On the auspicious occasion of the 75th Independence Anniversary of Pakistan, the Honorable Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is pleased to announce the “75th Celebration of Independence Day of Pakistan Scholarship Program.” This prestigious program aims to provide 75 scholarships to Pakistani and Azad Kashmir nationals for pursuing advanced degrees at the world’s top 25 ranked universities.
The scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to study in renowned universities and gain expertise in cutting-edge disciplines and advanced technologies. Upon completion of their studies, these scholars will contribute to the progress and development of Pakistan, becoming invaluable national assets.
Moroccan Government Scholarships for Pakistani Students
75 Scholarships Details
- Number of Scholarships: 75 (40 for PhD and 35 for MS)
- Scholarship Duration: 2 years for MS and 4 years for PhD
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Pakistani/Azad Kashmir national
- Admission/Enrollment: Confirmed or unconditional admission/enrollment in any of the top 25 ranked universities (according to QS/Times Higher Education) in the selected subjects.
- Educational Qualification:
- For MS Scholarships: BS/BE/Masters or equivalent to 16 years of education in a relevant field of study.
- For PhD Scholarships: MS/MPhil/ME or equivalent to 18 years of education in a relevant field of study.
- Academic Performance: Minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 or 3.75 out of 5.0 in the semester system or First Division (in the annual system) in the qualifying degree.
- Age Limit:
- 40 years for full-time regular faculty members of public sector universities/colleges or employees of public sector organizations.
- 35 years for all others.
- Scholarship Availment: Applicants must not be availing any other scholarship. If currently availing any HEC Scholarship Scheme, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from that scholarship project is required.
- Employees: Employees of any public sector university/organization must submit an NOC from their organization to apply for the scholarship.
How to Apply
The application process for the scholarship is as follows:
- Keep an eye on daily newspapers and the HEC Official Website for scholarship advertisements.
- Visit the HEC Scholarship E-Portal and click on “Apply Online.”
- Secure admission in one of the top 25 ranked universities.
- Fill out the online application form on the HEC portal.
- Return to Pakistan immediately after completing the studies.
- Sign an agreement with HEC to serve for a period of 3 years for MS and 5 years for PhD in Pakistan after completing the studies.
List of Foreign Universities
The scholarship program is available for selected subjects at the following world’s top 25 ranked universities:
| Sr. No | University Name | Address | QSRanking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | United States | 1 |
| 2 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | 2 |
| 3 | Stanford University | United States | 3 |
| 4 | University of Oxford | United Kingdom | 4 |
| 5 | Harvard University | United States | 5 |
| 6 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | United States | 6 |
| 7 | Imperial College London | United Kingdom | 7 |
| 8 | University College London | United Kingdom | 8 |
| 9 | ETH (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule) Zurich | Switzerland | 9 |
| 10 | The University of Chicago | United States | 10 |
| 11 | National University of Singapore (NUS) | Singapore | 11 |
| 12 | Peking University | China | 12 |
| 13 | University of Pennsylvania | United States | 13 |
| 14 | Tsinghua University | China | 14 |
| 15 | The University of Edinburgh | United Kingdom | 15 |
| 16 | École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) | Switzerland | 16 |
| 17 | Princeton University | United States | 16 |
| 18 | Yale University | United States | 18 |
| 19 | Nanyang Technological University | Singapore | 19 |
| 20 | Cornell University | United States | 20 |
| 21 | The University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong | 21 |
| 22 | Columbia University | United States | 22 |
| 23 | The University of Tokyo | Japan | 23 |
| 24 | Johns Hopkins University | United States | 24 |
| 25 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | United States | 25 |
These universities are highly regarded and ranked among the top institutions globally, offering exceptional educational opportunities for students.
SELECTED SUBJECTS
Subject Priorities for 75 Scholarships
| Sr. No | Priority Research Area |
|---|---|
| 1 | Agriculture & Veterinary Sciences |
| 2 | Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Information Technology |
| 3 | Biotechnology & Bioinformatics |
| 4 | Cyber Security – Information Technology |
| 5 | Data Sciences – Information Technology |
| 6 | Hydrology and Water Resources Management – Civil Engineering |
| 7 | International Law – Social Sciences |
| 8 | Nonproliferation and Peace Studies – Social Sciences |
| 9 | Renewable Energy – Electrical Engineering |
| 10 | Satellite & Aerospace – Aerospace Engineering |
| 11 | Urban Planning & Development |
| 12 | Development Economics – Social Sciences |
| 13 | Disaster & Risk Management |
| 14 | Engineering and Emerging Sciences |
| 15 | International Relations |
| 16 | Public Administration & Management |
| 17 | Education |
| 18 | Business Administration & Management |
These priority research areas represent the fields of study that are given preference for the 75 scholarships offered in the program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the objectives of this scheme?
The objective of this scholarship is to provide an opportunity for Pakistani/Azad Kashmir students to pursue degree studies (Master or PhD) in selected subjects at reputed top 25 ranking universities (QS/Times Higher Education) in the world.
What is the basic eligibility criteria to apply?
Confirmed/Unconditional Admission/Enrollment in any of the Top 25 Ranked University (QS/Times Higher Education) in selected subjects.
Applicant should be a Pakistani/Azad Kashmir national.
For MS Scholarships: BS/BE/Masters or equivalent to 16 years of education in the relevant field of studies.
For PhD Scholarships: MS/MPhil/ME or equivalent to 18 years of education in the relevant field of studies.
Applicants must have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 in the semester system or first division in the annual system for MS scholarships, and for PhD scholarships, it is MS/MPhil/ME/Equivalent degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.
Maximum one-second division throughout the academic career prior to the final degree.
Maximum age at the time of advertisement: 40 years for full-time regular Faculty Members of Public Sector Universities/Colleges or employees of the Public Sector organization, and 35 years for all others.
Must not be availing any other scholarship. If the applicant is already availing any HEC Scholarship Scheme, they need to submit the NOC from that scholarship project.
Employees of any Public Sector University/organization need to submit an NOC to apply for the scholarship from their organization.
What documents are required to apply for MS and PhD Scholarships?
The following documents are required:
Confirmed Admission Letter
All Academic documents from Matric to MS/MPhil for PhD Scholarship
All Academic documents from Matric to Masters for MS (16 years) for MS Scholarship
CNIC
Domicile
Deposit slip
Equivalence (where required)
What is the fee for the scholarship program?
After the submission and scrutiny process, the original online deposit slip or ATM Transfer Slip of Rs. 700/- (non-refundable) as an application processing fee in favor of Director General Finance, HEC must be uploaded on the HEC portal. The fee can be deposited in Account# 1742-79001334-01, Habib Bank Limited (HBL), Shalimar recording company branch, Islamabad, Pakistan, through any bank.
Is the fee refundable?
No, the fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
In which universities can applicants apply?
Candidates have to secure admissions in the world’s top 25 ranked universities. Scholars can apply to universities that are among the top 25 Universities in the QS World Ranking and Times Higher Education (THE).
Can I apply for a scholarship before being accepted into a university?
No, you must have a valid confirmed admission letter during the submission of the application form. Without an admission letter, you are not eligible to apply.
Can I change the university during studies?
No, you cannot change your university during studies.
Can an applicant change their subject/discipline/study program?
No, once the applicant is nominated by HEC or finally selected by the Host University, any request for a change of university/subject/discipline/study program made by the applicant shall not be entertained. HEC will not issue any NOC for a change of discipline.
Once I submit an online application, can I change my university/subject?
No, once an applicant submits their application to HEC, any request for a change of university/subject/discipline/study program made by the applicant shall not be entertained. HEC will not consider any request for changes in the submitted application form.
What is the maximum duration of the scholarship?
The duration of the Scholarship Program is a maximum of two years for MS and four years for Ph.D.
Is this scholarship announced by HEC fully funded or not?
Yes, this scholarship scheme is fully funded by the Higher Education Commission, Government of Pakistan.
Can I avail two scholarships at one time?
No, you can only avail one scholarship at one time.
If my studies extend beyond the stipulated time period, will HEC pay my stipend?
No, HEC won’t pay any stipend if your studies are extended beyond the specified time.
Can I defer my scholarship?
No, you cannot defer your scholarship. Only admission can be deferred. The scholarship amount needs to be refunded as per the agreement if the scholarship is deferred.
What is the stipend rate for various countries?
The stipend rate varies from university to university and country to country.
What age is required for the scholarship?
The maximum age at the time of advertisement is 40 years for full-time regular Faculty Members of Public Sector Universities/Colleges or employees of the Public Sector organization, and 35 years for all others.
What is the maximum bond period?
Successful candidates have to sign a Bond/Agreement with HEC to serve for a period of 3 years for MS and 5 years for PhD in Pakistan after completion of their studies.
Can an applicant with a third division in the academic career apply for this scholarship?
No, the applicant must have a first division (in the annual examination system) or CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 3.75 out of 5 (First Division in the Annual System) in the final degree for MS Scholarships and PhD Scholarship.
If an applicant is awaiting their results, can they apply for the scholarship?
No, only those who have completed their BS/BE/MS/ME/Master’s degree before the submission and application closing date can apply.
Is IELTS/TOEFL/GRE necessary for applying?
No, it is not a requirement for the scholarship. However, the candidate has to meet the admission criteria of the university.
How many universities may I apply to for this scholarship?
Scholars can apply to a university that is among the top 25 universities in the QS World Ranking-2023 and Times Higher Education (THE-2022). The applicant should keep in mind that it is their sole responsibility to secure their admission.
This scholarship program aims to provide an excellent opportunity for Pakistani and Azad Kashmir students to pursue higher education at renowned universities and contribute to the development of Pakistan. Interested individuals are advised to keep an eye on the official channels for scholarship announcements and complete the application process accordingly.
For any further queries or concerns, applicants can visit the HEC Online Help Center or contact the HEC Call Centre at 051-111-119-432.
Note: The online application form has been closed.