US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor 2027 | PhD Fully Funded Scholarship Program

The HEC US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded opportunity from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan for Pakistani and AJK nationals who secure PhD admission at top-ranked universities in the United States.

The scholarship covers PhD programs only. Master’s, MS, and MS-leading-to-PhD programs are not covered. The US university must be ranked in the QS World University Rankings Top 100, which refers to the world rank, not a top 100 within the USA.

Two intakes are available: Spring/Summer 2027 and Fall 2027. HEC does not require IELTS or TOEFL, although your US university may still ask for one.

HEC US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship 2027 Overview

The US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor supports talented Pakistani researchers who earn admission to leading US universities for doctoral study. Funding is awarded competitively, and the scholarship depends on you first securing admission to an eligible university.

HEC US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy all of the following conditions at the time of application.

General Eligibility

• Applicants must be a Pakistani or AJK national.
• A minimum of 16 years of education (4-year BS/BE or equivalent) is required.
• The academic record must not include any 2nd or 3rd division.
• Must hold conditional or unconditional admission to a QS Top-100 US university.
• Must not already hold a PhD degree.
• Must not be receiving any other scholarship.

Age Limit

• Maximum age is 35 years on the deadline date for general applicants.
• Maximum 40 years for regular government employees, public university or government college faculty, and researchers of approved R&D organizations.

Test Requirement (GRE or HAT)

• GRE General: minimum score of 300, or
• HEC HAT: minimum 60%.

IELTS and TOEFL Requirements

HEC does not require IELTS or TOEFL for this scholarship. However, your chosen US university may ask for an English proficiency test as part of its admission requirements, so confirm this with the graduate school.

HEC US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship offers a monthly stipend, tuition support, health insurance, and return airfare. The tuition benefit depends on the QS ranking category of your university.

• Stipend: USD 19,200 per year (USD 1,600 per month) for both categories.
• Health insurance: Actual cost up to USD 2,000 per year for both categories.
• Return airfare: PKR 250,000 (as per HEC FAQ).
• Duration and payments: As specified in the HEC award letter.

Required Documents for HEC US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor

Prepare the following documents before starting your online application. Keep clear scans ready for upload.

• CNIC, domicile, and passport (attested).
• All educational documents and transcripts, from matric to BS/MS (attested).
• Valid GRE (300+) or HAT (60%+) result.
• Admission or offer letter from an eligible US university.
• Tuition waiver or funding letter from the university.
• Graduate school and supervisor contact details.
• Research proposal, including your area of specialization and proposed supervisor details.
• Updated CV.
• Recommendation letters.
• NOC and employment or experience certificates (for government employees and faculty only).

Preferred Fields of Study

HEC gives preference to the following fields. Applicants from other disciplines should check the official program page before applying.

How to Apply for HEC US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship

Applications are submitted through a single portal, the HEC Scholarship Portal. Follow these steps carefully.

HEC US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Scholarship Deadline

HEC announces separate deadlines for each intake. US university admission deadlines are independent of the HEC deadline, so check both well in advance.

Candidates should begin preparing as early as possible because they need to gather a US admission letter, a funding or waiver letter, an entrance test result, attested documents, and recommendation letters for their application.

Important Instructions Before Applying

• Use only the official HEC website and the HEC Scholarship Portal.
• Verify the university’s QS World ranking on the official QS website before applying.
• Confirm that your program is a PhD; MS and MS-leading-to-PhD programs are not covered.
• Get your documents attested well before the deadline.
• Ensure that your tuition is fully covered, especially for QS 51–100 universities, where HEC pays up to USD 12,000 per year.
• Ask your US university whether it requires IELTS or TOEFL.
• You cannot hold another scholarship at the same time.
• Read the return and service bond terms before signing.
• Do not pay agents who promise guaranteed scholarship selection.

Official Scholarship and Application Websites

Use the following official resources to verify the HEC US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship requirements, review the latest notices, and start your application.