HEC is taking applications from Pakistani and AJK nationals for Commonwealth Scholarships 2027-28, which fund a full-time Master’s or PhD at a UK university. You must apply on both the Commonwealth portal and the HEC portal by 20 October 2026 at 4:00 pm. HEC will nominate candidates on the basis of their HAT score.
| Organisation | Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, as national nominating agency for the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), UK |
|---|---|
| Programme | Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarships 2027-28 |
| Nominations | 26 for Master’s, 30 for General PhD |
| Study in | United Kingdom, starting September/October 2027 |
| Qualification | First division 16-year Bachelor’s (for Master’s) or first division 17/18-year MS/MPhil (for PhD) |
| Test | HAT (HAT-I to IV), minimum 60 out of 100 |
| Age limit | No upper age limit |
| Last date | 20 October 2026, 4:00 pm (HEC and CSC) |
| Official website | hec.gov.pk |
Who can apply
You must meet the rules of both HEC and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Under HEC’s criteria, you must:
- Be a Pakistani or AJK national and a permanent resident of Pakistan or AJK. Dual nationals cannot apply.
- For a Master’s scholarship, hold a first division 16-year Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field.
- For a PhD scholarship, hold a first division 17 or 18-year Master’s, MS or MPhil degree in the relevant field.
- Not have a second or third division in your latest degree.
- Have a HAT score of at least 60 out of 100 from a test taken on or after 25 October 2024.
Students waiting for their result can apply, as long as they submit the final degree and transcript before the session starts in August/September 2027.
The CSC also says applicants should be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship, and it does not normally fund a second Master’s degree. Your study plan should link to one of six development themes: science and technology, health systems, innovation and entrepreneurship, peace and governance, resilience to crises, or access and inclusion.
HAT test and merit
Merit is based only on the HAT score. If two applicants have the same score, the one with the higher percentage in the last completed degree ranks higher. Only HAT-I, II, III and IV are accepted. HAT tests taken for university admissions in Pakistan do not count.
If you do not have a valid score, or want a better one, HEC says the HAT test expected on 25 October 2026 (tentative) is the last one that will count for this batch. Its result will come after the deadline, so you do not need to enter those marks yourself. HEC will add the valid score automatically.
Benefits
According to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, a Master’s award covers:
- Approved return airfare between Pakistan and the UK
- Full tuition fees
- A monthly stipend of £1,712, or £2,000 in the London area
- A study travel grant
- A child allowance for eligible scholars with children
HEC itself has no financial liability under this programme. It only handles the nomination.
How to apply
You must complete both steps. HEC will not accept your application if either one is missing.
- Apply on the Commonwealth online system: the Master’s scholarship page or the PhD scholarship page.
- Go to the HEC portal at scholarship.hec.gov.pk, register and complete your profile with your current email and mobile number.
- Select “Learning Opportunities Abroad” and fill in the Commonwealth application, including your HAT score.
- Submit the form and download a copy for your record. Saved but unsubmitted forms will not be accepted.
Do not send hard copies to HEC unless HEC asks you by email.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| HEC portal opened | 8 September 2026 |
| Last date (HEC and CSC) | 20 October 2026, 4:00 pm |
| HAT test (tentative) | 25 October 2026 |
| Nominations by HEC | December 2026 (expected) |
| Final results | July 2027 (expected) |
| Studies start in UK | September/October 2027 |
HEC nomination does not guarantee the scholarship. The final selection is made by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. At least 45% of nominations will go to women.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an age limit for the Commonwealth Scholarship through HEC?
No. HEC has set no upper age limit for this programme.
Can I apply if I have not taken the HAT test yet?
Yes, you can still apply by 20 October and take the HAT test expected on 25 October 2026. HEC will add the score automatically once results are out.
Where can I get help with the HEC portal?
Call the HEC helpline at 051-111-119-432 or 0334-1119432, or use onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk.
See more funded study options in our Scholarships section.
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, Commonwealth Scholarship Programme 2027-28 and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Checked 2 October 2026.