1. What types of scholarships are available under the Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme?
Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme has been designed for the PhD degree holders to equip them with advanced technologies from top-notch universities/institutions of the world. The project will provide 1000 Post-Doctoral Fellowships over a period of five years.
2. What are the objectives of this project?
It is aimed to address the issues of retention of qualified faculty members and researchers, by the capacity building of the faculty, and to develop further foreign linkages through placement of PhD students and other researchers at the host institution. Intended to secure a supply of highly qualified Pakistani/AJK citizens with leading edge scientific and research skills for local industry, academics and government institutions.
3. What is the eligibility criteria for the fellowship?
Candidates must hold PhD degree from an HEC-recognised local or international university before application submission.
Must have equivalence letter from HEC in case of foreign PhD OR HEC attested degree for local PhD.
Maximum age limit is 45 years on the date mentioned in advertisement.
Must be regular employee of public/private sector HEC recognized university/DAI or public sector R&D organization (recognized by Pakistan Council of Science & Technology (PCST)).
Must not have availed any Post-Doctoral Fellowship before (the candidate will submit an affidavit in this regard).
Must also have a valid acceptance/invitation letter from top 200 QS world ranked universities.
Must also have five years recognized work experience in Pakistan after PhD from abroad.
4. How to apply for the fellowship?
Applicants are required to submit online application (pdfp.hec.gov.pk)
Incomplete applications in any respect will be rejected.
HEC reserves the right to postpone or cancel the process at any stage without assigning any reason.
Applicants have to pay Rs. 2000/- (Non-refundable) through deposit /Online Transfer/ATM Transfer to Habib Bank limited A/C No. 1742-79001334-01 as application processing fee in favour of Director General Finance, HEC.
original Bank payment record/slip must be uploaded online at the time of application submission.
5. What age is required for the fellowship?
Maximum age limit is 45 years on the date mentioned in the advertisement.
6. I will turn up 45 one day before the deadline. Can I get relaxation?
No. Maximum age cannot be relaxed for any applicant.
7. Can an Afghan national studying in Pakistani university apply for this fellowship?
No, only Pakistani /AJK national can apply for this fellowship.
8. I am not an employee of a university or R&D organization, can I apply?
No, you cannot apply for the fellowship until you are a regular employee of HEC-recognised public/private sector universities/DAIs or public sector R&D organisations (recognised by Pakistan Council of Science and Technology (PCST)).
9. I work in a public sector R&D organization, but it is not included in the list published by PCST. Can I apply?
No, you cannot apply for the fellowship until status of your organization is confirmed by PCST.
10. Who can apply for the fellowship?
Those who meet the eligibility criteria as explained in answer to question No. 3 above, can apply for the fellowship.
11. What qualifications are required for the fellowship?
A PhD degree from an HEC-recognised local or international university
12. I have completed local PhD recently, but I am not employed. It is mentioned on the website that local PhD degree holders can apply immediately after PhD. Can I apply?
No. The fellowships are only available for regular employees of Universities or R&D organization recognized by PCST.
13. I work in a postgraduate college. It is affiliated with a Public/Private sector University. Can I apply?
No. Please visit following websites to learn about eligible Universities/Institutes:
14. I already have an account at eportal.hec.gov.pk. Do I need to sign up again of pdfp.hec.gov.pk?
No. You can sign in by using same User ID and password.
15. My profile/education/employment information is already filled in. How?
If you already have an account on eportal.hec.gov.pk then your personal, educational and employment information will be auto retrieved and displayed on pdfp.hec.gov.pk.
16. What is the process of submission of application?
Applicants should fill and submit Online Application at pdfp.hec.gov.pk. Once the applicant provides information of Host Supervisor. An email is sent to the supervisor for confirmation. The applicant can only proceed further after confirmation of details by host supervisor. Once confirmation is received, the host supervisor details cannot be changed. The applicant is also required to upload documents in one pdf file in following order in the online application portal:
i. Updated CV (self)
ii. Research Proposal as per format.
iii. Invitation Letter from Host University.
iv. Host supervisor CV
Candidates are required to upload only ONE Letter of Acceptance (maximum two pages) from the Top 200 QS ranked University/ Research Institute. The letter should confirm the institutional commitment to the proposed project.
17. I am unable to proceed after entering details of Host Supervisor and University?
Once the information of Host Supervisor is entered in the online portal, an email is sent to the supervisor for confirmation. The applicant can only proceed further if the Host Supervisor verifies the applicant's credentials online. Please contact your supervisor to expedite the process.
18. Can I change the Host Supervisor details in case no response is received from the first one?
Yes. Please click on the edit icon in the right corner of the section to edit details of the host supervisor.
19. I am unable to change Host Supervisor details. Why?
After acceptance of your request from one supervisor, you will not be able to edit this section.
20. Is there any important information related to fellowship?
Please carefully read all pages of the website. The candidates having local PhD degrees are encouraged to apply for post-doctoral fellowships immediately after reception of their PhD degree.
The foreign PhD degree holders are required to serve five years in Pakistan before applying for the fellowship.
Applicants must be regular employees of HEC-recognised public/private sector universities/DAIs or public sector R&D organisations (recognised by Pakistan Council for Science and Technology).
Applicants must not have availed any Post-Doctoral Fellowship before (the candidate will submit an affidavit in this regard).
In case of selection, the awardee must secure study leave from parent organization for the duration of the fellowship.
21. If I am awaiting result, can I apply for the fellowship?
No. You cannot apply for fellowship if your PhD is not successfully completed before application submission.
22. Do I need to submit any research proposal?
Yes. You have to submit a clearly written research proposal as per format outlining how you intend to satisfy at least two of the five outcomes/deliverables identified below:
- Production of Books/Manuscripts for Publication
- Production of Papers in Peer Reviewed High Impact Factor Journals
- Creation of Funded Research Linkages and Collaborations
- Access to equipment and high impact research collaborators not available in Pakistan
- Creation and Introduction of New Programmes and Courses in Pakistan.
23. Is there any application processing fee?
Yes. At the time of submitting application, Rs. 2000/- only are to be deposited in HEC's HBL Account Number 1742-79001334-01 in favour of Director General Finance, HEC.
24. How can I submit the application processing fee slip?
Original online deposit slip/ATM Transfer Slip of Rs. 2000/-(non-refundable) as application processing fee in favour of Director General Finance, HEC, in Account Number 1742-79001334-01 Habib Bank Limited, must be uploaded on HEC e-portal at the time of applying. Keep the original slip with you for record please.
25. In which university I can apply?
Scholars can apply in a university that is among the top 200 universities in the QS World Ranking.
26. In which “Research Institute" I can apply?
A research institute that is affiliated with the top 200 universities in the QS World Ranking will be given same ranking as that of the university. However, the applicant will be required to get acceptance letter from the University as well. Following Research Institutes are also eligible:
- Department of Health & Human Services, USA
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), France
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
- Max Planck Society, Germany
27. Can I avail two fellowships at a time?
No, you can only avail one fellowship at a time.
28. I will turn up 45 soon after submission of application. This is my last chance of availing the fellowship. Will there be any preference for candidates like me?
No. The decision of selection or non-selection rests purely on the quality of your application.
29. Can I apply for a fellowship before being accepted into a university?
No, you cannot apply.
30. What is the maximum duration of the fellowship?
The initial duration of the fellowship is nine months extendable up to another three months with strong recommendations from his/her host supervisor. Additional cost of the extended duration will not be paid.
31. Can I apply in more than one university?
No. The application will be processed for review for one university only.
32. I have multiple invitation letters. What should I do?
You need to choose ONE that will be the best fit for your proposed research and career progression.
33. What if I upload multiple acceptance/invitation letters?
The section titled “Fellowship Details" has space for only one Host Supervisor. The details that will be entered by the applicant will be verified by that supervisor. Even if you upload multiple acceptance/invitation letters, your application will be assessed for only that supervisor who has confirmed your application. Therefore, it is advised to please choose ONE university that will be the best fit for your proposed research and career progression.
In case the application is approved by one supervisor and the invitation letter is from different university, the application will be rejected.
34. My host supervisor CV comprises of more than 100 pages. I am unable to upload documents. What should I do?
The Curriculum Vitae of the host supervisor and the applicant should be of a standard form (maximum two pages) and must include the following information:
- Full Name
- Position/Title
- Institution
- Professional Training/Education
- Chronological List of Positions
- List of up to 5-10 publications related to the proposed project, in standard citation format
- List of up to 5-10 activities related to the proposed project. These activities may include: current or previous grants; teaching; collaborations; leading workshops/conferences; community outreach or engagement; consulting; etc.
35. I have availed HEC scholarship in the past. I do not know who to contact. Please obtain my NOC from concerned section as it is internal matter of HEC?
The process for issuance of NOC starts with the submission of application from the scholar in the relevant scholarship section. We will try our best to provide updated information about current officials. However, submission of NOC via email to postdoc3@hec.gov.pk by the application submission date is the responsibility of the applicant.
36. Why do I have to submit NOC for availing HEC research grant?
The HEC research grant winners are not allowed to proceed abroad for a postdoc for a certain period. Therefore, NOC from R&D Division is necessary.
37. I availed the scholarship/grant in the past but I am waiting for NOC from relevant section. Can I submit application as it is the last date?
You can submit application, however, it will not be processed further. You are required to send an explanatory email to postdoc3@hec.gov.pk keeping relevant section in cc that you have applied for NOC but its issuance is awaited. Please note that all such emails will be responded (if required) after closing date.
38. What is format of NOC?
There is no format. The relevant section can simply send an email to postdoc3@hec.gov.pk that it has no objection to processing your application for HEC postdoctoral fellowship.
39. What do I have to mention in the box “Lab Experimentation Cost"?
The Lab Experimentation Cost or Bench Fee is the fee that Host University/ supervisor may charge to accept you for postdoctoral research. The acceptance/invitation letter from Host University should clearly indicate whether you will be charged with any fee or not as it has an impact on assessment of your application.
40. What do I need to mention in the box “Financial Waiver"?
The maximum limit that HEC can pay for Lab Experimentation Cost or Bench Fee is US$ 6000/- for entire duration of the fellowship. In case the Host University is charging no fee or any amount less than US$ 6000, you can write the difference (as explained below) in the Financial Waiver section. Please indicate the amount is US$ only.
Example:
If the host university is not charging any fee, the Lab Experimentation Cost will be filled with “0" and in the Financial Waiver section you will write “6000"
If the Host University is charging £3500 Bench Fee. Then the Lab Experimentation Cost will be filled with “4835" (£3500 equals US$4835 at present rate) and in the Financial Waiver section you will write “1165" (6000-4835=1165)
41. Can I take admission in any field of study?
Post-Doctoral Fellowship will be available in all the disciplines. The researchers are encouraged to take up researchable issues of Pakistan to work with.
42. My “Education" is locked. How can I change it?
If you have already processed your degree(s) for attestation/ equivalence, it can not be changed.
43. Will I have to appear in university examination (entry test) for admission, if required?
The Post-Doctoral Fellowships are different from other admissions. However, the applicants will have to meet international university requirements, if so desired by Host University.
44. I completed my foreign PhD 5 years ago but the system is not allowing me to proceed further?
A candidate is required to have recognized experience of 5 years after completion of foreign PhD. If you have not served for the required duration, you can not apply even if your PhD completion dates back to 5 years or more.
45. I submitted my application successfully but it has been rejected on the basis of insufficient work experience. Why did the system allow me to proceed? How is that possible?
During application submission the system can not verify the employment dates, hence there is a chance that you may submit application even if the recognized experience is less than the required yardstick. However, HEC reserves the right not only to reject such application but also impose penalties on misstatement (if any).
46. Do I need to submit application through proper channel?
You are required to obtain NOC from your employer and upload it in the online portal.
47. My degree program/campus/department is not visible on the academic tab of profile. What should I do?
Please use "Search and Add Missing Degree Program" option to search or add a missing degree program, department in your education tab. The option is available in education tab of your profile. Alternatively, the list of focal person is available on HEC website (http://hec.gov.pk/english/services/universities/pqr/Pages/HEIs-Focal-Persons.aspx).
49. I am receiving following errors. What should I do?
a) Service Maintenance Page error
This happens when we are doing some deployment, normally we place a maintenance page; but if you are already logged in you may experience an error. Deployment takes around 1 hour and is done in non-working hours. If you are continuously getting the maintenance page message for an hour, please clear your browser cache or change your browser.
b) Error 500 or unauthorized access error message
Please use the link pdfp.hec.gov.pk. The extra part after .pk/... is creating the issue for you. If the issue persists, please clear your browser cache or change your browser.
c) “Ask/Get permission from the System Administrator" error
This is an idle session time out message. Which means that the session was left idle for 20 Minutes or more. Please refresh your browser and log in again. Please use the link pdfp.hec.gov.pk. The extra part after .pk/... is creating the issue for you. If the issue persists, please clear your browser cache or change your browser.
d) Upload error, Error Retrieving documents, Document creation error, contact server administrator
Please wait for 15 minutes before retrying. If the problem persists, please clear your browser cache or change your browser. If the issue persists for more than 1 hour; please drop an email at postdoc3@hec.gov.pk
e) Error in entering the qualification level
Your degrees should be added in chorological order.
50. I intend to go to United Kingdom for Postdoc. What stipend/maintenance allowance will I get in case of selection?
At present, the approved allowance for UK is £1146 per month. For all countries other than UK the monthly stipend is US Dollar 1600.
51. I have completed PhD but system is not allowing to proceed further?
Please ensure that you have selected “completed" status on Doctorate, MS Leading to PHD education in your education
52. I can not find my “Parent Organization" in the application portal. Why?
Please check your selection. If you are faculty member of a university, you should have following:
Organization type: “Academic",
Sector: Public/Private,
Category: University (must only select “university" in category drop down, must not select" other" in category and employer drop down)
For public sector R&D organizations:
Organization type: Professional,
Sector: Public,
Category: R&D (must not select “other" in category and employer drop down)
* Category and Employer name must not be selected as “Other" in applicant's employment details.
53. Can I change Host University during studies?
After departure, change of university or supervisor will only be possible in case the supervisor has passed away or has moved to another institute. The ranking of new host institution should not be lower than original university in this case as well. The awardee will ensure that fellowship funding will not exceed the prescribed duration of 09 months.
The new host university and supervisor will confirm that the same research will be carried out (the research title will be mentioned in the letter). The parent organization will also provide “No Objection Certificate" to change of host university/supervisor.
54. How can I change Host University after selection?
The change of university will only be allowed based on genuine compelling reasons that too before departure. The scholar will be required to submit written request (via email to postdoc3@hec.gov.pk) with necessary documents. The new host university must be at the same or higher ranking (QS world ranking of the same year) than the old university for which scholar was selected.
The new host university and supervisor will confirm that the same research will be carried out (the research title will be mentioned in the letter). The parent organization will also provide “No Objection Certificate" to change of host university/supervisor.
55. If my studies extend beyond stipulated time period, will HEC pay my stipend?
No. HEC will not pay any stipend if your studies are extended beyond the stipulated time.
56. What is the maximum duration of the fellowship?
HEC will sponsor Postdoc for a period of 9 months. However, on the basis of compelling genuine reasons duly supported by Host supervisor, the fellowship can be extended for another 3 months without funding.
57. I have been provisionally selected but my parent organization is not relieving me/ not granting study leave to avail fellowship. Can I resign to avail HEC postdoc fellowship?
No. By doing so the eligibility criteria will be violated, therefore in case of resignation/termination from service, the offer will automatically stand withdrawn.
58. If my studies extend beyond stipulated time period, will HEC pay my stipend?
No. HEC will not pay any stipend if your studies are extended beyond the stipulated time. Neither are you allowed to stay beyond HEC's approved time span without prior approval from HEC and the parent organization.
59. Can I defer my scholarship?
No, you cannot defer your fellowship.
60. The decision in my application is “Not Recommended". However, I have addressed the deficiencies addressed by the review committee. I am ready to improve if my application is reconsidered.
Once the application is “Not Recommended" it cannot be processed again even with revised proposal. You are advised to prepare a convincing research proposal after overcoming all the deficiencies and apply again when the opportunity arises provided you fulfil the eligibility criteria.
61. I was awarded post-doctoral fellowship by HEC however I could not avail it due to delay in visa processing. Meanwhile, I was offered another post-doctoral fellowship from another country which I have availed. Therefore, I need time extension for HEC Post-doc fellowship.
HEC post-doc fellowship can only be availed if you have not availed any foreign or self-funded post doc fellowship before. In case you were offered another fellowship, you were required to get HEC's permission or withdraw from HEC fellowship in writing before availing any other fellowship.
Now you have availed another fellowship, you are not eligible for HEC Post-Doctoral fellowship.
62. Final award letter states that the fellowship is valid till a certain date. What does it mean?
This means that you must avail the fellowship (Join the foreign University) on or before that date. Therefor you are advised to make sure that you have not delayed your departure beyond the deadline.
63. I have submitted all the required documents, but the funds are not released.
Processing of funds takes time as it involves multiple departments in and out of HEC. Moreover, it heavily depends on the release of funds from government which may take unexpected time. Please also read the guidelines that explain the payment process in detail.
64. What is the application deadline?
The project is currently open for intake. Candidates are encouraged to apply though online application portal at pdfp.hec.gov.pk.
65. I have availed six months training abroad. Does it affect my application for the post Doc fellowship application.
As per eligibility criteria, once a candidate has availed a Post Doc Scholarship (any fellowship or training spanning more than 3 months). He / she is not eligible for HEC fellowship.
66. Who can I contact in case of any query?
Please send an email to postdoc3@hec.gov.pk
