Scholarship Overview
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has launched applications for Batch 60 of the International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP). This opportunity enables full-time PhD candidates registered in Pakistan or Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to conduct six months of research at international institutions. The deadline to apply for this batch is October 30, 2026.
Who Can Apply
To qualify for the program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Pakistani or AJK national enrolled as a full-time doctoral student at an HEC-recognized university in Pakistan.
- Have completed at least 18 credit hours of PhD coursework.
- Have completed at least 18 months of doctoral studies without exceeding 3.5 years at the time of application.
- Have enrolled in their PhD program between Spring 2023 and Spring 2025.
- Have passed either the GAT Subject Test or the university's internal admission test.
- Have an officially approved PhD synopsis and research topic.
- Secure an acceptance or invitation letter from a university, research institute, or laboratory located in a developed country meeting HEC ranking criteria.
- Ensure the foreign host supervisor is a full-time faculty member at the Assistant Professor level or higher.
Benefits
HEC provides financial assistance covering the six-month stay abroad, which includes:
- An economy-class return air ticket up to $1,300.
- A monthly living stipend tailored to the host nation: up to $1,500 (United States), up to £750 (United Kingdom), €975 (Austria, Germany, Netherlands), up to €900 (other European nations), and up to $800 (China, Korea, Malaysia).
- Funding for approved bench fees (exact bench fee limits are not specified in the source; please check the official notice).
How to Apply
Applicants must fill out and submit their form via the official HEC online portal. Before applying, candidates should prepare their host invitation letter, the foreign supervisor's completed HEC proforma and updated CV, official proof and a copy of the approved PhD synopsis, and a recommendation letter from their local supervisor. Candidates must ensure the application status reads "Submitted," as draft forms will not be processed. Hard copies may be requested from selected applicants at a later stage.
Source: scholarships for pakistani students - BingNews · Published October 02, 2026 · Image via scholarships for pakistani students - BingNews
Always confirm deadlines and eligibility on the official scholarship website.