Description:

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government’s Commonwealth scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. Since 1960, the CSC has funded over 30,000 individuals to study in the UK and gain skills, acquire knowledge and build networks to tackle global development challenges.

Course Level: Masters, PhD

Grants: Most scholarships are fully funded which means that, as well as covering your tuition fees, you will also receive your airfare to and from the UK and a living allowance to support you while you are here.

Eligibility criteria: To apply for these scholarships, you must meet HEC eligibility in addition to CSC requirements mentioned below:

· Be a Pakistani/AJ&K national and permanent resident of Pakistan /AJ&K. Dual nationals are not eligible.

· For Master scholarship, an applicant must hold a first division in 16 years Bachelors/master's degree in the relevant field of study.

· For PhD scholarship, an applicant must hold a first division in 17/18 years Masters/MS/MPhil degree in the relevant field of study.

· Candidate must not have Second/Third division in the terminal/last degree. Result-awaiting candidates are eligible to apply.

· All applicants are required to provide HAT test score. Applicant must have obtained a minimum score of 60 out of 100 in HAT test. Those applicants who have taken HAT test on or after October 16, 2022 may upload the test result on HEC portal for consideration and enter their score while filling online HEC application.

· If you have previously taken the HAT test and your result card does not specify a particular region or scholarship title (e.g. FATA Balochistan Scholarship etc.), your existing score is valid for the Commonwealth Scholarship (subject to the test taken on or after 16 October 2022). However, you also have the option of retaking the HAT test. The registration deadline for the upcoming HAT test is October 15, 2024.

· All selections will be made on OPEN MERIT basis.

· Without providing minimum HAT test score (60 out of 100), applications will not be considered for further process. Those interested applicants who are yet to take HAT test, may register for the same by visiting https://etc.hec.gov.pk/.

· Merit shall be strictly based on HAT score. (HEC reserves the right to modify the merit criteria)

To apply for these scholarships, you must:

· Be available to start your academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2024.

· The CSC would not normally fund a second UK Master's degree. If you are applying for a second UK Master's degree, you will need to provide justification as to why you wish to undertake this study

· Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship

· Provide full transcripts detailing all your higher education qualifications including to-date transcripts for any qualifications you are currently studying (with certified translations if not in English) – uploaded to the online application system

· Provide references from at least two individuals.

· NOT be registered for a Ph.D., or an MPhil leading to a Ph.D., at a UK university or in your home country before September/October 2025.

· Provide a supporting statement from a proposed supervisor in the UK from at least one of the institutions named on your application form.

Application Procedure:

Applicants are required to submit online applications at the Commonwealth and HEC portal. In case the applicant fails to submit online application forms on BOTH websites mentioned in Step (1) & Step (2) below, HEC will not accept their application.

Step- 1 (Commonwealth Online Application)

· Candidates must apply using the CSC's online application system mentioned below. The CSC is unable to accept any applications that are not submitted via the online application system or after the closing date listed above. For Masters: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/ For PhD: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-phd-scholarships-for-least-developed-countries-and-vulnerable-states/

Step - 2 (HEC Online application) · Apply online at HEC website: https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk/

After registering and filling your profile, please select "Learning Opportunities Abroad". After submission of the application, get its printed copy to be signed by applicant.

Before applying, kindly update your HEC profile with latest email/cell number & updated information. You are advised to complete and submit your application as soon as possible, as the online application system will be very busy in the days leading up to the application deadline

Important Notes:

Application without submitting both Commonwealth Application form and online HEC form will not be entertained in any case (submitted applications must also be complete in all aspects)

Keep a copy of your HEC online application and Commonwealth online application after successful submission to relevant portals.

Hardcopies of HEC application form (along with relevant academic documents viz. transcripts, equivalence for foreign degree, statement of purpose, research plan/proposal, copies of CNIC, Domicile) and submitted Commonwealth scholarship forms (proof of minimum 02 references and placement letter) may be kept saved for applicant's own record.

DO NOT SEND HARD COPIES OF APPLICATIONS TO HEC.

NOTE:

1. HEC endorses equal opportunity and females are encouraged to apply. The female Nomination ratio shall be minimum 45%.

2. HEC online portal shall close as per the deadline, thereafter, no candidate may be able to apply. Also, incomplete applications (not submitted/saved) will NOT be accepted.

3. Please note that HEC has only a facilitation role in the nomination process, as the final selection will be made by the donor country. Further, HEC will have no financial liability regarding this scholarship.

4. In case of submitting false information at any stage, HEC reserves the right to cancel and debar applicants for all future scholarships.

5. It is the sole responsibility of applicants to ensure that they apply on both Commonwealth and HEC portal before the deadline October 15, 2024 at 4:00 PM (Pakistan Standard Time).

Deadline: 15th October, 2024

Official website:

https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/scholarshipsgrants/lao/cwgs/Pages/Application-Procedure.aspx