The HEC Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious opportunity for students from Commonwealth countries, specifically targeting Pakistani and AJ&K nationals. Funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), this fully-funded scholarship enables students to pursue Master’s (1 year) and PhD degrees (3 years) at leading UK universities across various disciplines. The scholarship covers all expenses, offering financial support to exceptional students who aim to contribute to their countries’ development.
- 🎓 Scholarship Overview: HEC Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 offers fully funded Masters and PhD programs in the UK for students from Commonwealth countries, including Pakistan.
- 💰 Funding Benefits: Covers airfare, tuition fees, monthly stipend (£1,452–£1,781), thesis and study travel grants, warm clothing allowance, and paid mid-term visit airfare.
- 🏫 Programs & Themes: Scholarships are available for full-time study in six themes: Science & Technology for Development, Health Systems, Global Prosperity, Peace & Governance, Crisis Response, and Access & Inclusion.
- ✅ Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be Pakistani/AJ&K nationals, under 30 (Masters) or 35 (PhD), have first-class degrees (16 years for Masters, 17–18 years for PhD), not previously studied at the same level in the UK, and financially unable to fund their studies.
- 📅 Duration & Deadline: Masters – 1 year; PhD – 3 years. Application deadline is 14 October 2025.
- 📝 Application Process: Candidates must apply through HEC Online and the Commonwealth Electronic Application System (EAS); direct applications to UK are not accepted.
- 👩🎓 Additional Notes: HEC may conduct tests/interviews; female applicants are encouraged; false information can lead to disqualification and penalties.
- 🌐 Official Links & Resources: Applications and detailed procedures available on HEC website and Commonwealth Scholarship EAS portal.
- 💡 About Bright Scholarship Founder: Qamar Usman, founder of Bright Scholarship, supports students with scholarships, internships, and fellowships, combining his expertise as a software engineer with educational empowerment.
Designation
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Academic Levels: Master’s Program & PhD Program
Scholarship Details
| Offered by | UK Department for International Development (DFID) |
|---|---|
| Degree Levels | Masters, PhD |
| Scholarship Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Nationality | Commonwealth Countries (specifically Pakistani & AJ&K nationals) |
| Location | United Kingdom |
| Duration | Master’s: 1 year, PhD: 3 years |
| Last Date to Apply | October 14, 2025 |
Research Areas
The HEC Commonwealth Scholarship supports academic programs under six key themes:
- Science and Technology for Development
- Strengthening Health Systems and Capacity
- Promoting Global Prosperity
- Strengthening Global Peace, Security, and Governance
- Strengthening Resilience and Response to Crises
- Access, Inclusion, and Opportunity
Location
United Kingdom (UK)
Eligibility/Qualification
- Nationality: Must be a Pakistani or AJ&K citizen and a permanent resident of Pakistan/AJ&K.
- Age:
- Master’s applicants: Maximum age of 30.
- PhD applicants: Maximum age of 35.
- Academic Qualification:
- Master’s Scholarship: Completed first-class undergraduate/16-year degree in the relevant field (e.g., BS, MSC, MA, MBA, BBA).
- PhD Scholarship: Completed first-class postgraduate/17-18 year degree (e.g., MS/MPhil) in the relevant field.
- Must not already be registered for a PhD, MPhil leading to a PhD, or Master’s degree in the UK for September/October 2025.
- Must demonstrate financial need for the scholarship.
- Must be available to begin academic studies in the UK by September/October 2025.
Description
This fully-funded Commonwealth Scholarship, offered by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), aims to empower academically talented but financially disadvantaged students to study in the UK. With fields ranging from science and health to security and inclusion, the scholarship focuses on fostering innovative solutions to global challenges.
The program provides the following benefits:
- Tuition fees for the academic program.
- Monthly stipend:
- £1,452 for universities outside of London.
- £1,781 for universities located in London.
- Approved roundtrip airfare (home country to UK and return).
- Warm clothing allowance (if applicable).
- Thesis grant (if applicable).
- Study travel grant for research-related activities within the UK or abroad.
- Paid mid-term airfare for returning home (conditions apply).
How to Apply
The application process involves two steps, and students must complete both to be considered:
- Commonwealth Online Application:
- For Master’s applicants: Apply for Master’s Scholarship
- For PhD applicants: Apply for PhD Scholarship
- HEC Online Application:
- Create and complete a profile on the HEC online portal: HEC Scholarships.
- Submit your application under “Learning Opportunities Abroad” in the left-side menu.
- Print your completed application and have it signed. Ensure your HEC e-portal profile is updated with your latest email and contact information.
Important Notes:
- All applications must be submitted through both platforms (Commonwealth EAS and HEC) before October 14, 2025.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be entertained.
- Providing false information at any stage will lead to disqualification and penalties.
Last Date to Apply
October 14, 2025
Make sure to complete all application formalities (both HEC and Commonwealth portals) before the deadline to ensure your application is considered.
