The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has announced the HEC Commonwealth Scholarships for 2023. These scholarships, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), aim to provide opportunities for advanced education in the United Kingdom to Pakistani and AJK nationals who might otherwise struggle to finance their studies.
The scholarships are available for Masters and Ph.D. programs and come with a host of benefits. These include a monthly stipend, full tuition fees coverage, return air tickets, additional allowances for study-related travel, warm clothing, and family allowances for scholars accompanied by family members.
To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet specific criteria. They must be Pakistani or AJK nationals, hold a first-class degree in a relevant postgraduate qualification, and not have more than two second divisions in their academic history. Applicants must also not be registered for a Masters or Ph.D. program at a UK university before September/October 2023. Furthermore, Ph.D. scholarship applicants must have the support of a potential supervisor from at least one UK university listed in their application form.
The application process involves two critical steps. First, candidates must apply using the Commonwealth Scholarship Commissions (CSC) online application system. Second, they are required to submit an online application at the HEC website. The deadline for applications is October 17, 2023.
The HEC Commonwealth Scholarships cater to candidates from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue full-time Masters and Ph.D. studies at a UK University. These scholarships are offered under six distinct 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, and Access, Inclusion, and Opportunity.
The HEC plays a facilitation role in the nomination process, with the final selection made by the donor country. It’s important to note that false information submission can lead to the cancellation of applications and future scholarship disqualification. The HEC encourages equal opportunity, with a minimum 45% female nomination ratio.
HEC Commonwealth UK Scholarships 2023 Opportunities
These scholarships present a remarkable opportunity for deserving students to fulfill their educational aspirations in the UK. Interested candidates should carefully review the eligibility criteria and ensure timely submission of applications to both the Commonwealth and HEC portals before the October 17, 2023 deadline.