Q.1 How many scholarships slots are offered under the Cuban Scholarship for 2026-2027?
The Government of Cuba has offered a total of eleven (11) scholarship slots in the field of Medicine (10-MBBS) and 1 seat in other programs for Pakistani/AJ&K nationals to study in Cuba.
Q. 2 What are the nomination criteria for Cuban Scholarship?
All applicants are required to provide the valid USAT-M test score (score obtained on or after March 31, 2025). Please upload your USAT test score (where it asks for HAT score/result card) while submitting application on HEC scholarship portal.
Nomination criteria is based on USAT test score. Final selection will be based on USAT-M test score only after fulfillment of above basic eligibility criteria.
Note: HEC reserves the right to change or modify the nomination criteria
Q.3 How to apply for this scholarship?
Apply online at HEC website: https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk. After registering and filling your profile, please select "Learning Opportunities Abroad". After submission of the application, get its printed copy to be signed by applicant.
The deadline to apply online at the HEC scholarship portal is 31 March 2026 (02:00 PM)
Q.4 What would the scholarship provide to the applicant once the application is successful and scholarship award is offered?
The government of Cuba will Provide the following:
- Tuition fees
- Hostel accommodation & toiletries
- Food (as per rules of Cuban Government)
- Contribution to living expenses in form of Stipend (limited amount is provided by Cuban government in form of Cuban Pesos)
Self-Expenses:
All other expenses, including round-trip air tickets (other than those specified below), procurement of halal food, medical insurance (for illness or other causes), living expenses, and visa fees shall be borne by the student/guardian/parents.
HEC Contribution:
The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) will provide a return air ticket (once) for travel to Cuba at the time of joining the university and (once) after completion of studies for return to Pakistan.
(The scholarship awardee, after departure to Cuba, may claim reimbursement upon submission of ticket invoice receipts and boarding passes. The scholar must have a functional bank account in his/her own name in Pakistan; no other account will be accepted, and reimbursement will not be provided otherwise.)
Important Note: This scholarship is funded by the Government of Cuba; therefore, no additional financial liability shall be borne by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan under any circumstances. Furthermore, as Cuba is a socialist/communist country, policies, facilities and living conditions are governed by state regulations and may differ from those in other countries; scholars are advised to carefully consider and comply with the local laws, regulations and prevailing conditions during their stay.
Q.5 Do candidate need to submit hard copies of the document at the stage of selection/shortlisting?
The following documents shall only be required from shortlisted applicants along with the online application form (no hard copies are required at this stage). However, applicants are advised to prepare these documents in advance:
- Copy of the HEC application form submitted through the online application portal (duly signed).
- SSC Certificate/DMC/Degree with IBCC attestation OR O-Level Certificate (Science Group) with IBCC equivalence, duly attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
- F.Sc. Certificate/DMC/Degree with IBCC attestation OR A-Level Certificate (Pre-Medical) with IBCC equivalence, duly attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
- Birth Certificate issued by NADRA, duly attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
- Copy of Father's or Guardian's CNIC.
- No Criminal Record Certificate (original), duly attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
- Photocopy of a valid passport (validity of more than six (06) months).
- Ten (10) latest color photographs with dimensions of 1 × 1 inch.
- Original Medical Certificate, including an HIV/AIDS test report, issued by the Medical Superintendent of a District Headquarters Government Hospital, duly attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
Note: Above-mentioned documents are only required from shortlisted applicants after HEC nominations, no need to send hardcopy to HEC until intimated. (Please keep these documents ready). The applicants will also be required to provide Spanish translation of above documents from Spanish translation center i.e. NUML university.
Q.6 What are the admission requirements for medical applicants under the Cuban Scholarship?
Incomplete applications without above-mentioned documents will be rejected, without assigning any reason and any further communication by HEC. After successful completion of undergraduate degree program in Medicine from Cuba, the candidate will be required to appear in NEB/NRE Examination and must fulfill all the laid down requirements of foreign graduates for registration with PMDC, Islamabad. Further, it is the sole responsibility of student(s) applying for any professional degree (viz. Medical) to first get its accreditation status confirmation from the respective Council i.e., Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
Q.7 What is the eligibility criteria for Pakistani students applying to foreign medical and dental institutions by PMDC?
FSc (Pre-Medical) or equivalent with at least 70% marks (for those who completed intermediate education in Pakistan). A-level student provide IBCC certificate.
Passed MDCAT with at least 50% marks.
Q.8 What is the duration of the programme?
The Duration of this program is 6-7 years for MBBS-medicine and for other programs the duration is 4 years and one additional year of Spanish language will be added.
Q.9 Is MDCAT mandatory for applicant applying for the Cuban Scholarship in medical fields?
Yes, Applicant who completed their intermediate education in Pakistan must obtain at least 50% marks in MDCAT. The result is valid for three (3) years.
Q.10 How can applicant verify if the medical institutions under the Cuban Scholarship are recognized?
Applicant must ensure the following:
Listed by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), Islamabad, on its official website.
Q.11 Are there any visa and language requirements for students studying in Cuba under this scholarship?
Yes, Applicant must fulfill certain visa and language requirements before proceeding with their studies in Cuba:
- Students must comply with Cuba rules and regulations
- Cuba Embassy will provide student visa
- Spanish is the primary language of instruction; student will do language course in Cuba.
Q.12 Is NEB/NRE exam required to practice in Pakistan?
After successful completion of undergraduate degree program in Medicine from Cuba, the candidate will be required to appear in NEB/NRE Examination and must fulfill all the laid down requirements of foreign graduates for registration with PMDC, Islamabad. Further, it is the sole responsibility of student(s) applying for any professional degree (viz. Medical) to first get its accreditation status confirmation from the respective Council i.e., Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
Q.13 What is the deadline to apply for this scholarship?
The deadline to apply online at the HEC scholarship portal is 31 March 2026 (02:00 PM)
