The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has opened applications for Batch-IV of its fully funded Overseas Scholarship Programme (Phase-III), offering Pakistani and AJK nationals an opportunity to pursue MS/MPhil and PhD studies at leading universities around the world.
The scholarship programme is aimed at supporting talented students who wish to pursue advanced degrees at universities ranked among the Top 200 globally under QS or Times Higher Education (THE) rankings.
According to HEC, the programme covers a wide range of desire areas considered important for Pakistan’s academic, technological and economic development. These include emerging technologies, climate and environmental studies, agriculture, health, engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, business and governance.
Eligible candidates must meet the academic qualifications, age limits and other requirements prescribed by HEC. Applicants will be assessed through the HEC Aptitude Test and interviews, with final selections made according to the applicable merit and quota policies.
Applications for the latest batch opened on August 9, 2026, and candidates have until August 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM to submit their applications.
Interested students are required to apply online through the HEC e-Services portal. Applicants are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria, required documents and other conditions before submitting their forms.
The fully funded nature of the programme could provide successful candidates with an opportunity to gain international academic and research experience without bearing the full financial burden of studying abroad.
The initiative is also expected to contribute in the development of highly skilled professionals and researchers in fields identified as strategically important for Pakistan.
