Call for Applications: US–Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship Program – HEC - 2027

Introduction:

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan invites applications from eligible Pakistani/AJK nationals for PhD studies in leading U.S. universities under the US–Pakistan Knowledge Corridor.

Scholarship Categories:

• Category-I: Top 50 QS World-Ranked U.S. Universities
• Category-II: Top 51–100 QS World-Ranked U.S. Universities

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Pakistani/AJK national
• Minimum 16 years of education (4-year BS/BSc/BE or equivalent)
• No 2nd or 3rd division in the academic career
• Maximum age: 35 years for general applicants and 40 years for regular public-sector university faculty/government employees/researchers of approved R&D organizations
• Valid GRE General score of at least 300 OR HAT score of at least 60%
• Applicants must not already hold a PhD or be receiving another scholarship.

Financial Support:

• Category-I: Fully funded tuition, annual stipend of USD 19,200, health insurance up to USD 2,000/year, and return airfare up to PKR 250,000
• Category-II: Tuition support up to USD 12,000/year, annual stipend of USD 19,200, health insurance up to USD 2,000/year, and return airfare up to PKR 250,000.

Priority Areas: Life Sciences & Medicines, Natural Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Social Sciences & Management, and Arts & Humanities, including areas such as AI/Robotics, Computer Science & IT, Biotechnology, Climate Change, Sustainable Energy, Education, Public Policy and Water Management.

Deadline: 30 October, 2026

How to Apply:
Applications are submitted online through the HEC scholarship portal. HEC's official instructions direct applicants to the US–PAK Knowledge Corridor Application after completing their profile.

HEC – US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor