The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan offers a six-month research fellowship abroad through its International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) for PhD students enrolled in full-time programs.
This initiative aims to enhance the quality of doctoral research and foster global academic linkages.
Program Objectives
- Improve the quality of doctoral research in Pakistan.
- Build a skilled workforce contributing to the country’s development.
- Promote the assimilation and transfer of scientific and technological knowledge for rapid economic progress.
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- Provide training and research opportunities at advanced labs of top universities abroad.
- Facilitate international collaboration and introduce Pakistani talent globally.
- Raise the standard of doctoral research to align with international standards.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Pakistani or AJK national and a full-time PhD student.
- Have completed at least 18 credit hours of coursework.
- You can apply 18 months after enrollment and up to 3.5 years into the PhD program.
- You must have passed the local GAT subject test or the University Admission Test.
- Your PhD research topic and synopsis must be approved by the university’s Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR) or equivalent.
- Obtain an acceptance letter from a top-ranked foreign university/institute/lab (ranked by Times or QS rankings).
- Your foreign supervisor must not be an ex-supervisor of your local supervisor.
- Important Note: If you are already availing another HEC scholarship, you must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned HEC officer.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates must apply online via the official HEC portal.
The following documents are required:
- Acceptance letter from the foreign university (must include a detailed research plan, facilities available, and terms of invitation).
- BASR/DASR approval for your PhD research topic and synopsis.
- CVs of both your local and foreign PhD supervisors.
- PhD thesis synopsis (complete).
- Local PhD supervisor recommendation letter (signed and stamped).
- NOC from HEC (if availing another scholarship).
- NOC from your department (if employed or on study leave).
- Copy of your passport (or token slip if in process).
- Academic documents, including transcripts and GRE results (if applicable).
Important: Ensure your application status is marked as “Submitted” on the portal. Applications in “Saved” status will not be considered.
Application Deadline
- Application Period: April 12, 2026 – May 11, 2026.
- Hard copies will only be required after selection.
Fellowship Package
The IRSIP fellowship package includes the following benefits:
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Travel Allowance: Economy class return airfare (up to USD $1300).
Living Allowance:
- UK: £750/month
- USA: $1500/month
- Rest of Europe: €900/month
- Rest of World: $1200/month
- Korea, China, Malaysia: $800/month
Bench Fee (if required by the foreign university):
- USD: $3500
- Pound Sterling: £1750
- Euro: €2550
- AUD: $4100
- CAD: $3700
Note: Bench fees will be reimbursed by HEC upon submission of the paid invoice. Scholars must pay the bench fee upfront.
Terms & Conditions
- Selected candidates must sign a bond with HEC to return and complete their PhD studies at their home institution.
- The fellowship must be availed within six months from the award letter issuance.
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- Candidates supervised by the same local supervisor must have different foreign supervisors or institutions.
- HEC reserves the right to cancel the fellowship if any false documentation is found.
- For more detailed instructions, eligibility, and application guidelines, visit the official HEC website
- By following these steps, you can apply for the IRSIP and take a significant step toward enhancing your doctoral research experience.
