The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced that applications are now open for the Commonwealth Scholarships 2025, which are funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the United Kingdom.
The scholarships are designed to promote international development through higher education. According to the HEC, the deadline to apply through its scholarship portal is October 14, 2025, at 4:00 PM (Pakistan Standard Time). A total of 26 nominations are available for Master’s programs and 30 for PhD programs.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
Applicants must be Pakistani or AJK nationals and permanent residents, with a first-division in their final degree. For Master’s scholarships, candidates need 16 years of education in a relevant field, while PhD applicants must have 17 or 18 years of education (MS/MPhil). Individuals with dual nationality are not eligible.
Candidates must also provide a valid HAT test score of at least 60 out of 100. Only HAT General categories (I–IV) will be considered, and merit will be strictly determined based on these scores.
The CSC criteria also require applicants to be able to start their studies in the UK by September 2026, provide full academic transcripts, and submit at least two references. PhD applicants must also secure a supporting statement from a potential UK supervisor.
The scholarships will not typically fund a second Master’s degree in the UK unless a strong justification is provided. Applicants must also prove they cannot afford to study in the UK without financial assistance.
Further details and application links for both Master’s and PhD scholarships can be found on the HEC website.
