HEC Post Doctoral Fellowship Program (Phase-III)

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

HEC offers fellowships of at least nine months for Pakistani PhD holders working at universities or public sector R&D organizations, to do postdoctoral research at Top 200 QS-ranked universities abroad. 70% of slots go to public university faculty, 15% to private universities and 15% to public R&D organizations.

Deadline: Applications are taken in response to HEC advertisements, and the portal opens for a fixed period. HEC's FAQ says the project is currently open for intake.

Funding	Fully funded
Level	Postdoc / research
Study in	Multiple
Subjects	All fields

What it covers

Living allowance up to USD 1,600 per month (country-wise rates)
Health insurance USD 2,000 (once)
Research/lab experimentation cost up to USD 6,000 (once)
Return air ticket PKR 250,000 (once)

Who can apply

Pakistani/AJK national holding a PhD from an HEC-recognized university: an HEC-attested local degree, or HEC equivalence for a foreign PhD.
Regular employee of an HEC-recognized public or private university or degree-awarding institute, or of a public sector R&D organization recognized by PCST.
Maximum age 45 on the date in the advertisement, with no relaxation.
Foreign PhD holders need five years of recognized work experience in Pakistan after their PhD.
No previous postdoctoral fellowship, funded or self-funded (any research stint over 3 months after the PhD counts).
A placement/invitation letter from a relevant supervisor at a Top 200 QS-ranked university, dated within the last six months.

Fellows sign a surety bond to serve in Pakistan for 3 years after returning.

How to apply

Secure an invitation letter from a host supervisor at a Top 200 QS university and prepare a research proposal in HEC's format.
When HEC advertises, apply on pdfp.hec.gov.pk and upload all documents as one PDF.
Pay the Rs. 2,000 non-refundable processing fee and upload the payment slip.
Your host supervisor must confirm your request in the online system.
Eligible applications go to expert review and a panel interview.

Documents you usually need

Updated CV
Research proposal in HEC format
Invitation/acceptance letter from Top 200 QS university on letterhead
Host supervisor's CV
HEC-attested PhD degree or HEC equivalence certificate
NOC from employer confirming regular employment and leave
NOC from HEC sections for any previous HEC scholarship/grant
Duty resumption notification / experience certificates (where applicable)
Rs. 2,000 fee payment slip

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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