HEC Indigenous Ph.D. Fellowship Program (Phase-II)

Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan · Checked September 26, 2026

HEC's '5000 Indigenous PhD Fellowship' funds MS/MPhil leading to PhD, and direct PhD, study at HEC-recognized Pakistani universities. Scholars get a monthly stipend and allowances, and their university receives funds for tuition and research support.

Deadline: Batches are advertised periodically on HEC's website with a HAT test. No open call is currently shown.

Funding	Fully funded
Level	Master's, PhD
Study in	Pakistan
Subjects	All fields taught at advanced level: science and technology, social sciences, humanities and life sciences

What it covers

Scholar stipend: Rs. 12,000 per month in the MS period (Rs. 1,000 yearly increment) and Rs. 18,000 per month in the PhD period (Rs. 1,500 yearly increment)
Book allowance of Rs. 5,000 per year
Thesis charges of Rs. 10,000 (once)
Laptop up to PKR 60,000 (once)
Support to university for tuition fee, books and research resources up to Rs. 100,000 per year
Lab/workshop support of Rs. 60,000 per year during the PhD
Thesis evaluation from abroad

Who can apply

Pakistani/AJK national.
At least 16 years of education, with no 3rd division or Grade D anywhere in the academic career.
For direct PhD: CGPA 3.0/4.0 (or 3.75/5), or first division, in MS/MPhil or equivalent.
Maximum age on the closing date: 40 for regular faculty of public universities and regular employees of public sector R&D organizations; 35 for everyone else.
Not already holding any other HEC/Government scholarship.
Must study full time in a face-to-face (not distance) programme meeting HEC quality criteria, under an HEC-approved supervisor.
Merit: MS/MPhil uses 60% HAT and 40% academics; PhD uses 50% HAT and 50% academics.

Scholars sign a bond to serve in Pakistan for 5 years after completing their studies.

How to apply

Watch HEC for the batch advertisement and HAT test schedule.
Register or log in at eportal.hec.gov.pk and complete every profile tab.
Under 'Scholarships & Grants', choose 'Indigenous Scholarship' and submit your application in the correct category and discipline. Changing the discipline later is not allowed.
Take the HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) if required.
If selected, get admission at an HEC-approved department, then sign the agreement and surety documents.

Documents you usually need

Online HEC e-portal profile and application
HAT test score
Academic degrees and transcripts
Admission/enrolment details (for already-enrolled categories)
Study leave / NOC from employer (if employed)
Agreement on stamp paper and personal guarantee after award

Official page Apply on the official portal

Scholarship rules and deadlines change every cycle. This page summarises the official information; always confirm on the official page before applying. Official applications are free.

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