HEC Opens Overseas Research Fellowship With Up to $1,500 Monthly Allowance for Pakistanis

Notably, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has opened applications for Batch 60 of the International Research Backing Initiative Program (IRSIP).

Key points

• For Batch 60, eligible candidates should have enrolled in their PhD between Spring 2023 and Spring 2025.
• While scholars going to other European countries can receive up to €900 per month, the monthly allowance is €975 for Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands.
• HEC Announces Research Awards 2026-27 With Prizes Up to Rs.
• Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.
• For example, scholars going to the United States can receive up to $1, 500 per month.

In practice, the program offers a six-month research opportunity abroad for Pakistani and AJK nationals who are enrolled in full-time PhD programs at recognized universities in Pakistan. Applications for the latest batch are open until October 30, 2026. 108 Pakistani Universities Feature in World University Rankings 2027.

Applicants must be Pakistani or AJK nationals and must be enrolled as full-time PhD students at an HEC-recognized university.

Candidates should have completed at least 18 credit hours of PhD coursework. They must additionally have completed at least 18 months of their PhD studies and should not have crossed 3.5 years at the time of application.

Applicants must additionally have passed the GAT Subject Test or the admission test conducted by their university.

Their PhD research topic and synopsis must already be approved by the relevant university authority.

Applicants must arrange an official acceptance or invitation letter from a foreign university, research institute, or laboratory.

In practice, the host institution should be located in a developed country and should meet HEC's ranking requirements.

Notably, the proposed foreign supervisor must be a full-time faculty member at the level of Assistant Professor or above.

Candidates are projected to identify a suitable research group or supervisor related to their PhD research area before applying.

HEC Announces Research Awards 2026-27 With Prizes Up to Rs. 10 Lac.

HEC will provide financial backing for the six-month research stay. Selected scholars can receive an economy-class return air ticket of up to $1, 300.

Notably, a monthly living allowance is additionally provided. The amount depends on the country where the scholar will conduct research.

For example, scholars going to the United States can receive up to $1, 500 per month. Those travelling to the United Kingdom can receive up to £750 per month.

For China, Korea, and Malaysia, the monthly allowance can be up to $800. HEC may additionally provide backing for approved bench fees, depending on the host institution and the limits set under the program.

Applicants need to prepare a number of documents before submitting the online form. These include an official acceptance letter from the foreign host institution, the foreign supervisor's completed HEC proforma, and the supervisor's updated CV.

Candidates additionally need to provide proof of approval of their PhD research topic and synopsis. A complete copy of the approved synopsis and a recommendation letter from the local PhD supervisor are additionally required.

Eligible candidates must submit their applications through the HEC scholarship portal. Applicants should carefully complete all sections of the online form and upload the required documents.

After completing the application, candidates should create sure that the status indicates "Submitted." Applications left in "Saved" status will not be considered. Hard copies of documents may be required from selected candidates at a afterwards stage. Visit EduNation to find scholarships from worldwide. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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