The HEC US-Pakistan Scholarship, a transformative study US universities initiative, invites Pakistani students to pursue master’s leading to Ph.D. or Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees at top-ranked U.S. institutions, such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, and 250+ universities listed in global QS World Rankings 2025. Established in June 2015 through the U.S.-Pakistan Education, Science, and Technology Working Group (ESTWG) under the Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, this US graduate scholarships for Pakistanis program, managed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, empowers scholars to become global academic trailblazers, fostering a cross-cultural academic odyssey to drive human capital development and Pakistan’s Vision 2025.

Launched following discussions between the Prime Minister of Pakistan and U.S. President Obama on October 22, 2015, the HEC US-Pakistan Scholarship aims to send 10,000 Pakistani scholars to U.S. universities by 2025, with a Phase-I target of 1,500 Ph.D. scholars. Scholars engage in cutting-edge research and leadership training across disciplines like Engineering, Social Sciences, Medical and Allied Health Sciences, Computer Science, Emerging Technologies, Water Resources, Energy, Arts and Humanities, Agriculture, and Veterinary Sciences. Engineering scholars innovate sustainable technologies, while Social Sciences researchers tackle global equity. Computer Science candidates advance AI solutions, and medical scholars enhance healthcare systems, contributing to global knowledge. With 300+ alumni annually since 2017, scholars join a global network, collaborating with UN, World Bank, and U.S. research institutes, with 22% launching impact-driven projects in Pakistan post-graduation.

The HEC US-Pakistan Scholarship promotes cross-cultural collaboration. Scholars connect with peers, U.S. faculty, and industry experts from over 50 countries, participating in academic conferences, policy dialogues, and community engagement through HEC’s US-Pak Knowledge Corridor platform. The program’s inclusive framework fosters diverse perspectives, aligning with U.S.-Pakistan educational diplomacy. Campus events, like Boston’s Innovation Summit, Silicon Valley Tech Week, or Washington, D.C.’s Policy Forums, and scholar-led initiatives, such as Pakistani Scholars Network, enrich the dynamic academic experience, enhancing global leadership skills.

Studying across the USA, scholars embark on a cross-cultural academic odyssey. They explore landmarks like New York’s Statue of Liberty, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, or Chicago’s Millennium Park, immersing in America’s cultural vibrancy. Events like SXSW in Austin, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, or Harvard’s Cultural Rhythms Festival deepen engagement. U.S. campuses, with state-of-the-art labs, libraries, and innovation hubs, support a global academic immersion, enhanced by connectivity to Islamabad, London, and Singapore. The USA’s safe, dynamic environment (U.S. News Best Cities 2025) complements academic pursuits.

Join a global cohort to champion academic excellence, embrace U.S. cultural diversity, and shape a transformative future with HEC US-Pakistan Scholarship!

Study in the USA on Scholarships: 

Host Country:

•United States

Host Universities:

•Many of the Ranked US Universities

Course Level:

•MS Leading to PhD.
•PhD.

Fields of Study:

Applicants are especially encouraged in the following fields:

•Arts and Humanities.
•Design & Media.
•Social Sciences Engineering.
•Basic Sciences.
•Medical & Allied Health Sciences.
•Agriculture.
•Veterinary Sciences.
•Computer Science.
•Emerging Technologies.
•Water Resources and Energy.

Financial Support/Scholarship Value:

The international scholarships for Pakistani students will cover:

•Health Insurance.
•Settlement Allowance.
•Airfare.
•Living Stipend.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible, you must:

1. Pakistani/AJK nationals.

2. Candidates having an MS/M.Phil. Degree (18 years of education) from HEC recognized universities.

3. Candidates with 4-years bachelor’s degree (16 years of education), eligible for direct admission in Ph.D. programs at US Universities.

4. Age limit: maximum 40 years for regular faculty & researchers of public sector universities/R&D organizations, and 35 years for all others.

5. Has acquired valid & acceptable GRE & TOEFL scores required for admission in US Universities.

6. Scholars who have already secured admission or those enrolled in the PhD program in top 235 US Universities & 23 University Systems may also apply for a scholarship.

7. Has an active commitment to serve universities/R&D organizations in Pakistan after the completion of studies.

8. For medical fields study, Applicant need to give medical examination conducted by the University (if required).

9. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.

Academic criteria:

1. Academic merit-based on HEC-AEF calculator will be applicable.

2. Have a maximum of 2 Second Divisions throughout the academic career.

3. Have no 3rd Division or grade D in his/her career.

4. Not less than 50% marks in an academic career.

5. The grant will be offered for a maximum period of 4/5 years.

6. The scholarship covers living expenses and returns airfare; however, it does not cover the Tuition Fee.

7. Candidates need to secure admission with a complete Tuition Fee waiver, from a university among the selected 235 US Universities or from a university falling under any of the 23 university systems.

8. Higher Education Commission (HEC) has negotiated tuition fee waivers for Pakistani students, with different ranked US Universities.

9. HEC shall refer potential candidates – who meet the basic eligibility criteria for the award of HEC scholarship – to partnering US Universities, for consideration of admission and tuition fee waiver.

10. Candidates selected by the host US University after satisfying respective admission criteria shall be offered HEC scholarship under the ‘US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor’ project.

Documents required for US Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Scholarships:

1. Recommendation letter (if available).

2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Graduation of bachelor’s or master’s degree.

3. Academic transcript of bachelor’s or master’s program (if required).

4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).

5. CV (if required).

6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).

7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.

8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).

9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).

10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).

11. For medical fields study, Applicant who given medical examination conducted by the University (if required) need to submit examination result.

Scholarship Deadline:

• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.

• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in February 2026!

Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.