HEC Commonwealth Scholarships 2027-28

The HEC Commonwealth Scholarships program offers fully funded opportunities for Master's and PhD studies in the United Kingdom. Administered by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), this program aims to support talented Pakistani and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) nationals in pursuing postgraduate education. Established through a long-standing partnership, these scholarships facilitate academic and professional development, contributing to the human capital of Pakistan. The scholarships typically cover a comprehensive range of expenses, enabling recipients to focus entirely on their studies without financial burden. While specific figures can vary, a fully funded scholarship generally includes tuition fees, living allowances, and travel costs for the duration of the study program, which can range from 1 to 3 years depending on the degree level. Since its inception, the Commonwealth Scholarship program has supported thousands of students globally. The application cycle for the 2027-28 academic year is open, with a firm deadline of October 20, 2026. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.

What's covered

• Full tuition fees — Coverage for all university tuition fees at a UK institution, typically up to ~GBP 20,000-30,000 per year (est.).
• Living allowance — A stipend for living costs, usually around ~GBP 1,347 per month (est.) for those studying outside London, or ~GBP 1,652 per month (est.) for those in London.
• Airfare — Return economy airfare from the recipient's home country to the UK.
• Warm clothing allowance — An allowance to help settle into the UK climate, approximately ~GBP 450 (est.).
• Study travel grant — Allowance for approved study-related travel within the UK.
• Thesis grant — Assistance for PhD students towards the cost of preparing their thesis, if applicable.

How to apply

The application process for the HEC Commonwealth Scholarships involves both an online application through the HEC portal and a separate application to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC).

1. Review Eligibility — Carefully read the eligibility criteria on both the HEC and CSC websites to ensure you meet all requirements for your chosen program and nationality.
2. Identify UK Universities and Programs — Research and identify eligible Master's or PhD programs at UK universities that partner with the Commonwealth Scholarship program. It is advisable to secure an admission offer (conditional or unconditional) from a UK university before the scholarship deadline, though sometimes this can be done concurrently.
3. Complete HEC Online Application — Submit an online application through the HEC portal by the specified deadline, providing all required personal and academic details.
4. Complete CSC Online Application — Simultaneously, or as instructed by HEC, submit a separate online application directly to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission via their Electronic Application System (EAS), nominating your chosen UK universities and programs.
5. Submit Supporting Documents — Upload all necessary supporting documents to both the HEC and CSC application portals as per their instructions, ensuring all documents are accurate and complete.
6. Interview and Nomination — Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview by HEC. Following the interview, HEC will nominate successful candidates to the CSC for final selection.