Applications are now open for the HEC Commonwealth Scholarships for Masters and Ph.D. programs in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and aim to provide higher education opportunities to individuals who cannot afford to study in the UK. There are 26 nominations available for Masters programs and 30 nominations available for Ph.D. programs.
The Commonwealth scholarship offers various benefits, including a monthly stipend of approximately £1,347 (equivalent to PKR 521,469), a return air ticket, allowances for children and spouses, study tour allowance, and more. HEC will assist candidates who wish to apply for this scholarship. Citizens of Commonwealth countries in Pakistan are eligible to receive scholarships in the UK, as Pakistan is also a Commonwealth country.
The HEC Commonwealth Scholarships 2023-24 will be hosted by the United Kingdom. The application deadline for both Masters and Ph.D. scholarships is October 17, 2023. Applicants must submit their applications to both HEC and Commonwealth portals by the same deadline.
HEC Common Wealth Scholarship 2023-24
The HEC Commonwealth Scholarship 2024 in Pakistan covers all the costs for scholars. The chosen UK universities offer free admission to scholarship recipients. You won’t have to pay for airfare, accommodation, tuition fees, or other expenses. Additionally, the government provides a monthly stipend to scholars. If you are married, you can live with your family without any additional charges for the Commonwealth Pakistan scholarship.
| Scholarship Name | HEC Commonwealth UK Scholarships 2023-24 |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Type | International |
| Awarded By | Higher Education Commission (HEC) |
| Eligible Levels | Masters, PhD |
| Fields of Study | All Fields |
| Available Universities | UK universities |
| Application Category | Merit-Based |
| Eligible Area | All Pakistan |
| Application Deadline | October 17, 2023 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Number of Awards | 60 |
| Nationality | Pakistan/AJK |
| Location of Award | United Kingdom |
Eligibility Criteria for HEC Commonwealth Scholarships UK
To be eligible for the HEC Commonwealth Ph.D. Scholarship UK for the year 2023, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a Pakistani or AJK national. Dual nationals are not eligible.
- For the Master’s scholarship, you must have a first-class Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (16 years of education).
- For the Ph.D. scholarship, you must have a first-class degree in a relevant postgraduate qualification (17/18 years of education) in the relevant field of study by the closing date of applications.
- You must not have more than two second divisions allowed.
- You must not be registered for a Master’s or Ph.D., or an MPhil leading to a Ph.D., at a UK university before September/October 2023.
- Students currently pursuing Masters/MPhil or Ph.D. degrees are not eligible.
You must have the support of a potential supervisor from at least one UK university listed in your application form (for Ph.D.). - Two references must be submitted online to the UK application system.
- You must obtain a minimum of 60 out of 100 marks in the HEC Aptitude Test (HAT).
For further details on the eligibility criteria and terms of the award, please visit the links provided below.
HEC Commonwealth Scholarships 2023-24 for Master and PhD Students
How to Apply for HEC Commonwealth Master/Ph.D. Scholarship UK?
Applicants MUST use the internet to apply on the Commonwealth and HEC websites. If you don’t apply on both websites, your application won’t be considered.
Step 1 (Commonwealth Online Application)
Candidates must use the CSC’s online application system mentioned below to apply. The CSC cannot accept any applications that are not submitted through the online system or after the closing date mentioned above.
- If you want a Master’s degree, click here to apply.
- If you’re interested in a PhD, click here to apply.
Step 2 (HEC Online Application)
- Visit the HEC website at HEC Scholarships Portal.
- Sign up and update your profile with your latest email and phone number.
- Choose “Learning Opportunities Abroad” and complete the application.
- Print a copy, sign it, and keep it for your records. The HEC application portal closes on October 17, 2023, at 4:00 PM Pakistan Time.
Additional Information:
- Applying early is recommended because the online application system can get very busy as the deadline approaches.
- Make sure to keep your HEC profile updated.
- Don’t send any paper applications; it all must be done online.
Note: It’s crucial to apply on both the Commonwealth and HEC websites before the October 17, 2023, deadline to be considered.
Important Points to Remember:
To be considered, you must submit both the Commonwealth Application form and the online HEC form. Please ensure that your applications are complete.
Once you have successfully submitted your HEC and Commonwealth applications online, it is recommended that you keep copies for your own records.
You can keep hard copies (printed versions) of your HEC application form, as well as important academic documents such as transcripts, foreign degree equivalence, your statement of purpose, research plan, copies of your CNIC, and Domicile. Additionally, make sure to save copies of the Commonwealth scholarship forms, which should include proof of at least 2 references and a placement letter.
These reminders are important to help you keep track of your application and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation for your records.
Benefits of the HEC Commonwealth Scholarships UK
If you receive the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship for your Master’s or Ph.D. studies in the UK, you’ll get these benefits:
Money to Live on: For Master’s students, you’ll get around £1,347 each month. If you study in London, you’ll receive £1,652 per month because it’s more expensive there. Ph.D. students get about £1,236 each month, or £1,516 if you’re in London.
- Free Tuition: Your tuition fees will be fully covered, so you don’t have to worry about paying for your studies.
- Travel Support: You’ll get two tickets to the UK, one at the start of your program and another when you finish. This helps you get there and go back home.
- Warm Clothes: If you need warm clothes, they’ll provide an allowance for that.
- Study Tours: If you have study tours as part of your program, they’ll cover your travel expenses.
- Fieldwork Support: They’ll also provide an air ticket if you need to do fieldwork.
- Family Allowances: If you have your family with you:
- If your spouse is with you, they’ll get £266 each month for up to nine months.
- If you have kids with your spouse, the first child gets £266 each month, and the second and third kids under 16 get £131 each month.
- If you have kids but no spouse, the first child gets £529 each month, and the second and third kids under 16
- get £131 each month if they live with you in the UK.
- These benefits are here to support you and your family while you study in the UK.
Important Deadline:
Make sure to submit your HEC online application by October 17, 2023.
Scholarships for Master’s and Ph.D. Programs in the UK:
The Commonwealth Scholarships offer opportunities for people from lower and middle-income countries within the Commonwealth to study full-time Master’s and Doctoral (Ph.D.) programs at universities in the UK. These scholarships focus on six important themes:
- Science and Technology: Supporting development through science and technology.
- Health Systems: Strengthening healthcare systems and capabilities.
- Global Prosperity: Promoting worldwide well-being and success.
- Peace and Governance: Enhancing global peace, security, and governance.
- Crisis Resilience: Building resilience and responses to crises.
- Access and Inclusion: Ensuring equal access and opportunities for all.
Test HEC Commonwealth Scholarships
The HAT test series schedule has been posted by HEC Pakistan. The HAT exam is a unique test for Pakistani applicants seeking a Commonwealth scholarship. Pakistani nationals must take the Higher Aptitude Test (HAT) in order to be eligible for this scholarship. Everyone must put in a lot of effort and the HEC HAT test is very transparent. Candidates may view the HEC HAT test syllabus, schedule, paper pattern, and other required information by going to hec.gov.pk. The deadline for Commonwealth scholarships is October 17, 2023.
HEC Contact Detail
- Address:Head Office, Sector H-9, East Service Road, Islamabad
- Phone: UAN: (051) 111-119-432