The HEC US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship Program is a prestigious opportunity for Pakistani students to pursue fully-funded PhD degrees at top US universities. Established in June 2015 under the Education, Science, and Technology Working Group (ESTWG) during a meeting between the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the President of the USA, this initiative supports Pakistan’s Vision 2025 by developing high-level human capital.
The program aims to send 10,000 Pakistani scholars to US universities over a decade, with Phase 1 (revised in August 2020) targeting 1,000 PhD scholarships. Below is a simplified guide to help you understand and apply for this scholarship.
Contents
Program Overview
The US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor, launched by Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) in collaboration with the United States, seeks to:
- Increase the number and quality of faculty in Pakistan’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
- Enhance research and academic capacity in HEIs by training skilled professionals.
- Develop collaborations between Pakistani and US institutions to transfer advanced research techniques tailored to Pakistan’s needs.
- Train 1,000 applicants annually for university entrance exams (GRE, TOEFL/IELTS) through the Talent Farming component.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship is fully funded for up to 5 years and includes:
- Category I (Top 50 QS World Ranked Universities):
- Full tuition coverage.
- Annual stipend: USD 19,200.
- Annual health insurance: USD 2,000 (or actual, whichever is lower).
- Return airfare: PKR 250,000.
- Category II (Top 51–300 QS World Ranked Universities):
- Tuition coverage: Up to USD 12,000 annually.
- Annual stipend: USD 19,200.
- Annual health insurance: USD 2,000 (or actual, whichever is lower).
- Return airfare: PKR 250,000.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must meet both general and specific eligibility requirements:
General Eligibility
- Nationality: Pakistani or AJK national.
- Education: Minimum 16 years of education (4-year bachelor’s degree, e.g., BS/BSc/BE) or 18 years (MS/MPhil) from an HEC-recognized institution.
- Academic Record: No 2nd or 3rd division (or Grade D) in entire academic career; at least 2nd division required throughout.
- Age Limit (as of application deadline):
- 40 years for regular government employees, faculty of public sector universities/colleges, or researchers in approved R&D organizations.
- 35 years for all others.
- Other Conditions:
- Must not be availing another scholarship.
- PhD degree holders are ineligible.
- Must sign a bond with HEC to return and serve in Pakistan after completing studies.
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- TU Delft Announces 10 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Different Fields
Specific Eligibility
- Category I (Top 50 QS World Ranked Universities):
- Secured admission in a top 50 QS World Ranked US university.
- Valid GRE General score (minimum 300 total) or HAT score (minimum 60%).
- Category II (Top 51–300 QS World Ranked Universities):
- Secured admission in a top 51–300 QS World Ranked US university (overall ranking) or top 51–100 for subject-specific ranking.
- Valid GRE General score (minimum 300 total) or HAT score (minimum 60%), unless admission includes a complete tuition waiver (then GRE/HAT is not required).
Priority Subject Areas
The scholarship supports PhD studies in the following fields (effective Fall 2025/Spring-Summer 2026):
- Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences:
- Advanced Agriculture, Food Technology, Livestock, Crop Production, Soil and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Biotechnology, Veterinary Sciences (Breeding, Nutrition, Reproduction, Health, Dairy Science, Veterinary Biotechnology).
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences:
- Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Medical Biotechnology, Cancer Biology, Pharmacology, Nanotechnology (Nano Medicines, Cancer Research), Pharmaceutical Sciences, Industrial Biotechnology.
- Engineering and Technology:
- Water Management, Sustainable Energy Systems, Urban Planning, Climate Change, Environmental Engineering, Biotechnology/Bioengineering, Land and Water Resource Engineering, Agricultural Production Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Software Engineering, Mining Engineering, Architecture.
- Physical Sciences:
- Computer Science, IT, AI/Robotics.
- Social Sciences:
- Rural Development Studies, Urban Planning, Water Management, Sustainable Energy, Education, Public Policy.
- Arts and Humanities:
- Creative Art and Design.
Eligible Universities
- Category I: Top 50 QS World Ranked US universities.
- Category II: Top 51–300 QS World Ranked US universities (overall ranking) or top 51–100 for subject-specific rankings.
- Check the latest rankings at www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings or www.topuniversities.com/subject-rankings.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the scholarship:
- Register on HEC Portal:
- Visit scholarships.hec.gov.pk.
- Create a user ID using your CNIC (without dashes) and a password.
- Verify your account with mobile and email codes (note: MNC/ported numbers are not supported).
- Complete your profile on the portal.
- Complete the Online Application:
- Log in to scholarships.hec.gov.pk.
- Navigate to “Scholarships and Grants” > “US-PAK Knowledge Corridor Application.”
- Fill out and submit the form carefully, including:
- Study/Research Objective: Clearly describe your PhD program, specialization, and research goals.
- Personal Statement: Explain your background, interest in the field, career plans, and why you want to study in the US.
- Submit Documents:
- Email scanned copies of the completed application form and required documents (attested by a Grade-17 or above gazetted officer) to [email protected].
- Required documents for shortlisted candidates include:
- Admission letter and tuition waiver letter (if available).
- Attested copies of academic documents, CNIC, domicile, and passport.
- Contact details of the US university’s graduate school and advisor/supervisor.
- Employment/experience certificate (if applicable).
- Hard copies are not needed initially but may be requested later.
- Take the HEC Aptitude Test (HAT):
- Shortlisted candidates may need to take the HAT conducted by HEC’s Education Testing Council (ETC). Visit etc.hec.gov.pk for details.
- Secure Admission:
- With Admission: Apply with a confirmed admission letter from a qualifying US university.
- Without Admission: HEC may facilitate placement in partner universities, but you must meet the university’s admission criteria.
- A supervisor’s support letter from a US university can strengthen your application.
Application Deadline
- Fall 2025: 20 July, 2025
- Spring/Summer 2026: 15th November, 2025
- Fall 2026: 30th April, 2026
Key Instructions
- Accuracy: Ensure all information in the application is correct. Misrepresentation may lead to disqualification.
- Passport: Apply for a valid Pakistani passport immediately after shortlisting.
- Bond Agreement: Successful candidates must sign a contract with HEC to return and serve in Pakistan for a specified period. Failure to fulfill this obligation may result in liability for scholarship costs.
- Document Preparation: HEC-attested documents are not required at the initial application stage but will be needed if shortlisted.
- GRE/TOEFL/IELTS: GRE (minimum 300) or HAT (minimum 60%) is required unless a tuition waiver is secured for Category II. TOEFL/IELTS is not mandatory for HEC but may be required by US universities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible to apply?
Pakistani/AJK nationals with a minimum 4-year bachelor’s degree (16 years of education), no 2nd/3rd division in their academic career, aged up to 35 (or 40 for specific professions), and not availing another scholarship. PhD holders are ineligible.
What is the maximum age limit?
- 40 years for regular government employees, public sector faculty, or R&D researchers.
- 35 years for others, calculated as of the application deadline or specified session dates (e.g., December 31, 2022, for Spring 2023).
Do I need a master’s degree?
No, a 4-year bachelor’s degree (16 years of education) is sufficient for most US PhD programs, though some universities may have additional requirements.
Is IELTS/TOEFL required?
Not mandatory for HEC application but may be required by US universities for admission.
What documents are needed for a Provisional Award Letter (PAL)?
Admission letter, tuition waiver letter, attested academic documents, CNIC, domicile, passport, university/advisor contact details, and employment certificate (if applicable).
How can I prepare for GRE or HAT?
Visit www.ets.org for GRE details or etc.hec.gov.pk for HAT information.
Contact Information
For queries or further details:
- Website: www.hec.gov.pk/site/US-PAK-KC
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Project Management Unit (PMU), US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor, 13 B/11, HRD Building, Higher Education Commission (HEC), Sector H-8, Islamabad.
- HAT Queries: etc.hec.gov.pk or onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk
