Commonwealth Scholarships 2025-26 for Pakistani Students – Masters & PhD
Scholarship Name: Commonwealth Scholarships 2025-26 (Master’s & PhD)
Offering Organization: Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, in collaboration with Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), UK
Location: United Kingdom (CSC Partner Universities)
Degree Levels: Master’s (1 year) & PhD (3–4 years)
Funding Coverage: Fully Funded (Tuition fees, return airfare, living allowance, warm clothing allowance, study travel grant, and research support where applicable)
Fields of Study: Wide range, with priority in Science, Technology, Engineering, Education, Sustainable Development, Public Health, and Social Sciences.
How to Apply:
-
Apply through HEC e-portal: HEC Scholarship Portal.
-
Submit a separate application to the CSC online system: Commonwealth Scholarships CSC Portal.
-
Upload all required documents (transcripts, degrees, passport/NIC, references, and research proposal for PhD).
Helpline: 051-111-119-432 / 0334-119432
Support Portal: HEC Online Help
Official Website: HEC Pakistan
Scholarship Offering Organization Introduction
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan is the primary governing body for higher education, research, and academic excellence in the country. Established in 2002, the commission has been at the forefront of reforming higher education standards, ensuring quality assurance, promoting research culture, and facilitating international collaborations for Pakistani students and scholars. Over the years, HEC has introduced several scholarship programs, both domestic and foreign, to empower young Pakistanis with access to quality higher education and advanced research opportunities.
Among its most prestigious international collaborations is the Commonwealth Scholarship Programme, which is funded by the UK government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). The Commonwealth is a global network of 56 countries that collaborate to promote education, cultural exchange, and sustainable development. Within this framework, the CSC plays a vital role in providing fully funded opportunities for talented individuals from developing countries, allowing them to pursue postgraduate education at some of the most reputable universities in the United Kingdom.
For Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K), the management and facilitation of the program are carried out directly by HEC Pakistan. Through this program, bright and deserving students are selected each year to study for Master’s and PhD degrees in the UK, with a focus on research areas that align with Pakistan’s socio-economic and technological needs.
HEC ensures a transparent selection process, giving priority to applicants who demonstrate not only academic merit but also leadership potential and a strong commitment to contributing to Pakistan’s development upon return. The scholarships cover all essential expenses, including tuition fees, living allowance, airfare, and other academic-related costs, making them one of the most sought-after opportunities for Pakistani students looking to gain international exposure and contribute positively to national progress.
By offering the Commonwealth Scholarships 2025-26, HEC continues its mission of building bridges of academic cooperation between Pakistan and the global education community, while enabling students to bring back knowledge, innovation, and expertise to their homeland.
Scholarship Description
The Commonwealth Scholarship Programme 2025-26 is a fully funded international scholarship opportunity that enables Pakistani and AJ&K nationals to pursue Master’s and PhD studies in the United Kingdom. This program is funded by the UK government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and facilitated in Pakistan by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
The scholarships are designed to support individuals who demonstrate exceptional academic talent but may not otherwise have the financial means to pursue education abroad. The goal is to foster global collaboration, research excellence, and knowledge sharing that can benefit both the scholars and their home countries.
Key features of the program include:
- Degree Levels Offered: Master’s programs (1-year duration) and PhD programs (3-4 years).
- Funding Coverage: The scholarship is fully funded and includes tuition fees, return airfare from Pakistan to the UK, living allowance (stipend), warm clothing allowance, study travel grant, and additional research support (if applicable).
- Study Fields: A wide range of academic disciplines is available, particularly in areas related to science, technology, engineering, education, sustainable development, public health, and social sciences. Priority is often given to subjects that align with Pakistan’s development priorities.
- Universities: The scholars will study at leading UK universities that are part of the CSC partnership network, providing world-class academic and research facilities.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their proposed field of study will directly contribute to Pakistan’s socio-economic development. The scholarship program places a strong emphasis on leadership potential, commitment to public service, and the ability to apply acquired knowledge to local challenges upon return.
The selection process involves two stages:
- Application to HEC Pakistan for initial screening and nomination.
- Submission to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK, where final decisions are made.
The Commonwealth Scholarships 2025-26 represent not only an academic opportunity but also a platform for cross-cultural learning, international networking, and exposure to advanced research environments. Successful applicants will gain invaluable knowledge and skills, enabling them to make a meaningful impact on Pakistan’s progress in education, technology, health, and sustainable development.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Commonwealth Scholarships 2025-26 for Master’s and PhD, candidates must meet the following requirements set by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), UK:
General Eligibility
- Must be a Pakistani or AJ&K national.
- Must hold a valid and updated HEC profile with all required documents submitted through the HEC online application system.
- Candidates must not hold dual nationality.
- Applicants must be available to start their studies in the UK by the beginning of the academic year 2025-26.
- The applicant should demonstrate a strong commitment to returning to Pakistan after the completion of studies to contribute to national development.
Academic Requirements
- For Master’s Programs:
- Must hold a first division or a minimum of 2nd division Bachelor’s degree (16 years of education) from an HEC-recognized university in Pakistan or abroad.
- Candidates with strong academic performance and research interests related to development issues will be preferred.
- For PhD Programs:
- Must hold a relevant postgraduate qualification (18 years of education), such as MS/MPhil, from an HEC-recognized university.
- Must provide a detailed research proposal that aligns with both Pakistan’s needs and the CSC’s development themes.
- Prior research experience and publications are an advantage.
Work Experience & Skills
- While work experience is not mandatory, applicants with professional or voluntary experience in education, development, public service, or research will be given preference.
- Applicants must demonstrate leadership skills, community involvement, and the ability to contribute positively to society.
Language Requirement
- All courses in the UK are conducted in English. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English (some UK universities may require IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent, depending on admission criteria).
Ineligibility
- Applicants who are already receiving another fully funded scholarship are not eligible.
- Individuals who have previously studied in the UK under a Commonwealth Scholarship are not eligible to apply again.
The eligibility criteria are strict, and applicants must ensure that all documentation is complete and submitted by the deadline. HEC Pakistan and CSC UK maintain a highly competitive selection process, so only the most outstanding candidates will be shortlisted for the final award.
Location
The scholarship is tenable in the United Kingdom at participating universities under the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC).
Last Date
The deadline to apply for the Commonwealth Scholarships 2025-26 through HEC Pakistan is:
October 14, 2025
Applicants are strongly advised not to wait until the last date to apply. Early submission allows sufficient time for verification and correction of documents if required.
How to Apply
- Apply online at the HEC e-portal: HEC Scholarship Portal.
- Submit a separate application to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) via their official online system.
- Ensure all required documents (academic transcripts, degree certificates, research proposal for PhD applicants, passport/NIC, and reference letters) are uploaded.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
For queries and assistance:
- HEC Helpline: 051-111-119-432 or 0334-119432
- Complaints & Support: onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk
- Official Social Media: HEC Pakistan
Stay updated with the latest Job, Internship, Scholarship, and Course opportunities right here.
Explore More Opportunities
Stay updated with the latest:
Join our community and take your engineering career to the next level.
