HEC Commonwealth Scholarship 2027–28 for Pakistan (Master’s & PhD)
Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan / Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC)
Applications are open for the Commonwealth Scholarship Programme 2027–28 for eligible Pakistani and AJ&K nationals seeking full-time Master’s or PhD study in the UK. Pakistan applicants using the HEC nomination route must complete both the relevant Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) application and the HEC Learning Opportunities Abroad application. HEC’s deadline is 20 October 2026 at 4:00 PM Pakistan time; the CSC deadline is 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST.
What this programme provides
The CSC covers approved tuition fees and approved return airfare and provides a living stipend. Current CSC rates are £1,712 per month, or £2,000 per month at universities in the London metropolitan area, with additional study-related support and category-specific allowances subject to CSC terms.
Eligibility
- Be a Pakistani/AJ&K national and permanent resident of Pakistan/AJ&K; HEC states that dual nationals are not eligible under its nomination route.
- There is no upper age limit stated by HEC or CSC for this scholarship cycle.
- For HEC Master’s nomination: hold a first division in a relevant 16-year Bachelor’s degree.
- For HEC PhD nomination: hold a first division in a relevant 17/18-year Master’s, MS or MPhil degree.
- Do not have a Second/Third Division in the terminal (latest) degree under HEC criteria.
- Provide an eligible HAT score of at least 60/100. HEC accepts relevant HAT-I, II, III and IV scores and sets cycle-specific validity rules.
- Meet the additional CSC eligibility requirements for the selected Master’s or PhD category, including permanent residence in an eligible Commonwealth country and being unable to afford UK study without the scholarship.
- For the PhD route, meet CSC doctoral requirements, including the required UK supervisor support statement and the restriction on prior PhD/MPhil-leading-to-PhD registration stated for this cycle.
Required documents
- Proof of citizenship/refugee status accepted by CSC, such as a valid passport or national ID showing photograph, date of birth and citizenship.
- Full transcripts for all higher-education qualifications, including to-date transcripts where applicable, with certified translations if not in English.
- At least two references uploaded in the CSC system in the required signed/institutional format.
- For PhD applicants: a supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor at at least one institution named in the application.
- Any profile information, degree/test details and documents requested by the HEC online application. HEC advises applicants not to send hard copies unless specifically requested by HEC.
How to apply
- 1Read the HEC 2027–28 announcement and decide whether you are applying for the Master’s or PhD route.
- 2Complete the appropriate CSC application through CSC Central and upload all required supporting documents before the CSC deadline.
- 3Complete the HEC online application at scholarship.hec.gov.pk, select “Learning Opportunities Abroad,” and submit the application.
- 4Ensure both applications are submitted. HEC states that an applicant who misses either the CSC or HEC application cannot be accepted through HEC’s nomination process.
- 5For Pakistan applicants, treat the HEC deadline of 20 October 2026 at 4:00 PM Pakistan time as the earlier practical cutoff and do not wait for the later CSC time on the same date.
- 6Keep copies of submitted applications and monitor official HEC/CSC communications, including email spam/junk folders.
Detailed information
Key dates for Pakistan applicants
Applications opened on 8 September 2026. HEC closes its online application on 20 October 2026 at 4:00 PM Pakistan time. CSC also closes on 20 October 2026, at 16:00 BST. HEC expects nominating agencies to complete nominations in December 2026, CSC results are expected by July 2027, and studies are expected to start in September/October 2027.
How HEC and CSC roles differ
HEC is Pakistan’s national nominating agency for this route. HEC shortlists and nominates candidates according to its criteria, but nomination does not guarantee a scholarship. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission makes the final selection. Applicants must satisfy both HEC and CSC rules.
Nominations and merit
HEC’s announcement states that 26 Master’s nominations and 30 General PhD nominations are available. HEC says merit is determined primarily on the HAT score, with the percentage in the last completed degree used as a tie-breaker where test scores are equal. HEC also states a minimum female nomination ratio of 45%.
HAT requirement and the unusual 2026 timing
HEC requires at least 60/100 in an eligible HAT category and says scores taken on or after 25 October 2024 may be considered for this cycle. HEC also says the tentatively scheduled HAT on 25 October 2026 can be used for the nomination process even though applications close on 20 October. Applicants without a score must still submit both scholarship applications by the deadline; HEC says it can add the valid result after announcement.
Master’s route: important CSC conditions
The CSC Master’s award is for full-time taught study, normally a one-year Master’s. CSC does not fund MBA degrees under this route. Applicants are advised to list three suitable UK university/course choices and to apply for university admission early because placement can fail if an applicant has not secured an appropriate course.
PhD route: supervisor and research requirements
The PhD award supports 36 months of full-time research. A supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor at at least one institution named in the CSC application is mandatory. Applicants should identify suitable universities/supervisors early, prepare a strong research plan, and list multiple choices where possible.
What the scholarship covers
For both Master’s and PhD awards, CSC lists approved tuition fees, approved return airfare and a living stipend. Current stipend rates are £1,712 per month, or £2,000 per month for universities in the London metropolitan area. Study-related travel support is also listed; PhD and family-related allowances vary by category and personal circumstances and should be checked in the current CSC terms before relying on them.
Development themes and application writing
The six CSC themes are science and technology for development; strengthening health systems and capacity; promoting innovation and entrepreneurship; strengthening global peace, security and governance; strengthening resilience and response to crises; and access, inclusion and opportunity. CSC applications ask applicants to connect study/research to development needs and explain measurable impact after returning home.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not submit only one of the two required applications. Do not leave references, transcripts or the PhD supervisor statement until the last day. Do not assume HEC nomination equals final selection. Do not send hard copies to HEC unless HEC specifically asks for them. Do not use an ineligible HAT category or an expired score.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to apply on both HEC and CSC portals?
Yes. HEC explicitly states that both applications are mandatory for candidates using its nomination route.
What is the Pakistan deadline?
HEC’s deadline is 20 October 2026 at 4:00 PM Pakistan time. Because this is earlier than the CSC closing time on the same date, applicants should treat the HEC time as the practical cutoff.
Is there an age limit?
HEC and CSC state no upper age limit for this cycle, though applicants should still meet all academic and programme-specific requirements.
What HAT score is required?
HEC requires at least 60 out of 100 in an eligible HAT category and publishes cycle-specific validity rules.
Can a result-awaiting candidate apply?
HEC says result-awaiting candidates may apply if they can obtain and submit the final degree and transcript before the 2027 academic session begins.
Is IELTS required by CSC?
CSC states that it does not require candidates to take IELTS, but individual UK universities may have their own English-language admission requirements.
Does HEC pay the scholarship?
No. HEC states that it facilitates nomination and has no financial liability for this scholarship; the award is funded through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
Does HEC nomination guarantee selection?
No. Final selection is made by CSC from nominated candidates.
Sources used for this record
Official sources take priority for critical facts such as eligibility, amounts, dates and application instructions.
Supports: Pakistan eligibility · HAT rules · 26 Master’s and 30 PhD nominations
Supports: Commonwealth 2027–28 listed as active scholarship · HEC advice on HAT/LOA
Supports: Master’s eligibility · supporting documents · financial assistance
Supports: PhD eligibility · supervisor statement · 36-month tenure
Supports: Pakistan-facing university awareness notice · dual application reminder · deadline
Supports: Current Pakistan university announcement · deadline awareness
Important safety note
Use only the official HEC and CSC portals. Do not pay anyone for a guaranteed nomination or scholarship, and do not share portal passwords, OTPs or payment credentials with PakRelief.
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