HEC Overseas Scholarship for PhD in Selected Fields
HEC Pakistan's direct-entry PhD scholarship for candidates who already hold a master's degree, distinct from the combined MS/MPhil-to-PhD track, though both frequently share the same batch cycle and thematic fields.
Quick Facts
Status
Applications OpenFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
Recent cycle shared the same date as the MS/MPhil-to-PhD track (around August 28) - verify separately each year
Country
Multiple (QS/THE Top-200 universities worldwide)About the HEC Overseas Scholarship for PhD in Selected Fields
This HEC Pakistan program funds direct PhD entry, rather than a combined Master's-to-PhD track, for candidates who already hold an MS or MPhil degree, at universities ranked in the QS or THE Top 200 globally. It covers the same thematic priority areas as HEC's combined track, digital technology, energy and climate, agri-tech, health and biotechnology, engineering, sciences, and social sciences and governance.
In recent announcements, this program and the combined MS/MPhil-to-PhD track have shared the same numbered batch cycle and deadline, though HEC has in other years run them as more clearly separate phases. Confirm the current relationship between the two programs directly, since the structure itself has shifted across cycles.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Direct PhD entry for those who already hold a master's, without repeating a combined-track Master's stage
Same broad thematic field coverage and global university choice as HEC's combined track
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in Multiple (QS/THE Top-200 universities worldwide)
As with HEC's combined track, the QS/THE Top-200 ranking requirement keeps the destination country flexible, with university ranking as the deciding eligibility factor.
Eligibility Requirements
5 requirements
Documents Checklist
6 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Apply via the HEC e-Services Portal for the current open batch
Sit the HAT and attend an interview
Secure direct PhD admission at a QS/THE Top-200 university
Application Timeline
Varies (recent cycle shared with MS/MPhil-to-PhD track)
Batch Application Window
Verify current relationship between the two programs
Following the application deadline
HAT and Interview
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Confirm whether this cycle runs as a genuinely separate program from the MS/MPhil-to-PhD track or shares its batch and deadline, since this distinction has shifted between HEC's own announcements in different years
Have your MS/MPhil degree and transcripts ready, since direct PhD entry eligibility depends on already holding that qualification
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questions - click any to expand
Yes, this is for candidates who already hold an MS/MPhil degree seeking direct PhD entry, rather than a combined Master's-to-PhD pathway. In some recent cycles the two have shared the same batch and deadline - verify the current relationship directly.
Yes, this program requires you to already hold an MS/MPhil degree (18 years of education) before applying.
Ready to Apply?
Head to the official portal and start your application today.
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