Scholarship Overview
Overview
The Commonwealth Scholarship Programme for the 2027-28 academic year provides fully funded opportunities for Pakistani and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) nationals to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees at UK universities. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan serves as the national nominating agency, with 26 nominations available for Master’s and 30 for PhD candidates.
This programme is designed for talented individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford UK study. While HEC manages nominations based on merit criteria, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK makes final selection decisions.
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What the Scholarship Covers
The Commonwealth Scholarship is fully funded. While specific monetary values are not published in the announcement, CSC scholarships typically cover:
- Full tuition fees at the UK host university
- Living allowance (stipend) for the duration of study
- Return airfare from Pakistan to the UK
- Other allowances including thesis grant, study travel, and family allowances where applicable
Applicants should verify exact funding details directly with CSC UK through the official links provided below.
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Eligibility Requirements
HEC Pakistan Criteria
- Pakistani or AJ&K national with permanent residency
- Dual nationals are not eligible
- No upper age limit
- Master’s: First division in 16-year Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
- PhD: First division in 17/18-year Master’s/MS/MPhil in relevant field
- No Second or Third Division in terminal (most recent) degree
- Result-awaiting candidates may apply if final documents submitted before August/September 2027
HAT Test Requirement
All applicants must provide a valid HEC Aptitude Test (HAT) score:
- Minimum score: 60 out of 100
- Acceptable categories: HAT-I, HAT-II, HAT-III, HAT-IV only
- Tests for Pakistan national university admissions are not valid for this scholarship
- Tests taken on or after 25 October 2024 are eligible
- Upcoming eligible test: 25 October 2026 (tentative)
If test results arrive after the application deadline, HEC will automatically add valid scores for nominated candidates.
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CSC UK Criteria
Applicants must separately meet CSC eligibility. Review full criteria at:
- Master’s: CSC Master’s Scholarships
- PhD: CSC PhD Scholarships
Development Themes and Fields of Study
Scholarships are awarded under six CSC development themes. Applications must demonstrate relevance to development challenges in Pakistan:
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems and capacity
- Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
- Strengthening global peace, security and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion and opportunity
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| HEC/CSC application portal opens | 8 September 2026 |
| Application deadline | 20 October 2026 |
| Expected HEC nomination | December 2026 |
| Expected results announcement | July 2027 |
| Studies commence | September/October 2027 |
Deadlines: 16:00 BST (CSC) and 16:00 PST (HEC) on 20 October 2026.
Application Process
Applicants must complete both applications. Failure to submit either renders the application ineligible.
Step 1: CSC Online Application
- Master’s: Apply via CSC Master’s portal
- PhD: Apply via CSC PhD portal
Step 2: HEC Online Application
- Register at HEC Scholarship Portal
- Update profile with current email and mobile number
- Select “Learning Opportunities Abroad”
- Submit and download application for records
Important Instructions
- Submit well before deadline—system experiences heavy traffic near closing
- Do not send hard copies unless specifically requested by HEC email
- Verify all information—misrepresentation leads to disqualification
- Female applicants are encouraged; minimum 45% female nomination ratio
Selection Process and Merit Determination
Merit is determined strictly by HAT score. In case of ties:
- Percentage in last completed degree (higher percentage preferred)
HEC shortlists and nominates; CSC makes final selection. Nomination does not guarantee award.
Contact Information
Learning Opportunities Abroad (LOA)
Scholarship Division, Higher Education Commission
Sector H-9, Islamabad
- HEC Helpline: 051-111-119-432 or 0334-111-9432
- Online help: onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk
