US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship 2026 presents a transformative opportunity for Pakistani scholars to pursue doctoral studies at leading universities in the United States. This prestigious initiative, born from the strategic partnership between the United States and Pakistan, aims to strengthen Pakistan’s higher education system by developing a highly skilled academic workforce. With a vision aligned with Pakistan’s Vision 2025, the program targets the training of 10,000 PhD scholars over a decade to enhance research, innovation, and instructional quality across the country’s universities.
Under Phase 1 of the project, 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships will be awarded to exceptional Pakistani students in various high-priority fields. The initiative also includes support programs such as GRE and TOEFL/IELTS training through its “Talent Farming” component, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for admission to U.S. institutions. These scholarships not only offer access to world-class education but also promote academic collaboration between Pakistani and American universities. If you’re ready to contribute to Pakistan’s academic advancement while studying in the U.S., this scholarship could be your gateway to a world-class research career.
Scholarship Summary
- Country: USA
- Host: Higher Education Institutions (HEI), Pakistan
- Program name: US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship Program
- Study Level: PhD
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Eligibility: Pakistani & AJK nationals
- Deadline:
- Fall 2025 : 20th July, 2025
- Spring/Summer 2026 : 15th November, 2025
- Fall 2026 admission : 30th April, 2026
Scholarship Benefits
Category I – Top 50 QS World Ranked US Universities
- Tuition Fees: Fully funded
- Annual Stipend: USD 19,200
- Health Insurance: Up to USD 2,000 per year (or actual cost, whichever is lower)
- Return Airfare: PKR 250,000
Category II – QS World Ranked US Universities (51–300)
- Tuition Fees: Up to USD 12,000 per year
- Annual Stipend: USD 19,200
- Health Insurance: Up to USD 2,000 per year (or actual cost, whichever is lower)
- Return Airfare: PKR 250,000
These benefits are designed to support Pakistani scholars pursuing PhD programs in the United States under the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor initiative.
Eligibility Criteria
Those who satisfy all the following requirements are eligible to apply for US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship 2026:
General Eligibility Criteria:
- Pakistani/AJK nationals
- Minimum 4 years bachelor’s degree (B.S/B.Sc./B.E/16 years formal education)
- No 2nd or 3rd Division in entire academic career is acceptable for both Category – I & II.
- Maximum age on the closing date shall not exceed:
- 40 Years in case of regular Government Employees/regular Faculty members of Public Sector Universities & Government Colleges/regular Researchers of approved R & D Organizations
- 35 Years in all other cases
- Must not be availing any other Scholarship.
- Those having PhD Degree are not eligible.
Specific Eligibility Criteria:
Category I – Scholarship (Top 50 QS World Ranked US Universities):
For this category of scholarship, prospective applicant must have:
- Secured admission in top 50 QS World Ranked US University.
- Valid GRE – General Score (Minimum 300 in total) OR HAT Score (Minimum 60% Score)
Category II -Scholarship (Top 300 QS World Ranked US Universities):
For this category of scholarship, prospective applicant must have:
- Secured admission in top 300 (51-300) QS World Ranked US University (overall ranking). In case of QS Subject wise Ranking, must have secured admission in top 100 (51-100) universities.
- Valid GRE – General Score (Minimum 300 in total) OR HAT Score (Minimum 60% Score).
Note: For scholarship award, preference will be given to applicants who have secured admission in Top 100 QS World Ranked U.S University.
How to Apply
HEC provides opportunities for applicants to pursue PhD studies in Top US Universities under “US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor”. Interested applicants can apply online through the link: https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk/
New User Registration for US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship 2026:
To Login please visit https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk/
To create profile for first time user, fill in the available form on the link mentioned above.Click on ‘Register’ for new users and follow the steps stated below:
- You will be required to create user ID by using your CNIC (without dashes) as User ID and select your password.
- Create an Account and fill the required information available on the screen.
- Click and obtain ‘Mobile Code’ on your provided mobile no. for further process. (Currently, MNC / Ported numbers are not supported)
- After receiving code on your mobile enter the code.
- Enter your email ID and click Send Code. You will receive a code on your provided email.
- Please enter a valid email ID.
- Perform code verification and click on submission.
- You will be registered successfully. Please check your email for further information.
- You will be required enter your created ‘User ID’ & ‘Password’ then ‘Sign in’ on HEC portal.
- Complete online profile section wise at https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk/
- Click ‘Scholarships and Grants’ on left ‘Navigation’ and then ‘US-PAK Knowledge Corridor Application’.
- Now follow instructions, fill and submit the form successfully.
- Please send scanned copies of application form along with other required documents on the email address [email protected]. Documents should be attested by gazetted officer of Grade-17/above.
- At this stage you are not required to submit hard copies of this application and other documents. You may be asked to submit hard copies later, when required.
Frequerntly Asked Questions (FAQs)
The US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship 2026 offers Pakistani scholars opportunities to pursue doctoral studies in the US. With various categories, financial support, and preparatory training, the program aims to enhance academic and research capacities.
Who is eligible to apply for the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship 2026?
Applicants must be Pakistani/AJK nationals with a minimum of 16 years of formal education (BS/BSc/BE). They should have no 2nd or 3rd division in their academic career. The maximum age is 35 years, or 40 for regular government employees and faculty members.
What are the different scholarship categories under the program?
There are three categories: Category I for top 50 QS-ranked US universities, Category II for universities ranked 51-300, and Category III for those with a complete tuition waiver from designated US universities. Each has specific eligibility and benefits.
Is a GRE or HAT score mandatory for application?
Yes, a valid GRE General score (minimum 300) or HAT score (minimum 60%) is required for Categories I and II. However, for Category III, if the applicant has secured admission with a full tuition waiver, these scores are not mandatory.
What financial support is provided under each scholarship category?
Category I covers full tuition, an annual stipend of USD 19,200, health insurance up to USD 2,000, and return airfare. Category II offers similar benefits but with tuition support up to USD 12,000. Category III provides stipend, health insurance, and airfare only.
Do I need to reapply if I’ve already submitted an application?
Yes, if you’ve previously applied, you need to submit a fresh application for the current cycle. Ensure all updated documents and information are included as per the latest requirements.
Is a Master’s degree necessary to apply for the PhD scholarship?
Not necessarily. A four-year undergraduate degree (16 years of education) is acceptable for most US universities. However, some institutions may have specific requirements, so it’s advisable to check individual university criteria.
Are TOEFL or IELTS scores required for the scholarship?
TOEFL or IELTS scores are not mandatory for the scholarship application. However, individual US universities may require them for admission. It’s important to verify the language proficiency requirements of your chosen institution.
What is the Talent Farming component of the program?
Talent Farming is a preparatory initiative offering training in GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS to potential applicants. It aims to enhance candidates’ chances of securing admission and scholarships by improving their test scores.
How can I participate in the Talent Farming training?
Training opportunities are advertised on official platforms. Interested candidates should apply online as per the instructions provided in the announcements. Eligibility criteria must be met to participate in the training sessions.
What are the benefits of participating in Talent Farming training?
Participants receive subsidized training for standardized tests, which are crucial for scholarship eligibility. Outstanding performers may also receive partial or full refunds of test fees, enhancing their prospects for successful applications.
⚠️ Disclaimer
Scholarship Union shares publicly available scholarship opportunities for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any listed institution unless clearly stated.
Listings may come from public sources or user submissions. We do not guarantee their accuracy, completeness, or availability.
To report issues or request updates, please contact us here.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
