SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2026
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
HEC invites eligible MS/MPhil and PhD scholars to undertake a research placement in China, strengthen Pakistan-China academic linkages, and advance research in national priority and emerging fields.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Pakistani/AJK national.
- Full-time MS/MPhil or PhD scholar at a recognized Pakistani higher education institution; must remain enrolled during selection and the proposed visit.
- Proposed work in China must be directly connected to the applicant’s degree research and feasible within a maximum of six months.
- Official acceptance/invitation from a Chinese university, institute or laboratory stating the research area, host supervisor and proposed duration.
- Host university must be a member of the CPEC Consortium of Universities.
FOR PhD APPLICANTS
- Completion of PhD coursework.
- Eligible after 18 months of enrolment and up to a maximum of 3.5 years, measured on the closing date.
- Research topic and synopsis approved by BASR, DASR or equivalent competent university body.
MS/MPHIL APPLICANTS
- Completion of at least 18 credit hours.
- Must have entered the thesis/research stage, with the topic approved by the host university/department.
PRIORITY AREAS
1. Emerging Technologies
AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Cyber Security, Robotics, Automation, and related disciplines.
2. Water, Environment & Climate
Water/Wastewater Treatment, Desalination, Water Security, Environmental Engineering, Climate Resilience, and related disciplines.
3. Energy & Green Technologies
Renewables, Storage, Smart Grids, Green Hydrogen, Energy Efficiency, Energy Security, and related disciplines.
4. Advanced Industry & Earth Resources
Advanced Manufacturing/Materials, Minerals, Geosciences, Marine, Coastal Technologies, and related disciplines.
5. Agriculture, Food & Biotechnology
Precision Agriculture, Sustainable Food Systems, Food Security, Agricultural Biotechnology, Bio-engineering, and related disciplines.
6. Infrastructure, Transport & Logistics
Bridges/Tunnels, Ports, Shipping, Supply Chains, Sustainable Cities, and related disciplines.
7. Health & Life Sciences
Biomedical Sciences, Telemedicine, Public Health, Pharmaceuticals, Infectious Disease Control, and related disciplines.
8. Society, Economy & CPEC Studies
Economics, Trade, Chinese Studies, Culture, Media, Tourism, and CPEC-related Social Sciences.
HOW TO APPLY
- For application submission and complete details, please visit the HEC website:
- Please do not send a printed copy of the online application form. Only shortlisted candidates will be advised to provide a signed printed copy of the online application form along with requisite documents.
Contact Information
Dr. Farida Anjum
HRD Division
Higher Education Commission
H-8, Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: scholarships@hec.gov.pk
APPLICATION DEADLINE
14th August 2026
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