Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How can I fill out the application form?
A:
The applicants are required to Create/Login
to HEC e-Services Scholarship Portal (https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk/#/login) and submit the online
application. The applicants who have not created common profile are required to
create common profile first through online application process and then need to
apply for the said scholarships after following the required procedure. Hard
copy of application forms and pre-requisite documents are not required at this
stage. Moreover, please make sure to keep original deposit slip in your record.
Q:
How can I submit the online application fee?
A: The application processing fee
i.e. Rs. 3,000/ shall be deposited through 1LINK payment services
Q: Are the scholarships being awarded only in
the thematic areas mentioned?
A:
Yes, due to limited seats available, the scholarships under the current batch
will only be awarded under the 8 thematic areas. All relevent details are available on HEC official website page of Overseas project.
Q:
I am currently enrolled in MS/MPhil or PhD program. Am I eligible to apply for
the scholarship?
A:
No. Applicants must have completed their BS/Masters/MS/MPhil degree before
applying for the scholarship.
Q:
Are the scholarships available for both MS/M.Phil and PhD Studies?
A:
Yes, scholarships are available for both MS/M.Phil and PhD Studies in top 200
QS/THE World Ranked Universities on meeting the eligibility criteria.
Q: I have admission/offer in the HEC
identified Country/University; do still I need to apply under this scholarship
scheme?
A: Yes, you must apply through the portal and
complete the process.
Q: While filling the education section my
university department & degree program is not in the drop-down box of the
system?
A:
Please consult your university Focal person/ Registrar to
register your degree program in Pakistan Qualification Register in HEC so that
program may be included in the online portal.
Q: Are there HEC partner
universities under which applicants can apply?
A: Yes, HEC has signed DoUs/MoUs
with different partner agencies and universities of the world. The applicants
need to secure admission/acceptance from top 200 QS/THE World Ranked
Universities in the universities of these countries. These include:
Partner Agencies
·
Germany- German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
·
Austria- Austria's Agency for education and
internationalization (OeAD)
·
France- Campus France
·
China- China Scholarship Council (CSC)
Partner
Universities
·
University of Alberta, Canada
·
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), South Korea
·
Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International
Trust (for scholarships at University at Cambridge, UK)
Q:
Can I also apply for admission to non-partner universities?
A: Yes, the
applicants can apply in non-partner universities which are placed in top 200
QS/THE World Ranked Universities of the World. However, if the applicable tuition fees of the university
exceed the amount allocated under the project (USD 4,000/annum), the candidate
shall be responsible for securing a fee waiver to cover the additional costs.
Q: Is admission letter/acceptance from
supervisor mandatory prior to applying for scholarships?
A: No, the admission letter/acceptance
letter is not mandatory at time of application. The shortlisted candidates will
be asked to secure admissions in top 200 QS/THE World Ranked Universities.
However, the eligible applicants are encouraged to start applying for
admissions and secure acceptance from supervisors so that they can complete the
process in time.
Q: Should my degrees be attested from Higher
Education Commission?
A:
Yes, the degrees are required to be attested from Higher Education Commission.
The applicants are required to get their degrees attested in advance to save
their time. However, at the time of application the attested degrees are not
mandatory.
Q: Do foreign degree holders require degree
equivalence certificate from Higher Education Commission?
A:
Yes, the foreign degrees holders require degree equivalence certificate from Higher
Education Commission. The applicants are required to get their degree
equivalence certificates in advance to save their time. However, at the time of
application the equivalence is not mandatory.
Q: Is HAT Test mandatory for the scholarship?
A:
Yes, a valid HAT score is mandatory for the scholarship. The test will be
conducted by ETC (keep visiting HEC website for test date). In addition to HAT
test score, the merit will be drawn on basis of interview and available provincial
quota. Those who have already valid HAT test till closing date of application sumbission, need not to appear in the test but have to apply must for proceesing, however they can appear in the test and best score will be considered.
Q: Are the scholarships fully funded?
A: The scholarships offer stipend, tuition fee (within financial provision), health insurance and air ticket
reimbursement as per the financial provisions under the PC-I of the project. Payments
to scholars shall be made in accordance with the project's approved financial
provisions, and if the applicable tuition fees exceed the amount allocated
under the project, the candidate shall be responsible for securing a fee waiver
to cover the additional costs. The financial details are provided on HEC
website.
Q: Can I change my university/country after securing
admission or during my studies?
A: The change of university/country is
not encouraged. However, only under certain circumstances which are beyond the
control of candidates, the change of university/country is allowed on providing
concrete justifications and subject to approval of the competent authority.
Q: I am already doing my MS/M.Phil or PhD from a foreign
university. Do I need to apply and go through the whole selection process?
A: No, already enrolled applicants are not eligible for the scholarship. Applicants who are planning to secure admission for Fall 2026 and onwards are eligible to apply for the scholarship opportunity.
Q: At the time of application, I am living in a foreign
country. Can I apply and go through the whole selection process?
A: Yes, you can apply subject to meeting the eligibility
criteria. You need to appear in test if you do not hold an unconditional offer
letter for Fall 2026.
Q: I am already availing HEC/Government Scholarship for
MS/PhD studies. Am I eligible to apply in this Scholarship scheme?
A: No.
Q: I was selected under another
scholarship of HEC, but I did not avail that, so, what should I do?
A: Candidates who applied under any other scholarship scheme
but either not availed or withdrawn, must ensure to obtain NOC/Permission from
respective Scholarship sections before submitting their applications for this
scholarship. Such candidates who will not submit their applications with proper
NOC, their application for scholarship will not be entertained and the
candidacy will be withdrawn from further scholarship process at any stage.
Q: Is international GRE-General /Subject/IELTS score required?
A: No, International
GRE-General/Subject and IELTS is not required for award of this scholarship.
However, the foreign host university may require this for admission purposes.
Q: Can public/private sector employees apply without
informing their parent department?
A: Applicant must apply through proper
channel; however, advance copy of the application can be forwarded to HEC. Before
final award and departure, the in-service applicants will be required to submit
study leaves from their respective departments/employers. In case an applicant
wants to resign from his department/organization, he will submit the
resignation acceptance before departure.
Q: Does HEC facilitate with the visa application process?
A: The applicants are required to apply for visa and
complete all the documentation process on their own.
Q: Are the applicants required to return to Pakistan on
completion of their studies?
A: Yes, the applicants and their
guarantors sign an agreement with HEC that they will immediately return to
Pakistan on completion of their studies to serve the mandatory bond period in
Pakistan. The details of legal bonds and property documents required are
provided on HEC website.
