Q.1 How many scholarships slots are offered under the Cuban Scholarship for 2025-2026?
The Government of Cuba has offered Three (03) scholarship slots in the field of Medicine (MBBS) 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 28, 2024). 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 28 March 2025 (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 following:
a. Tuition fee and access to books.
b. Hostel accommodation & toiletries
c. Food (as per rules of Cuban Government)
d. Contribution to living expenses in form of Stipend (limited amount is provided by Cuban government in form of Cuban Pesos)
Self-Expenses: Other expenses like round trip air-tickets, buying of halal food, medical insurance (disease or other causes), living expenses and visa fee shall be borne by the student/guardian/parents.
HEC contribution: The HEC will provide return ticket (once) during studies for joining university at Cuba and after concluding studies and returning to Pakistan. The scholarship awardee after his departure to Cuba may claim this amount on production of receipts/ boarding pass (Scholar should have a working bank account on his/her name in Pakistan, no other account is acceptable and reimbursement amount will not be provided)
Important Note: This scholarship is funded by Cuban Government hence NO additional financial responsibility will be on part of Higher Education Commission, Pakistan in any case.
Q.5 Do candidate need to submit hard copies of the document at the stage of selection/shortlisting?
In case of shortlisting, following documents with online application form shall only be required/demanded from shortlisted applicants (no need to send hardcopy at this stage)
- Copy of HEC application form submitted through Online application portal (duly signed)
- SSC Certificate/DMC/Degree with IBCC attestation OR O-Level Certificate (Science Group) with IBCC equivalence and further attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
- F.Sc. Certificate/DMC/Degree with IBCC attestation OR A-Level Certificate (Pre-Medical) with IBCC equivalence and further attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
- Birth Certificate issued by NADRA and further attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
- Father or Guardian's CNIC copy.
- No Criminal record certificate (Original) and further attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
- Photocopy of valid passport (validity more than 06 months)
- Submit 10 color photos (latest) with 1 x 1 measurement.
Original Medical Certificate with report of HIV/AIDS issued by Medical Superintendent of District Head Quarter Government Hospital and further attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
Note: Above-mentioned documents are only required from shortlisted applicants, 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?
Applicants applying for medical fields must follow the updated instructions provided by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) regarding admissions in foreign institutions. (Refer to Notification-1 and Notification-2.)
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 60% marks (for those who completed intermediate education in Pakistan). A-level student provide IBCC certificate.
Passed MDCAT with atleast 50% marks.
Q.8 What is the duration of the programme?
The Duration of this program is 6-7 years
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 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 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 28 March 2025 (04:00 PM).
