HEC Post Doctoral Fellowship Program 2026 (Phase III)

The HEC Post Doctoral Fellowship Program 2026 (Phase III) is a fully funded research fellowship offered by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan for Pakistani and AJK scholars. This program enables PhD holders to conduct advanced postdoctoral research at top-ranked international universities, strengthen global collaborations and bring research expertise back to Pakistan. It aims to improve national research capacity and support innovation in higher education institutions.

What is the HEC Post Doctoral Fellowship Program?

The HEC Post Doctoral Fellowship is a national initiative that funds Pakistani researchers to conduct 9–12 months of postdoctoral research at leading global universities, preferably ranked in the top 200 QS World University Rankings.
The fellowship helps scholars:

• Upgrade research skills
• Publish high-impact research
• Build international partnerships
• Transfer knowledge to Pakistan’s institutions
  

HEC plans to award up to 1,000 fellowships across various disciplines. The program is open on national merit, allowing scholars from public and private universities, as well as R&D organizations, to apply.

Fellowship Coverage and Financial Benefits

The HEC Post Doctoral Fellowship 2026 is fully funded, covering all major expenses related to research and living abroad. Scholars receive:

1. Monthly stipend – Covers living and accommodation
2. Round-trip airfare – From Pakistan to host country
3. Health insurance – For the full fellowship duration
4. Research funds – For experiments, data collection or project needs (as approved by HEC)
5. No tuition or program fees
6. Fellowship duration: 9 to 12 months, depending on the host institution and research plan.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the HEC Post Doctoral Fellowship Program 2026, the applicant must:

• Be a citizen of Pakistan or Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK)
• Hold a PhD degree from an HEC-recognized national or international university
• If PhD was earned abroad: Minimum 5 years of work experience in Pakistan after PhD
• Be a regular employee of:
  • Public or private university, or
  • R&D organization recognized by Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST)
• Have not availed any previous postdoctoral fellowship (funded or self-funded)
  
• Be under 45 years of age at the time of application
• Secure an acceptance/invitation letter from a top 200 QS-ranked international university with a confirmed host supervisor

Only applicants who meet all criteria will be considered.

Application Process

The application is submitted through the HEC Postdoc Portal. The process includes the following steps:

1. Create or log in to HEC Postdoc Portal
2. Complete the online application form
3. Upload required documents:
   • Updated CV/Resume
   • Research Proposal (aligned with national or global needs)
   • Acceptance/Invitation Letter from Host University
   • CV of Host Supervisor
   • NOC from current employer
   • Attested PhD degree and transcripts
4. Pay the non-refundable application processing fee through the designated HEC bank account
5. Submit the completed application before the deadline

Important: Incomplete or “Draft” status applications are not considered.

Selection Process

Applications go through a merit-based and transparent evaluation. The process includes:

• Screening of eligibility and documentation
• Expert review of research proposal quality
• Evaluation of academic record and publications
• Assessment of institutional affiliation and relevance
• Confirmation from host university and supervisor

Final selections are made by HEC after comprehensive assessment.

When is the deadline?

HEC will announce the official deadline on its website.
Applicants are advised to:

• Start preparing documents early
• Secure host supervisor acceptance in advance
• Follow HEC guidelines carefully
• Avoid last-minute submission, as late or incomplete applications are rejected

Final Thoughts

The HEC Post Doctoral Fellowship Program 2026 (Phase III) is a highly valuable and fully funded opportunity for Pakistani scholars to conduct research at leading international universities. With comprehensive financial support, global collaboration and focus on impactful research, it empowers scholars to raise academic standards in Pakistan.

If you are a dedicated researcher aiming to expand expertise, publish influential work and contribute to Pakistan’s research ecosystem, this fellowship provides the ideal platform to advance your academic career.