HEC Commonwealth Scholarship is a fully funded program offering Masters and PhD awards for Commonwealth students to study in the UK and covers tuition, stipend, airfare and other approved allowances.
The scholarship is offered in coordination with the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and is routed via HEC for Pakistani nominations; applicants must apply through both the Commonwealth EAS and HEC online systems as instructed.
HEC Commonwealth Scholarship Benefits
- Approved airfare from your home country to the UK and return at the end of your award.
- Approved Tuition fees.
- Stipend (living allowance) at the rate of £1,712 per month, or £2,000 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area (rates quoted at 2027-2028 levels)
- Warm clothing allowance, where applicable
- Thesis grant towards the cost of preparing a thesis or dissertation, where applicable
- Study travel grant towards the cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas
- Paid mid-term visit (airfare) to your home country (unless you have claimed or (intend to claim) spouse and/or child allowances during your scholarships, or have received a return airfare to your home country for fieldwork).
HEC Commonwealth Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Be a Pakistani/AJ&K national and permanent resident of Pakistan/AJ&K.
- Age must not be more than 30 years for Masters & 35 years for PhD at the time of application
- Be available to start your academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September/October 2027
- For Master Scholarship, candidate by the closing date of application must hold a first-class degree complete in all aspects in graduate qualification (16 years degree i.e. MSC/MA/MBA/BS/BBA, etc) in the relevant field of study.
- For PhD Scholarship, candidate by the closing date of application must hold a first-class degree complete in all aspects in postgraduate qualification (17/18 years MS/MPhil degree) in the relevant field of study.
- NOT be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, or Masters at a UK university before September/October 2026 or candidate not has studied at the same level in the UK before.
- Be financially unable to afford study in the United Kingdom without this scholarship.
Programs Offered
HEC Commonwealth Masters and PhD scholarships are for candidates from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries, for full time Masters and Doctoral study (PhD) at a UK University. These scholarships are offered under the following six themes:
- Science and technology for development
- Strengthening health systems and capacity
- Promoting global prosperity
- Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises
- Access, inclusion, and opportunity
Important Notice
Applicants have to follow the given below instructions before applying for HEC Commonwealth Scholarship 2027 UK:
- HEC may conduct test/interview or both to shortlist candidates.
- Commonwealth UK does not accept direct applications. All nominations from Pakistan will be routed via HEC.
- HEC endorses equal opportunity, therefore, females are encouraged to apply.
- In case of submitting false information at any stage, HEC reserves the rights to cancel and debar for all future scholarships as well as impose a penalty, as decided by HEC.
- It is the sole responsibility of applicants to ensure that they apply to HEC Online system and EAS online application form simultaneously before the deadline of October 20, 2026, as applications submitted after the deadline shall NOT be entertained in any case. (The Process Given below in the Links)
How to Apply for HEC Commonwealth Scholarship
- Apply online to Commonwealth (CW) Scholarship for Master & Doctoral studies (PhD) through their Electronic Application System (EAS) at: For Masters: Click here to apply for a Master’s Scholarship; For PhD: Click here to apply for a PhD Scholarship
- Apply online at HEC website: https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk/. After registering and filling your profile, please select “Learning Opportunities Abroad” under “Scholarship and Grant” menu in left hand side panel of the online portal.
- After submission of the application, get its printed copy to be signed by applicant.
- Before applying, kindly update your HEC eportal profile with latest email/cell number & updated information.
- HEC may conduct test/interview or both to shortlist candidates.
- Commonwealth UK does not accept direct applications. All nominations from Pakistan will be routed via HEC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship 2027. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply through HEC and the Commonwealth EAS.
Who can apply for the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship 2027?
Applicants must be Pakistani/AJ&K nationals and permanent residents of Pakistan/AJ&K. The scholarship is for candidates from Commonwealth countries, and Pakistani nominations are routed via HEC as stated in the official information.
What study levels are covered by this scholarship?
The HEC Commonwealth Scholarship 2027 covers full-time Masters and PhD (doctoral) study at UK universities. It specifies Masters and PhD degree levels and the scholarship durations for each level.
What financial benefits does the scholarship provide?
The scholarship is fully funded and provides approved airfare to and from the UK, approved tuition fees, a living stipend (£1,712/month or £2,000/month in London at 2027-28 levels), warm clothing allowance where applicable, thesis and study travel grants, and a paid mid-term return airfare to your home country under certain conditions.
What are the age limits for applicants?
Age must not be more than 30 years for Masters applicants and not more than 35 years for PhD applicants at the time of application, according to the eligibility criteria published.
Can I apply directly to Commonwealth UK for this scholarship?
Commonwealth UK does not accept direct applications for nominations from Pakistan. All nominations from Pakistan must be routed via HEC, and applicants must apply through both the Commonwealth EAS and the HEC online system before the deadline.
What is the application deadline for 2027 scholarships?
The last date to apply for HEC Commonwealth UK Scholarship 2027 for international students is 20 October 2026. Applicants must submit both Commonwealth EAS and HEC applications by this date.
Are there any restrictions regarding previous study in the UK?
Yes. Candidates must not be registered for a PhD, MPhil leading to a PhD, or Masters at a UK university before September/October 2026, and must not have previously studied at the same level in the UK.
What academic qualifications are required for Masters applicants?
By the closing date of application, Masters candidates must hold a first-class degree complete in all aspects in a graduate qualification (16 years degree such as MSc/MA/MBA/BS/BBA) in the relevant field of study as specified.
What qualifications are required for PhD applicants?
By the closing date of application, PhD candidates must hold a first-class postgraduate qualification (17/18 years MS/MPhil degree) complete in all aspects in the relevant field of study, per the published eligibility criteria.
What application steps must Pakistani applicants follow?
Pakistani applicants must apply online to the Commonwealth Electronic Application System (EAS) for Masters or PhD, and also apply on the HEC online portal (https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk/) selecting ‘Learning Opportunities Abroad’. After submission, applicants should print the application for signature and ensure their HEC eportal profile is up to date.
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