Applications to fully funded PhD scholarships in the United States under the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Project have been officially announced by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, which has provided a golden opportunity to Pakistani students to pursue higher education in the top 300 QS World-Ranked universities across America.
This program will help enhance the academic and research potential of Pakistan by making scholars get access to the educational and training standards of the best institutions of the US.
Application Deadlines
- Spring/Summer 2026 intake: November 15, 2025
- Fall 2026 intake: April 30, 2026
US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Program
The program was launched in June 2015 as a result of the US-Pakistan Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, namely, of the Education, Science, and Technology Working Group (ESTWG). It has a primary goal of hiring 10,000 Pakistani scholars in US universities over a period of ten years.
The project would target to better the faculty, workforce to enhance research, and institutional collaboration to enhance the standard of higher education in Pakistan.
Key Objectives
- Improve the quality and quantity of faculty in Pakistani universities.
- Strengthen research and academic expertise through advanced PhD-level training.
- Train 1,000 candidates annually for international tests like GRE and TOEFL/IELTS under the Talent Farming Component.
- Promote joint research collaborations between US and Pakistani institutions in priority areas aligned with Pakistan’s development needs.
Scholarship Categories
| Category | University Ranking | Benefits |
| I | Top 50 QS World-Ranked US Universities | Full tuition (as per invoice), monthly stipend, and health insurance. |
| II | Top 300 QS World-Ranked US Universities | Tuition support up to USD 12,000 per year, monthly stipend, and health insurance. |
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a Pakistani or AJK national.
- Minimum 16 years of education (BS/BSc/BE or equivalent).
- No 2nd or 3rd division in the entire academic record.
- Age limit on closing date:
- 40 years for government employees/faculty members at public universities or R&D organizations.
- 35 years for all other applicants.
- 40 years for government employees/faculty members at public universities or R&D organizations.
- Must not be availing any other scholarship.
Category-Specific Requirements
Category I (Top 50 Universities):
- Admission secured in a Top 50 QS World-Ranked US University.
- Valid GRE General Score (minimum 300) or HAT Score (minimum 60%).
Category II (Top 300 Universities):
- Admission secured in a Top 300 QS World-Ranked US University.
- Valid GRE General Score (minimum 300) or HAT Score (minimum 60%).
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply online via the official HEC portal:
https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk/
Important Note
All selected scholars are required to serve in Pakistan after completing their PhD programs as part of their contribution to the country’s academic and research development.
A Step Toward Educational Excellence
The US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Project continues to be one of HEC’s most impactful initiatives, bridging the academic gap between Pakistan and the United States. It not only enhances the skills and knowledge of Pakistani scholars but also plays a crucial role in building the nation’s intellectual and innovative capacity.
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