HEC Overseas Scholarships – Apply Now

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan offers overseas scholarships to Pakistani students for MS and PhD programs in top-ranked international universities. These scholarships aim to enhance higher education and research opportunities by providing fully funded scholarships, tuition fees, living allowances, and travel expenses.

If you want to study abroad on a scholarship, this guide will cover eligibility criteria, application process, deadlines, and benefits of the HEC Overseas Scholarships 2025.

HEC Overseas Scholarships – Key Features

✅ Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
✅ Degree Levels: MS, PhD
✅ Fields of Study: Engineering, Medical, IT, Business, Social Sciences & More
✅ Countries Covered: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany & Others
✅ Financial Coverage: Tuition fees, stipend, health insurance, and travel allowance

HEC Overseas Scholarships 2025 – Eligibility Criteria

To apply for an HEC Overseas Scholarship, candidates must meet the following requirements:

✅ For MS Scholarships

✔ Minimum Education: 16 years of education (BS/BE/Master’s)
✔ Minimum CGPA: 3.0 out of 4.0 (or 60% in the annual system)
✔ Age Limit: Maximum 35 years
✔ GAT/GRE Requirement: HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) or GRE International

✅ For PhD Scholarships

✔ Minimum Education: 18 years of education (MS/MPhil)
✔ Minimum CGPA: 3.0 out of 4.0
✔ Age Limit: Maximum 40 years
✔ Research Proposal: Required for PhD applicants
✔ GRE Requirement: GRE/TOEFL/IELTS (depending on the university)

📢 Note: Preference is given to candidates applying for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

🎓 Types of HEC Overseas Scholarships 2025

HEC collaborates with various international universities and governments to offer fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs. Some of the most popular scholarships include:

1️⃣ Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme 2025-26

This is a fully funded Hungarian government scholarship for Pakistani students to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees.

• 📅 HEC Portal Deadline: January 20, 2025
• 📅 Hungarian Portal Deadline: January 15, 2025
• 🌐 Official Website: HEC Stipendium Hungaricum

2️⃣ Chinese Government Scholarship Program 2025-26

This HEC-China collaboration provides fully funded scholarships for Pakistani students to study in top Chinese universities.

• 📅 Application Deadline: December 9, 2024
• 🌐 Official Website: HEC Chinese Government Scholarship

3️⃣ Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Program 2025

The South Korean government offers this fully funded scholarship for students interested in master’s and PhD programs.

• 📅 Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
• 🌐 Official Website: HEC GKS Scholarship

4️⃣ HEC Overseas PhD Scholarships 2025

This program supports Pakistani students pursuing PhD degrees in top international universities in various fields.

• 📅 Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
• 🌐 Official Website: HEC PhD Scholarships

📝 Eligibility Criteria for HEC Overseas Scholarships

To apply for an HEC overseas scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

✅ Pakistani/AJK nationality
✅ Minimum academic qualifications (varies by program)
✅ Strong academic background (min. CGPA 3.0 or 70% marks in the last degree)
✅ Valid IELTS/TOEFL score (if required by the host university)
✅ No dual nationality
✅ Commitment to return to Pakistan after studies

Some scholarships may have additional requirements, so it’s essential to read the official guidelines before applying.

💰 HEC Scholarship Benefits

These fully funded scholarships cover:

✔ Tuition fees (fully or partially covered)
✔ Monthly stipend (to cover living expenses)
✔ Accommodation support
✔ Health insurance
✔ Airfare tickets (round trip)
✔ Research funding (for PhD students)

This makes HEC overseas scholarships an incredible opportunity for Pakistani students to study in some of the best universities worldwide without financial stress.

How to Apply for HEC Overseas Scholarships 2025?

Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply:

✅ Step 1: Check HEC Scholarship Advertisement

HEC announces overseas scholarships twice a year. Visit the HEC website (www.hec.gov.pk) or follow EduBoost.pk for updates.

✅ Step 2: Apply Online via HEC Portal

1️⃣ Visit the HEC e-portal: scholarships.hec.gov.pk
2️⃣ Create an HEC account (if you don’t have one).
3️⃣ Fill out the scholarship application form.
4️⃣ Upload required documents (see the list below).
5️⃣ Submit your application before the deadline.

✅ Step 3: Submit Required Documents

📌 Required Documents for HEC Overseas Scholarships:
✔ Educational Certificates (Matric, FSC, Bachelor’s, Master’s, MS)
✔ CNIC or Passport
✔ Domicile Certificate
✔ Research Proposal (For PhD applicants)
✔ GRE/GAT/IELTS/TOEFL Score (If required)
✔ Statement of Purpose (SOP)
✔ Acceptance Letter (If available)

✅ Step 4: Appear for HEC Aptitude Test (HAT)

Candidates must pass the HEC Aptitude Test (HAT), which is conducted by Education Testing Council (ETC). The minimum passing score is 50% for MS and 60% for PhD scholarships.

✅ Step 5: Wait for Shortlisting & Interview

📌 HEC shortlists candidates based on academic merit, test scores, and research potential. If shortlisted, you will be called for an interview.

✅ Step 6: Final Selection & University Admission

Once selected, HEC will assist you in securing admission in top-ranked international universities.

HEC Overseas Scholarships – Financial Benefits

HEC fully funds the scholarship, covering:

✔ Full Tuition Fees – Paid directly to the university
✔ Monthly Stipend – Covers living expenses
✔ Health Insurance – Medical coverage for students
✔ Travel Allowance – Return airfare tickets
✔ Research Grants – For PhD students

📢 Important: Students must return to Pakistan after completing their studies and serve the country for a minimum of 5 years.

Countries & Universities Covered Under HEC Overseas Scholarships

HEC collaborates with top universities in the following countries:

Country	Universities Covered
USA	Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, UC Berkeley
UK	Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College, UCL
Canada	University of Toronto, McGill, UBC
Australia	University of Sydney, Melbourne, ANU
Germany	TU Munich, Heidelberg, RWTH Aachen
China	Tsinghua, Peking, Fudan University

📢 Note: Only students admitted to top 500 QS-ranked universities are eligible for HEC funding.

HEC Overseas Scholarships 2025 – Important Dates

📅 Below are the expected application deadlines for HEC Overseas Scholarships 2025:

Event	Date (Tentative)
HEC Scholarship Announcement	February 2025
Application Deadline	April 2025
HEC Aptitude Test (HAT)	May 2025
Interviews & Shortlisting	June – July 2025
Final Selection	August 2025

📢 Tip: Apply as early as possible to avoid last-minute issues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in HEC Scholarship Applications

🚫 Incomplete documents – Always check the required documents before submission.
🚫 Missing the deadline – Submit your application before the last date.
🚫 Low test scores – Prepare well for HAT/GRE/IELTS.
🚫 Applying to unapproved universities – Choose only top 500 QS-ranked universities.

FAQs – HEC Overseas Scholarships

Q1: Can I apply for an HEC Overseas Scholarship without a GAT/GRE test?

No, most programs require HAT/GRE/IELTS/TOEFL scores.

Q2: Can I choose any university for this scholarship?

No, you must select universities from HEC’s approved list.

Q3: Does HEC cover family expenses?

No, HEC only funds the student’s tuition, living, and travel costs.

Q4: How many seats are available for HEC Overseas Scholarships?

Each year, hundreds of students receive HEC scholarships, but the exact number varies.

Final Thoughts

The HEC Overseas Scholarships 2025 provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Pakistani students to study at top international universities. If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply now and start preparing for your tests and interviews.

🔔 Follow EduBoost.pk for latest updates on scholarships, admissions, and study abroad opportunities!