The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has officially announced a monumental opportunity for the nation’s brightest minds: fully funded PhD scholarships in highly-ranked United States universities for the Fall 2026 intake, under the flagship US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Project. This ambitious initiative, a collaborative effort between the governments of Pakistan and the United States, aims to cultivate a critical mass of highly qualified academics, researchers, and scientists by enabling them to pursue doctoral studies at the world’s leading institutions.
This scholarship is more than just financial aid; it is an investment in Pakistan’s future, designed to bolster the research and academic capacity of Pakistani universities, ensuring the country remains competitive in the global knowledge economy. Prospective candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, as the window for this life-changing opportunity closes on April 30, 2026.
Understanding the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Initiative
The Knowledge Corridor is a strategic long-term partnership focused on academic exchange and capacity building. The core objective is to send thousands of PhD scholars to top US universities, ensuring that upon their return, these scholars contribute significantly to Pakistan’s higher education system by teaching, conducting cutting-edge research, and fostering a culture of innovation. This project specifically targets admissions into the Top 100 QS World-Ranked U.S. Universities, ensuring the highest quality of education and exposure.
The Two Tiers of Opportunity: Funding Breakdown
The HEC scholarship is structured into two distinct categories based on the global ranking of the host institution, each offering comprehensive financial coverage:
Category I: Top 50 QS World Ranked U.S. Universities
This category is designed for elite candidates securing admission to the most prestigious institutions globally. The funding package is the most generous, covering all essential costs:
- Full Tuition Fee: The scholarship covers the entire tuition fee as charged by the university.
- Stipend: A monthly living allowance is provided to cover accommodation, food, and miscellaneous expenses.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance is included for the duration of the PhD program.
Prospective applicants must secure an admission letter from a Top 50 QS World Ranked U.S. University.
Category II: Rank 51–100 QS World Ranked U.S. Universities
This category is open to candidates securing admission to other highly respected universities within the top 100. The financial coverage remains robust and highly competitive:
- Tuition Fee Support: Up to USD $12,000 per annum towards the tuition fee. This is a substantial contribution, often supplemented by the host university’s departmental funding or partial grants.
- Stipend: A substantial monthly living allowance is provided.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage is included.
Prospective applicants must secure an admission letter from a university ranked between 51 and 100 on the QS World Rankings.
General Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To be considered for the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Scholarship, applicants must meet the following general prerequisites:
- Nationality: Must be a Pakistani/AJK national.
- Academic Qualification:
- Candidates must have completed a Master’s/MS/MPhil (18 years’ education) degree.
- OR a 2nd or 3rd Division in a four-year Bachelor’s degree (16 years’ education) only if they have subsequently achieved a First Division/B-Grade or 1st Class in their 18-year education qualification.
- Age Limit: The age limits are strictly enforced:
- 40 Years: Maximum age for regular full-time faculty members of public sector universities, government colleges, and regular researchers of approved R&D organizations.
- 35 Years: Maximum age in all other cases.
- Ineligibility: Candidates already availing of any other scholarship are not eligible to apply.
- Important Note: Preference is often given to applicants with strong academic records and those intending to pursue PhD programs in priority areas identified by HEC on their official website.
Mandatory Testing Requirement: GRE / HEC HAT
A critical requirement for all applicants across both categories is a valid, high score in a standardized graduate admission test:
- Minimum Score: A General Score (Minimum 300 in total) in the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), or a HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) score of Minimum 60%.
- This score must be valid at the time of application submission.
The Application Process: Secure Admission First
The application process is unique and requires proactive steps from the candidate:
- Secure Admission: Candidates must first secure admission in a PhD program at one of the Top 100 QS World Ranked U.S. Universities for the Fall 2026 session. HEC does not provide assistance in the admission process itself.
- Online Application: Once admission is secured, applicants must submit their application online through the official HEC Scholarship Portal.
- Submission: The complete application package, including the admission letter and valid test scores, must be uploaded to the HEC portal by the deadline.
Deadline Reminder: The absolute deadline for applications is April 30, 2026. Prospective scholars are strongly advised to begin the university application process immediately, as US university admissions often require up to a year lead time.
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Official Contact Address and Support Information
For further details, policy documents, priority areas of study, and the official application portal, please use the contact information below:
Project Management Unit
HRD Division, Higher Education Commission Secretariat
Sector H-8, Islamabad, Pakistan.
UAN: 051-111-119-432
Mobile Support: 0334-1119432
Official Scholarship Portal: scholarship.hec.gov.pk
HEC Project Webpage: https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.hec.gov.pk/site/US-PAK-KCSA
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