Students from Commonwealth countries are invited to apply for the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 for MS and PhD programs in the United Kingdom. The Commonwealth Scholarship in the UK is fully funded. All candidates seeking to study in the United Kingdom must apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship.

The Commonwealth Masters Scholarship and Commonwealth PhD Scholarship are offered to all Pakistani students. This is the most esteemed option for exceptionally outstanding students to study for free in the UK.

The HEC Commonwealth Scholarship offers opportunities for nearly all academic disciplines and majors to pursue postgraduate degree programs. The scholarship will encompass all expenditures for studying abroad at no cost.

The Commonwealth Scholarship is financed by the UK Department for International Development (DFID). The master’s scholarship will last for one year, while the PhD program will span three years.

You can also apply for: Brazilian Postgraduate PEC-PG Scholarship 2026-27 (Fully Funded).

Features of Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s & PhD:

Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s & PhD:

• Be a Pakistani/AJ&K national and a permanent resident of Pakistan/AJ&K.
• Applicants must be no older than 30 years for a master’s program and 35 years for a PhD program at the time of application.
• Prepare yourself for the start of your academic studies in the UK in September or October 2025.
• For the Master Scholarship, the candidate, by the closing date of the application, must hold a first-class degree completed in all aspects of a graduate qualification (16-year degree, i.e., MSC/MA/MBA/BS/BBA, etc.) in the relevant field of study.
• For a PhD Scholarship, candidates by the closing date of application must hold a first-class degree completed in all aspects, in a postgraduate qualification (17/18 years MS/MPhil degree) in the relevant field of study.
• The candidate must not be registered for a PhD, an MPhil leading to a PhD, or a master’s at a UK university before September/October 2025, nor should they have studied at the same level in the UK previously.
• I would be financially unable to afford to study in the United Kingdom without this scholarship.

Financial Benefits for the Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s & PhD:

The HEC Commonwealth Scholarship 2024 is a fully funded scholarship that will cover all expenses for studying in the UK. Details are given below:

• You will receive approved airfare from your home country to the UK and return at the end of your award.
• Approved Tuition fees.
• Stipend (living allowance) at the rate of £1,452 per month, or £1,781 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area (rates quoted at 2025-2026 levels)
• Warm clothing allowance, where applicable
• The thesis grant covers the costs associated with preparing a thesis or dissertation, if applicable.
• The study travel grant covers expenses for study-related travel both within the UK and abroad.
• You may receive paid mid-term airfare for a visit to your home country, unless you have already claimed or plan to claim spouse and child allowances during your scholarship, or if you have received return airfare for fieldwork.

Programs Offered by Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s & PhDs:

HEC Commonwealth Masters and PhD scholarships are for candidates from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries for full-time Master’s and  Doctoral study (PhD) at a UK university. These scholarships are offered under the following six themes:

• Science and technology for development
• Strengthening health systems and capacity
• Promoting global prosperity
• Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
• We are strengthening resilience and responding to crises.
• Access, inclusion, and opportunity

Important Notice for the Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s & PhD:

Applicants have to follow the instructions given below before applying for the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship 2026 UK:

• HEC may conduct a test/interview or both to shortlist candidates.
• Commonwealth UK does not accept direct applications. All nominations from Pakistan will be routed via HEC.
• HEC endorses equal opportunity; therefore, females are encouraged to apply.
• In case of submitting false information at any stage, HEC reserves the right to cancel and debar for all future scholarships as well as impose a penalty, as decided by HEC.
• It is the sole responsibility of applicants to ensure that they apply to the HEC Online system and the EAS online application form simultaneously before the deadline of October 14, 2025, as applications submitted after the deadline shall NOT be entertained in any case. (The process is given below in the links.)

How to Apply for Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s & PhD?

The Application Procedure is Long & Detailed. You can find the information at the given links below. Also, check the Official Advertisement on the HEC website. You cannot apply directly without HEC.

Step 1: (Commonwealth Online Application)

• Apply online to the Commonwealth (CW) Scholarship for Master’s & Doctoral studies (PhD) through their Electronic Application System (EAS) at

Step 2: (HEC Online application)

• Apply online at the HEC website: https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk/. After registering and filling out your profile, please select “Learning Opportunities Abroad” under the “Scholarship and Grant” menu in the left-hand side panel of the online portal.
• After submission of the application, get its printed copy to be signed by the applicant.

Before applying, kindly update your HEC e-portal profile with your latest email/cell number & updated information.