ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has announced fully funded PhD scholarships under the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Project, giving Pakistani students the chance to pursue doctoral studies at the top 300 QS World-Ranked universities in the United States.
Application Deadlines:
Spring/Summer 2026 intake: 15 November 2025
Fall 2026 intake: 30 April 2026
The program was launched in June 2015 under the US-Pakistan Bilateral Strategic Dialogue by the Education, Science, and Technology Working Group (ESTWG).
It aims to strengthen academic collaboration between Pakistan and the United States by sending 10,000 Pakistani scholars to American universities over ten years to enhance faculty capacity in Pakistan’s higher education institutions.
Objectives of the Project:
Improve the quality and number of faculty members in Pakistani universities.
Strengthen academic and research capabilities through advanced training for Pakistani scholars.
Train 1,000 candidates annually for international standardized tests like GRE and TOEFL/IELTS under the “Talent Farming Component.”
Promote joint research between Pakistani and US institutions in areas aligned with Pakistan’s development needs.
Scholarship Categories:
Category I: Top 50 QS World-Ranked US Universities
Full tuition fee (as per university invoice)
Monthly stipend
Health insurance
Category II: Top 300 QS World-Ranked US Universities
Tuition support up to USD 12,000 per year
Monthly stipend
Health insurance
Eligibility Criteria:
Must be a Pakistani or AJK national
Minimum 16 years of education (BS/BSc/BE or equivalent)
No second or third division throughout academic career
Age limit:
40 years for regular government employees, faculty members at public universities, or researchers in recognized R&D organizations
35 years for all other applicants
Must not be receiving any other scholarship
Category I Requirements:
Admission to a Top 50 QS World-Ranked US University
Valid GRE General Score (minimum 300) or HAT Score (minimum 60%)
Category II Requirements:
Admission to a Top 300 QS World-Ranked US University
Valid GRE General Score (minimum 300) or HAT Score (minimum 60%)
How to Apply:
Eligible candidates can apply online through the HEC scholarship portal:
https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk/
Important Note:
All selected scholars will be required to return and serve in Pakistan after completing their PhD studies as part of their commitment to national development.