HEC has opened HEC IRSIP 2026 (Batch 60), a six-month research fellowship abroad for full-time PhD students enrolled at Pakistani universities. Scholars get return airfare, a monthly living allowance of up to $1,500 and bench fee support. The online portal is open from 1 October to 30 October 2026.
IRSIP stands for the International Research Support Initiative Program. It lets a PhD scholar spend six months in a lab at a top-ranked foreign university, then return to finish the PhD in Pakistan.
| Organisation | Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan |
|---|---|
| Programme | International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP), Batch 60 |
| Duration | Six months of research abroad |
| Who can apply | Full-time PhD students at recognised Pakistani universities, enrolled between Spring 2023 and Spring 2025 |
| Living allowance | £750 to $1,500 a month, depending on the country |
| Airfare | Economy return ticket up to $1,300 |
| Application opens | 1 October 2026 |
| Last date | 30 October 2026 |
| Apply at | scholarship.hec.gov.pk |
HEC IRSIP eligibility criteria for Batch 60
According to HEC, you can apply if you meet all of these conditions:
- You are a Pakistani or AJK national and a full-time PhD student at a recognised university in Pakistan.
- You have completed at least 18 credit hours of PhD coursework.
- You have completed at least 18 months of PhD enrolment and have not passed 3.5 years in the programme when you apply.
- Your PhD enrolment date falls between Spring 2023 and Spring 2025 (inclusive).
- You passed the GAT Subject Test or your university’s admission test when you joined the PhD.
- Your research topic and synopsis are approved by BASR, DASR or an equivalent university body.
- You have an official acceptance or invitation letter from a foreign university or research institute.
The host university must be in a developed country and ranked among the top universities, overall or by subject, in the THE or QS World University Rankings. The foreign supervisor must be a full-time faculty member at assistant professor level or above, and must not be the former supervisor of your local PhD supervisor.
Scholars already on another HEC scholarship can also apply if they submit an NOC from their HEC dealing officer. Two applicants with the same local supervisor must choose different foreign supervisors or universities.
Benefits: monthly allowance, airfare and bench fee
| Host country | Living allowance per month |
|---|---|
| USA | $1,500 |
| UK | £750 |
| Austria, Germany, Netherlands | €975 |
| Rest of Europe | €900 |
| Korea, China, Malaysia | $800 |
| Rest of the world | $1,200 |
HEC also arranges an economy return ticket worth up to $1,300 once. A bench fee is reimbursed up to $3,500 (or £1,750, €2,550, AUD 4,100 or CAD 3,700) but only if the fee is written in the acceptance letter at the time of selection. You pay it first and HEC reimburses you after you submit the paid invoice.
How to apply for HEC IRSIP 2026
- Get an acceptance or invitation letter from the foreign university, signed by a head of department or senior professor. It must include your research plan, the duration in months, lab facilities, any bench fee and the professor’s full contact details.
- Download the Foreign Supervisor’s Proforma from the HEC IRSIP page and have your foreign supervisor fill and sign it.
- Collect the other documents listed below.
- Log in or register on the HEC scholarship portal at scholarship.hec.gov.pk and fill in the IRSIP application.
- Upload all documents, review the form and make sure the status shows “Submitted”. Applications left as “Saved” are treated as incomplete.
Documents required
- Acceptance letter(s) on official letterhead, in order of preference
- HEC proforma signed by the foreign supervisor, and the foreign supervisor’s CV
- BASR/DASR approval of your topic and a full copy of the approved synopsis
- Signed and stamped recommendation letter from your local supervisor, and their CV
- Your CV, passport copy (or passport token slip) and academic documents from bachelor’s onwards, including your PhD coursework transcript
- Copy of your GAT Subject Test or university admission test result
- NOC from HEC (if on another HEC scholarship) and from your employer (if employed or on study leave)
Selected scholars must send hard copies later, sign a bond to return and complete the PhD at their parent university, and use the award within six months of the award letter.
Important dates
- Portal opens: 1 October 2026
- Last date to apply: 30 October 2026
- Selection results: not announced yet
Looking for more funding options? See our Scholarships section, including the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship 2027-28.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date for HEC IRSIP 2026?
The HEC portal accepts Batch 60 applications until 30 October 2026.
Can I apply without an acceptance letter?
No. An official acceptance or invitation letter from a foreign university or research institute is part of the eligibility criteria, and incomplete applications are not considered.
Can MPhil or MS students apply?
No. IRSIP is only for full-time PhD students enrolled at recognised universities in Pakistan.
Note: Always confirm details on the official website before you apply or pay any fee. Great Pak Times is not affiliated with any government body.
Source: Higher Education Commission, International Research Support Initiative Program. Checked 3 October 2026.