The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has opened applications for the HEC Research Awards 2026-27. Pakistani researchers can win Rs500,000 as Best Researcher or Best Young Researcher, and Rs1 million for Best Publication. The last date to apply online is Saturday, 31 October 2026.
| Organisation | Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan |
|---|---|
| Programme | HEC Research Awards 2026-27 |
| Categories | Best Researcher, Best Young Researcher, Best Publication |
| Cash prize | Rs500,000 (Best Researcher), Rs500,000 (Best Young Researcher), Rs1,000,000 (Best Publication), plus a certificate |
| Who can apply | Pakistani researchers and scholars |
| Last date | 31 October 2026, 11:59 pm (PKT) |
| Apply online | research.hec.gov.pk |
HEC Research Awards 2026 categories and prize money
HEC gives these awards to recognise high-quality research that helps intellectual development and social welfare. Each winner gets a certificate and a cash prize.
| Category | Cash prize | Main condition |
|---|---|---|
| Best Researcher | Rs500,000 | Lifetime research achievement with major impact |
| Best Young Researcher | Rs500,000 | Under 40 years of age |
| Best Publication | Rs1,000,000 | One book or journal article with lasting impact |
Separate awards are given in three disciplinary domains:
- Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Law, Education, Management or Public Policy
- Physical Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Computer Science, Statistics or Mathematics
- Life Sciences, Biological Sciences, Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Agriculture or Veterinary Sciences
If you qualify for both Best Researcher and Best Young Researcher, you can apply in only one of them.
Who can apply: eligibility criteria
General conditions
- You have never been blacklisted by HEC.
- You (or the publication) have not received the same award before.
- None of your publications is plagiarised under the HEC plagiarism policy.
Best Researcher
You must have been a resident of Pakistan for at least three years at the closing date of the call.
Best Young Researcher
You must be under 40 years of age and a resident of Pakistan for at least one year at the closing date of the call.
Best Publication
- A scholarly book or journal article, not more than three years old at the closing date.
- No more than three authors, and all authors must be residents of Pakistan for at least three years.
- A research article must be in an HEC-recognised W-category journal and have at least 100 citations.
- A book must be published by a recognised academic press.
- A publication already submitted in the same category before cannot be sent again.
How to apply for HEC Research Awards online
- Go to the HEC research portal at research.hec.gov.pk and sign in or create an account.
- Choose the HEC Research Awards 2026-27 call and the category you want to apply in.
- Fill in every section of the online form.
- Upload the required documents in PDF format (list below).
- Submit before 11:59 pm on 31 October 2026.
Documents required
- CV of up to 2 pages (personal details, education, employment, research projects, publications, patents, honours)
- Three letters of support on the prescribed endorsement form
- Copies of publications that support your application (articles, books, patents)
- A short video clip of 2 to 3 minutes showing the impact of your research
- Declaration certificate
Looking for funding to study instead? See our latest scholarships, including HEC IRSIP 2026 for PhD students.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date for HEC Research Awards 2026-27?
The last date is Saturday, 31 October 2026, and the portal closes at 11:59 pm Pakistan time.
How much prize money does the HEC Research Award give?
Best Researcher and Best Young Researcher get Rs500,000 each. Best Publication gets Rs1,000,000. Every winner also gets a certificate.
Can I apply for both Best Researcher and Best Young Researcher?
No. If you are eligible for both, HEC allows you to apply in only one of these two categories.
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, HEC Research Awards. Checked 3 October 2026.