Application Deadlines:
- Fall 2025: July 20, 2025
- Spring/Summer 2026: November 15, 2025
- Fall 2026: April 30, 2026
International Research Fellowships
HEC also offers six-month international research fellowships for PhD students already enrolled in Pakistani universities. These fellowships provide:
- Research opportunities with global experts
- Access to advanced labs and libraries
- Exposure to international collaborations
HEC Need-Based Scholarships (Local)
For students studying within Pakistan, HEC need-based scholarships are available at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These scholarships cover:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
Applications can be submitted via the financial aid offices of participating universities.
Commonwealth Scholarship 2025 (UK)
In collaboration with the UK, the Commonwealth Scholarship 2025 provides full funding for Pakistani students pursuing MS and PhD programs.
Benefits include:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel expenses
Scotland-Pakistan Scholarships for Young Women 2025
This program supported by the British Council focuses on women’s empowerment by funding graduate and master’s studies. Priority fields include:
- Health
- Education
- Climate change
- Food security
- STEM
Coverage includes tuition, hostel support, and travel allowances.
Other Foreign-Funded Scholarships
Pakistani/AJ\&K students can also apply for scholarships offered under HEC’s Learning Opportunities Abroad (LOA) Portal:
- Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary): Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Chinese Government Scholarship: Studies and research in China
- Commonwealth Scholarship (UK): MS and PhD
- Azerbaijan Government Scholarships: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
- Omani Scholarship Program: For various majors
- Moroccan Government Scholarships: Multiple fields of study
- Government of Cuba: Undergraduate medical studies
Domestic & Bilateral Initiatives
- USAID Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Program: Undergraduate studies in Pakistan for students with financial need.
- US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor (PhD): Target to send 1,000 students to US universities to enhance higher education faculty.
Key Steps for Applicants
- Check Eligibility: Review each program’s criteria (some require HAT or USAT test results).
- Apply Online: Through the HEC Scholarship Portal or respective international portals.
- Meet Deadlines: Each program has a specific closing date.
- Prepare Documents: Academic transcripts, recommendations, and in some cases, a medical certificate.
Why It Matters for Pakistani Students?
The HEC Scholarship 2025 framework continues Pakistan’s effort to build academic capacity, create skilled professionals and encourage gender inclusion in higher education. With fully funded opportunities abroad and domestic support, students can access world-class education that may otherwise be financially out of reach.
For aspiring scholars, this is the best time to explore available options and prepare applications ahead of deadlines.
