Higher Education Commission announces indigenous scholarships for 5000 scholars

HEC has announced Phase II of “Indigenous PhD Fellowship for 5000 Scholars”. It is now encouraging applications from scholars who intend to complete their PhD from an HEC recognized university or a degree awarding institute. The scholarships are being offered for the academic year 2018-19 in diverse areas of studies and disciplines.

The scholarship aims to develop a highly qualified human resource in diverse fields of studies. The locally qualified researchers and academics can improve the potential of research and development of local universities of Pakistan. The project does not only focus on all fields of Science and Technology but also encompasses Social Sciences, Life Sciences, and Humanities.

These researchers could not only help academics but also contribute to the socio-economic growth of the country. The scheme also provides funds to universities in order to upgrade their research facilities and laboratories to not only facilitate the scholar but also to develop an asset for the respective department.

Students intending to apply should meet any one of the following criteria

• 16 years of education with Bachelors or Masters completed
• 18 years of education, enrolled in Masters or MPhil
• 18 years completed with Masters or MPhil
• Currently enrolled in a PhD Program

HEC will also conduct an aptitude test in the following four categories, within one month of the closing date of application.

The students applying must be nationals of Pakistan or Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Candidates applying for Masters or MPhil should not have a third division or D-Grade in their transcripts of the entire academic career. While candidates applying for direct PhD should have scored a minimum CGPA of 3.0 or first division in Masters or MPhil degrees. The candidates availing any other scholarship of HEC are ineligible to apply.

This is a full-time program. Applicants can apply only through the HEC portal by May 7th, 2018.

HEC is also offering other programs for the benefits of Pakistani youth. Students hailing from under-developed regions of Pakistan can also apply for HEC’s fee reimbursement program that covers universities of 144 regions of Pakistan. Moreover, unemployed youth can also become a part of HEC’s skill-based training program. Moreover, 21st Century Global Skills Initiative of PKR 2.7 billion has also been approved by the Government that will kickstart in August this year.