The Higher Education Commission has announced PhD scholarships for 2027 admissions under the US–Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Program, offering Pakistani and AJK nationals an opportunity to pursue doctoral studies at some of the world’s leading universities.
According to the official announcement, the scholarships are exclusively for PhD programs and apply only to students who secure admission to the top 100 QS World-ranked universities in the United States. The scheme does not cover Master’s, MS, or MS leading to PhD programs.
Admission Required Before Scholarship Application
HEC has clearly stated that applicants must first secure admission to a relevant PhD program at an eligible US university before applying for the scholarship. Candidates are also encouraged to seek admission in preferred subject areas identified by HEC to improve their chances of selection.
Two Scholarship Categories Based on QS Rankings
The scholarship program is divided into two categories, depending on the QS World Ranking of the US university where the applicant gains admission.
Category One for Top 50 QS Ranked US Universities
Applicants admitted to US universities ranked among the top 50 globally under QS World Rankings are eligible for full tuition fee coverage as per the university invoice.
They will also receive an annual living stipend of USD 19,200 along with health insurance support of USD 2,000 per year.
To qualify, applicants must have confirmed admission to a top 50 QS-ranked US university and either a minimum GRE General score of 300 or an HEC HAT score of at least 60 percent.
Category Two for QS Ranked 51 to 100 US Universities
Applicants admitted to US universities ranked between 51 and 100 may receive tuition fee support of up to USD 12,000 per year, along with the same annual stipend of USD 19,200 and health insurance support of USD 2,000 per annum.
Eligibility requirements for this category also include secured admission in a qualifying university and either a GRE score of 300 or an HEC HAT score of 60 percent or higher.
General Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be Pakistani or AJK nationals and hold a minimum four-year bachelor’s degree, such as BS, BSc, BE, or any equivalent qualification representing 16 years of formal education.
HEC has emphasized that candidates must not have any second or third division in their entire academic career for either scholarship category.
The maximum age limit on the application closing date is 40 years for regular government employees, public sector university faculty members, and approved research organization staff. For all other applicants, the age limit is 35 years.
Applicants must also confirm that they are not availing themselves of any other scholarship at the time of application.
Online Application Process
Applications must be submitted online through the HEC scholarship portal, while complete details regarding subject areas, eligibility conditions, and procedural guidelines are available on the official HEC website.
HEC has advised applicants to secure additional university funding where possible, noting that any shortfall in tuition or expenses may need to be covered by the student.
The Knowledge Corridor initiative continues to be a flagship program aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s research capacity by placing talented scholars in leading US institutions.
