HEC Commonwealth Scholarships UK

Applications are open for the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship for Masters and Ph.D. programs in the UK. The Commonwealth scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The primary purpose of the Commonwealth Scholarships is to provide higher education opportunities to individuals who may not otherwise afford to study in the UK. A total of 26 nominations are available for the Masters, and 30 nominations for the Ph.D.

The Commonwealth scholarship offers a stipend of approximately £1,347 (around PKR 521,469) per month, a return air ticket, children’s allowance, spouse allowance, study tour allowance, and more. The application deadline for the HEC Commonwealth Masters and Ph.D. scholarships is October 15, 2024. Applications must be submitted to both the HEC and Commonwealth portals, with the same deadline for both.

Benefits of the HEC Commonwealth UK Scholarship

The HEC Commonwealth Scholarship for Ph.D. programs in the UK covers the following:

• Stipend (living allowance):
  • For Master's students: £1,347 per month, or £1,652 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area.
  • For Ph.D. students: £1,236 per month, or £1,516 for those at universities in the London metropolitan area.
• Full tuition fees.
• Two-way air tickets (for the start and end of the program).
• Warm clothing allowance, if applicable.
• Travel expenses related to study tours.
• Air tickets for fieldwork.
• One air ticket to the home country during studies.
• Family allowances:
  • If accompanied by your spouse but no children: a spouse allowance of £266 per month for up to nine months.
  • If accompanied by your spouse and children: a spouse allowance of £266 per month, £266 per month for the first child, and £131 per month for the second and third child (under 16).
  • If accompanied by your children but no spouse: a child allowance of £529 per month for the first child and £131 per month for the second and third child (under 16), if your children live with you in the UK.

The deadline for submission of the HEC online application is October 15, 2024.

Programs Offered for Commonwealth Master's and Ph.D. Scholarships in the UK

The Commonwealth Scholarships for Masters and Ph.D. in the UK are available to candidates from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries for full-time Masters and Doctoral (Ph.D.) study at UK universities. These scholarships are offered under the following six themes:

1. Science and technology for development
2. Strengthening health systems and capacity
3. Promoting global prosperity
4. Strengthening global peace, security, and governance
5. Strengthening resilience and response to crises
6. Access, inclusion, and opportunity

Eligibility Criteria for the HEC Commonwealth Ph.D. Scholarship UK

To apply for these scholarships, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be a Pakistani/AJK national. Dual nationals are not eligible.
• Have a first-class Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (16 years of education) for the Master's scholarship.
• For the Ph.D. scholarship, you must hold a first-class degree in a relevant postgraduate qualification (17/18 years Master's/MS/MPhil degree) in the relevant field of study by the application deadline.
• No more than two second divisions are allowed.
• NOT be registered for a Master's or Ph.D., or MPhil leading to a Ph.D., at a UK university before September/October 2023.
• Students currently pursuing a Master’s/MPhil or Ph.D. are not eligible.
• Have the support of a potential supervisor from at least one UK university listed in your application form (for Ph.D. applicants).
• Submit two references online through the UK application system.
• Obtain a minimum of 60 out of 100 marks in the HEC Aptitude Test (HAT).

For further details on eligibility criteria and terms of the award:

• For Master’s: Commonwealth Master's Scholarships
• For Ph.D.: Commonwealth Ph.D. Scholarships

How to Apply for the HEC Commonwealth Ph.D. Scholarship UK 2024

Applicants must submit their applications online on both the Commonwealth and HEC websites. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

Step 1: Commonwealth Online Application

Candidates must apply via the CSC's online application system. The CSC does not accept applications submitted outside the online system or after the closing date.

• For Masters: Click here to apply for a Master’s Scholarship
• For Ph.D.: Click here to apply for a Ph.D. Scholarship

Step 2: HEC Online Application

Apply online at the HEC website: HEC Scholarships Portal. After registration and profile completion, select "Learning Opportunities Abroad". Submit the application and print a copy for signing. The HEC portal will close on October 17, 2023, at 4:00 PM (Pakistan Time).

Ensure your HEC profile is updated with your latest email and contact number. Submit your application early to avoid delays, as the system may be busy near the deadline.

Important Notes:

• Applications submitted without both the Commonwealth and HEC forms will not be entertained.
• Keep a copy of your submitted forms for your records.
• DO NOT send hard copies of the application to HEC.

HEC promotes equal opportunities and encourages females to apply, with a minimum 45% female nomination ratio. HEC's role is limited to facilitation, with final selections made by the donor country. HEC bears no financial responsibility for the scholarship. Submission of false information may result in cancellation and disqualification from future scholarships.

Applicants must apply to both portals by October 15, 2024.