International Research Support Initiative Program Scholarship 2026 in Pakistan | Fully Funded

The International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) Scholarship 2026 in Pakistan is a fully funded six-month research fellowship offered by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan to PhD scholars enrolled in full-time programs within the country. This initiative aims to provide international exposure, enhance doctoral research quality, and facilitate the development of linkages between Pakistani and foreign institutions.

The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan is the primary regulatory body for higher education in the country, responsible for funding, accrediting, and promoting higher education institutions and research. Through programs like IRSIP, HEC seeks to elevate the standard of doctoral research to international levels and introduce Pakistani research talent globally.

Benefits of the International Research Support Initiative Program

Travel allowance:

1. Economy class return airfare is provided up to USD 1300/- for once.​​

Note: IRSIP-HEC will arrange the tickets.​

Living allowance:

1. Living allowance for different countries: 

​Bench Fee:

1. ​The maximum amount of bench fee allowed under the IRSIP scheme in different currencies is given in the following table.

Important Note: 

The bench fee is awarded only if it is requested in the acceptance letter at the time of selection. After selection, any demand of fee will not be accepted. 

Scholars will pay their bench fees themselves, and HEC will reimburse them after receipt of the paid invoice.

The bench fee will be paid according to the amount as mentioned in the offer/invitation letter. The paid invoice must contain the student/scholar’s name, purpose & duration of visit and details of the foreign university.

Eligibility Criteria

• Pakistani/​​AJK national who is a full-time PhD student
• Completed coursework of 18 credit hours, at least.
• The Scholar is eligible to apply after 18 months of enrolment and a maximum of 3.5 years in the PhD program. (Applicable on 59th meeting & onward) ​
• Passed the local GAT subject test OR University Admission Test at the time of registration/enrollment in PhD Studies/Program.
• Who has an approved PhD research topic and synopsis by the Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR), Directorate of Advanced Studies and Research (DASR) or equivalent body of the university
• Who has an official acceptance/invitation letter for research from a foreign university/institute/lab? The university/institute must be listed in top rank universities (either subject-wise or overall ranking) as per Times Ranking Or QS universities ranking (topuniversities.com​).
• Your Foreign Supervisor should not be an ex-supervisor of your Local Supervisor.​

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Those Scholars who are already availing any other HEC scholarship are also eligible to apply, provided they submit an NOC from their concerned HEC dealing officer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply, based on the official program information.