Quick Facts
Introduction
Complete HEC US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarships 2027 guide: eligibility, QS categories, funding, GRE/HAT requirement, deadlines, documents and online application.
HEC US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarships 2027 are designed to support Pakistani scholars who obtain admission to leading universities in the United States. The scholarship is for PhD study only; it is not an MS or Masters-leading-to-PhD award under this advertisement. Candidates should secure admission, meet HEC’s general and category-specific requirements, and submit the scholarship application through the official HEC system before the relevant deadline.
For related updates, explore Admissions, Top Universities, Jobs and Knowledge Base for more information.
Official Apply Links
- HEC US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor information page
- HEC Scholarship Portal: Apply Online
- HEC official FAQs
- HEC official How to Apply instructions
Original HEC Scholarship Advertisement
The original HEC advertisement supplied for this article is included below. Applicants should compare the advertisement with the live HEC page and scholarship portal because deadlines, university-ranking conditions and funding figures can be updated.
Application Deadlines for 2027 Admissions
| Intake | HEC deadline | What applicants should do |
|---|---|---|
| Spring/Summer 2027 | 30 October 2026 | Submit the HEC scholarship application before the closing date printed in the advertisement. |
| Fall 2027 | 30 March 2027 | Apply through the HEC portal before the Fall 2027 deadline. |
These are HEC scholarship deadlines, not necessarily the admission deadlines of individual US universities. A university may close its PhD application earlier, so applicants should check the graduate school deadline, obtain admission and then complete the HEC process as early as possible.
General Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be a Pakistani or AJK national.
- A minimum four-year Bachelor’s degree such as BS, B.Sc., B.E. or equivalent 16-year formal education is required.
- The supplied advertisement permits a maximum of one second division or equivalent throughout the academic career. Applicants must check the current HEC portal and official FAQ for the final division policy before submitting.
- Maximum age on the closing date must not exceed 40 years for regular government employees, regular faculty members of public-sector universities or government colleges, and regular researchers of approved R&D organizations.
- The maximum age for other applicants is 35 years.
- The applicant must not be receiving another scholarship at the time of application.
- Applicants who already hold a PhD are not eligible for a PhD scholarship.
Category I Scholarship
Category I is intended for applicants who secure admission to a US university ranked among the top 50 in the QS World University Rankings, according to the applicable ranking reference. The applicant must also have a valid GRE General score of at least 300 in total or an HEC HAT score of at least 60%.
| Support | Category I details |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Tuition fee as per the university invoice / approved scholarship terms |
| Annual stipend | The supplied advertisement lists USD 19,000; the current HEC FAQ lists USD 19,200. Confirm the amount in the live award terms. |
| Health insurance | USD 2,000 per annum or the approved actual amount, subject to HEC terms |
| Return airfare | HEC FAQ lists PKR 250,000, subject to the approved terms |
Category II Scholarship
The supplied October 2026 advertisement describes Category II for admission to US universities ranked 51–100 overall in the QS World University Rankings. It requires a valid GRE General score of at least 300 or an HEC HAT score of at least 60%.
| Support | Category II details |
|---|---|
| US university | Check the ranking range stated in the current advertisement and HEC portal |
| Tuition | Up to USD 12,000 per annum under the advertised terms |
| Annual stipend | USD 19,000 in the supplied advertisement; HEC’s FAQ currently lists USD 19,200 |
| Health insurance | USD 2,000 per annum |
| Return airfare | HEC FAQ lists PKR 250,000, subject to the approved terms |
GRE and HAT Requirement
Applicants need either a valid GRE General score with at least 300 total marks or an HEC HAT score of at least 60%, as stated for the categories. HEC’s FAQ also clarifies that TOEFL or IELTS is not a requirement of the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor application itself, although a US university may separately require an English-language test for admission.
- GRE information is available through the Educational Testing Service.
- HAT information is available through the HEC Education Testing Council.
- Check the validity and accepted test date on the HEC portal before applying.
Preferred Subject Areas
HEC publishes priority subject areas for the Knowledge Corridor. The listed areas include life sciences and medicines, natural sciences, engineering and technology, social sciences and management, and arts and humanities. Examples include agricultural biotechnology, medical biotechnology, cancer biology, environmental sciences, sustainable energy, water management, computer science and IT, AI and robotics, education, public policy, rural development and creative art and design.
Applicants should check the current HEC priority subject areas page and select a research field that matches both the programme’s priorities and the applicant’s academic background.
Admission Requirement for a US University
A prospective applicant must secure admission to a qualifying US university before claiming the category-specific scholarship support. Admission, ranking and subject conditions must match the category selected in the HEC application. Applicants should keep the admission letter, tuition or fee information and graduate-school contact details ready.
How to Apply Online Through the HEC Portal
- Open the official HEC Scholarship Portal.
- Register with your CNIC without dashes and verify your mobile number and email address.
- Complete the HEC profile, academic record, employment details and contact information.
- Open the Scholarships and Grants section and select the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor application.
- Choose the relevant 2027 intake and scholarship category after checking your US admission and ranking details.
- Upload or enter the required information and review every declaration carefully.
- Submit the application before the applicable deadline and download the completed form for your record.
- Follow HEC instructions about sending scanned copies or additional documents to the Project Management Unit if requested.
Required Documents
- US university admission letter and tuition waiver or fee letter, where applicable.
- All academic documents and transcripts.
- CNIC, domicile and passport copies.
- Valid GRE General or HAT score evidence.
- Employment or experience certificate for applicants claiming the relevant age category.
- Contact details of the US graduate school and proposed advisor or supervisor.
- Any additional documents requested by the HEC portal or Project Management Unit.
HEC’s How to Apply instructions state that HEC-attested documents may be requested later from shortlisted candidates. Do not submit false, altered or incomplete information because misrepresentation can lead to disqualification or cancellation of an award.
Scholarship Duration and Return Requirement
HEC’s application instructions state that the grant may be offered for a maximum period of five years. Successful candidates are required to sign an HEC contract or bond that binds them to return to Pakistan after completing their programme and serve the country for the period specified in the agreement. Read the bond carefully before accepting the scholarship.
Important Tips for Applicants
- Do not wait for the last day; university admission and HEC scholarship deadlines are separate.
- Confirm the QS ranking year and ranking method accepted for your category.
- Keep the spelling of your name and date of birth consistent across CNIC, passport, university and HEC records.
- Use a valid email address and mobile number that you can access throughout the application process.
- Save screenshots, the submitted application form and all HEC emails.
- Use only official HEC links and do not pay an agent for selection or scholarship approval.
Official Contact and Source Links
- HEC US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor page
- HEC Scholarship Portal
- Project Management Unit email: [email protected]
- HEC Project Management Unit, HRD Division, Sector H-8, Islamabad.
Verification note: This article was prepared on 20 October 2026 using the supplied HEC advertisement and the available HEC official FAQ, How to Apply, General Instructions and Priority Subject Areas pages. The advertisement and HEC FAQ contain differences in some ranking and funding details, so applicants must verify the current portal before submitting. For more verified opportunities, visit our Scholarships category.
FAQs
What is the HEC US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor scholarship?
It is an HEC scholarship programme for eligible Pakistani and AJK nationals who secure PhD admission at a qualifying US university.
Is this scholarship available for MS or Masters programmes?
The supplied advertisement describes this opportunity for PhD admissions only. Applicants should not treat it as an MS or general Masters scholarship.
What is the deadline for Spring/Summer 2027?
The advertised deadline for the Spring/Summer 2027 intake is 30 October 2026.
What is the deadline for Fall 2027?
The advertised deadline for the Fall 2027 intake is 30 March 2027.
What is the minimum GRE or HAT score?
The category criteria state a minimum GRE General score of 300 total or an HEC HAT score of 60%.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for the HEC application?
HEC’s official FAQ says IELTS or TOEFL is not a requirement of the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor application. A university may still require an English-language test for its own admission process.
What degree is required?
A minimum four-year Bachelor’s degree, such as BS, B.Sc., B.E. or equivalent 16-year formal education, is listed for eligibility.
Where should I apply?
Apply through the official HEC Scholarship Portal at scholarship.hec.gov.pk and review the programme information at the HEC US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor page.
Conclusion
Review the official sources, dates and eligibility conditions mentioned in this article before taking action. For more related updates, explore the category links above.
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