Commonwealth Scholarship for Masters and PhD 2025–26

The Commonwealth Scholarship 2025–26, jointly offered by HEC Pakistan and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (UK), invites applications from Pakistani and AJ&K nationals for fully funded Master’s and PhD programs in the United Kingdom. Covering tuition, airfare, living allowance, and research support, this prestigious scholarship supports talented individuals committed to Pakistan’s development. Applicants must apply through both HEC and CSC online portals by October 21, 2025, 4:00 PM (PST).

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Commonwealth Scholarship 2025–26 for Masters and PhD – Apply Now through HEC Pakistan

Scholarship Title: Commonwealth Scholarship for Masters and PhD 2025–26
Offered By: Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), UK
Location: United Kingdom
Industry/Field: Higher Education / Research / International Development
Employment Type: Fully Funded International Scholarship
Official Websites:

HEC Official Scholarship Page
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, UK
Application Deadline: Extended until October 21, 2025, 4:00 PM (Pakistan Standard Time)

Scholarship and Commission Introduction

The Commonwealth Scholarship Programme 2025–26 offers Pakistani and AJ&K nationals an exceptional opportunity to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom through a fully funded scholarship. This program is jointly managed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK. It represents one of the most prestigious global academic initiatives that have shaped the professional and research journeys of thousands of scholars from across the Commonwealth nations.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK is responsible for administering the UK government’s Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. Since its inception in 1960, the CSC has sponsored over 30,000 scholars, enabling them to study in the UK and contribute meaningfully to social and economic development in their home countries. The program is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and aims to support talented individuals who could not otherwise afford to study in the United Kingdom.

Every year, CSC offers scholarships for Master’s and Doctoral (PhD) studies in diverse disciplines such as engineering, social sciences, public health, natural sciences, education, and humanities. The focus remains on promoting academic excellence, research innovation, and the development of future leaders committed to community and national growth.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, acts as the nominating agency for this scholarship program. Through its Learning Opportunities Abroad (LOA) Division, HEC oversees the nomination and application process, ensuring transparency, merit, and fair representation across provinces and academic disciplines. Selected candidates will represent Pakistan in the UK’s leading universities and research centers.

This program is an integral part of Pakistan’s educational collaboration with the UK, allowing scholars to develop expertise that can be applied in national policy, industry, academia, and innovation sectors upon their return.

Scholarship Description

The Commonwealth Scholarship 2025–26 aims to provide opportunities for talented and motivated individuals from developing Commonwealth nations, including Pakistan, to gain advanced academic and professional training in the United Kingdom. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, living allowances, travel costs, research support, and other essential expenses, making it one of the most comprehensive funding packages available for international students.

For the academic year 2025–26, HEC Pakistan has announced 26 nominations for Master’s degrees and 30 nominations for PhD programs under the Commonwealth Scholarship framework. These scholarships are open to students from a wide range of disciplines, provided their studies align with the developmental needs of Pakistan.

The program encourages scholars who are committed to driving social, technological, or economic change in their communities. It prioritizes candidates whose proposed research or study fields address key developmental priorities such as climate change, health, education, sustainable energy, governance, and science and technology advancement.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Commonwealth Scholarship provides:

Full Tuition Fees: Covered by the UK government through CSC.
Living Allowance/Stipend: Monthly living costs covered for the entire study period.
Airfare: Return economy airfare from Pakistan to the UK at the beginning and end of the course.
Thesis and Research Grants: Additional funds for research and academic materials.
Warm Clothing Allowance (where applicable): For scholars studying in colder UK regions.
Family Allowances: For eligible scholars accompanied by dependents.

Fields of Study

The scholarship covers most academic fields but particularly encourages applications in the following areas:

Engineering and Technology
Environmental and Climate Sciences
Health and Medicine
Agriculture and Food Security
Education and Social Development
Public Administration and Governance
Information Technology and Digital Innovation

Expected Outcomes

Upon completion, scholars are expected to return to Pakistan and contribute to the country’s social and economic progress. Graduates of the program often take leadership roles in public institutions, academia, and private sectors. They are also encouraged to become part of the Commonwealth Alumni Network, an international community of professionals working toward sustainable development and cross-border collaboration.

Eligibility Criteria

The Commonwealth Scholarship 2025–26 is highly competitive. Applicants must meet both HEC and CSC eligibility requirements. All applications are evaluated based on merit, academic excellence, and the potential to contribute to Pakistan’s national development.

HEC Eligibility Requirements

Nationality:
- Must be a Pakistani or AJ&K national and a permanent resident of Pakistan or AJ&K.
- Dual nationals are not eligible to apply.
Educational Qualification:
- For Master’s programs: The applicant must hold a first division in a 16-year Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- For PhD programs: The applicant must hold a first division in a 17 or 18-year MS/MPhil degree in a relevant field.
- Result-awaiting candidates may apply, provided they submit their final transcripts before the interview stage.
Academic Record:
- The applicant must not have a second or third division in the last degree.
HAT Test Requirement:
- All applicants must provide a minimum HAT test score of 60 out of 100.
- Only HAT General categories (HAT I, II, III, IV) are acceptable.
- Applicants who have taken the HAT test on or after October 16, 2023, should upload their results to the HEC portal.
- Candidates who have not yet taken the test can register at https://etc.hec.gov.pk/.
- Merit will be strictly based on HAT test scores.
HEC Application Process:
- Applicants must apply through the HEC Online Portal and also through the CSC Online Application System.
- Incomplete or late submissions will not be entertained.

CSC Eligibility Requirements

Academic Start Date:
- Applicants must be available to begin studies in the UK in September 2026.
Previous Study in the UK:
- The CSC generally does not fund a second UK Master’s degree unless strong justification is provided.
Financial Need:
- Candidates must be unable to afford studying in the UK without this scholarship.
Supporting Documents:
- Transcripts: Complete transcripts of all higher education qualifications.
- References: Two academic or professional references.
- Research Proposal (PhD applicants): A supporting statement from a potential UK supervisor.
PhD-Specific Requirements:
- Applicants must not already be registered for a PhD or MPhil leading to PhD in Pakistan or the UK.
- They must secure at least one supervisor confirmation from a UK institution listed in their application.
Language Requirement:
- Although CSC does not require IELTS or TOEFL scores at the time of application, selected candidates may need to meet the language requirements of the admitting university.

Application Process

Applicants must complete two online applications:

HEC Online Application:
Apply at HEC Online Portal.
- Choose “Learning Opportunities Abroad.”
- Select “Commonwealth Scholarships – 2025–26.”
- Complete the required fields and upload all supporting documents, including HAT test score.
CSC Online Application:
Apply through the CSC Online System.
- Select “Pakistan – HEC” as your nominating agency.
- Upload academic records, references, and research proposal (for PhD).

Applicants must submit both applications before the deadline of October 21, 2025, at 4:00 PM PST. Failure to apply on either portal will disqualify the candidate.

HEC Contact Information:
Learning Opportunities Abroad, HRD Division
Higher Education Commission, Sector H-9, Islamabad
Helpline: 051-111-119-432 or 0334-119432
Queries: onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk

Selection Process

The selection process involves:

Screening of applications by HEC for eligibility compliance.
Merit ranking based on HAT test scores.
Shortlisting of candidates for nomination to CSC.
Final selection by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK.

All shortlisted candidates must provide original academic records for verification during the interview phase.

Location

This scholarship allows selected candidates to study at recognized universities across the United Kingdom, including institutions in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The final placement depends on the academic field, university availability, and CSC’s allocation decisions.