Pakistani students who want to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom have an opportunity to apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship Programme for the 2027–28 academic year. The programme supports eligible candidates seeking a Master’s degree or PhD at a UK university.
Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced the application process for eligible Pakistani and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) nationals. The scholarship is intended for talented students who cannot otherwise afford to study in the UK and who want to develop skills that contribute to their country’s development.
Application deadline: October 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time.
Applicants must complete both the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) application and the HEC application before the deadline.
Official announcement: HEC Commonwealth Scholarship 2027–28
What Is the Commonwealth Scholarship?
The Commonwealth Scholarship is a UK-funded programme that supports students from eligible Commonwealth countries who want to pursue postgraduate education.
For the 2027–28 academic year, eligible Pakistani applicants can apply for full-time taught Master’s programmes or PhD study at participating UK universities.
The programme focuses on developing skills and knowledge that can help address development challenges in countries such as Pakistan.
According to HEC’s announcement, the programme has allocated 26 nominations for Master’s candidates and 30 nominations for general PhD candidates. These are nomination opportunities, not a guarantee that every nominee will receive a scholarship.
HEC conducts the nomination process in Pakistan, while the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission makes the final selection.
Commonwealth Scholarship 2027–28: Important Dates
| Application stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Application portal opening | September 2026 |
| Commonwealth application deadline | October 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM BST |
| HEC application deadline | October 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM Pakistan time |
| Expected nominations | December 2026 |
| Expected results | July 2027 |
| Expected start of studies | September/October 2027 |
Applicants should submit both applications well before the deadline to avoid technical problems.
Who Can Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship?
Applicants must satisfy the eligibility requirements established by both HEC and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
1. Nationality and residency
Applicants must be Pakistani or AJK nationals and permanent residents of Pakistan or AJK. Dual nationals are not eligible under the criteria published by HEC.
2. Eligibility for a Master’s degree
Candidates applying for a Master’s scholarship must have:
- A relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification representing 16 years of education.
- First-division results in the qualifying degree.
- No second or third division in their most recent completed degree.
- The required HAT test score.
3. Eligibility for a PhD
Candidates applying for a PhD must have:
- A relevant Master’s, MS or MPhil qualification representing 17 or 18 years of education.
- First-division results in the qualifying degree.
- No second or third division in their most recent completed degree.
- The required HAT test score.
4. Age limit
HEC states that there is no upper age limit for this scholarship.
5. Students awaiting results
Candidates awaiting their final results may apply, provided they obtain and submit their final degree and transcript before the relevant academic session begins in August/September 2027.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. Applicants must also satisfy the CSC’s requirements for their chosen programme.
For the complete criteria, consult the official HEC eligibility page.
HAT Test Requirement for Pakistani Applicants
The Higher Education Commission requires applicants to provide a valid Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) score.
The published requirements for the 2027–28 round include:
- A minimum score of 60 out of 100.
- Acceptance of the applicable HAT categories: HAT-I, HAT-II, HAT-III and HAT-IV.
- Eligibility of HAT results obtained on or after October 25, 2024, under the announced criteria.
HEC also states that the HAT scheduled for October 25, 2026, is tentatively eligible for this scholarship round. Applicants relying on that test should read HEC’s latest instructions carefully, particularly regarding result timing and automatic score entry.
Do not confuse HAT with the USAT or university-specific admission tests. The test must meet the scholarship’s requirements.
For test information, visit the HEC Education Testing Council.
Which Subjects Are Covered?
The Commonwealth Scholarship Programme supports study connected to six development themes:
- Science and technology for development: Research, scientific capacity and technological solutions.
- Strengthening health systems and capacity: Improving healthcare services and health-related expertise.
- Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship: Developing new ideas, businesses and productive opportunities.
- Strengthening global peace, security and governance: Supporting effective institutions and responsible governance.
- Strengthening resilience and response to crises: Addressing environmental, economic and other development challenges.
- Access, inclusion and opportunity: Improving access to education, resources and opportunities.
Applicants should explain how their proposed studies relate to one or more of these themes and how the knowledge gained could contribute to development in Pakistan.
The suitability of a particular course depends on the programme’s requirements and the applicant’s academic background.
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027–28
Applicants must complete two separate online applications. Missing either application can make the overall application ineligible.
Step 1: Apply through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
Visit the official CSC website and select the appropriate programme.
Read the eligibility rules and application guidance before completing the form.
Enter your personal, educational and programme details accurately. Explain how your proposed study relates to the scholarship’s development objectives and follow the instructions for supporting documents.
Submit the application through the official online system before the deadline and save your confirmation.
Step 2: Apply through the HEC portal
After completing the CSC application, submit the separate HEC application.
- Open the HEC scholarship portal.
- Register or sign in to your account.
- Complete your profile with your latest contact and academic information.
- Select Learning Opportunities Abroad.
- Choose the Commonwealth Scholarship opportunity for 2027–28.
- Enter the required information, including your HAT score where applicable.
- Review the application for errors.
- Submit it and download a copy for your records.
Check that the application has actually been submitted, rather than remaining incomplete or saved as a draft.
Step 3: Confirm that both applications are complete
Before the deadline, check that:
- Your CSC application has been submitted successfully.
- Your HEC application has been submitted successfully.
- Your academic details match across both applications.
- Your contact information is current.
- You have saved copies or confirmation records.
HEC advises applicants not to send hard copies unless specifically requested by the commission.
What Documents Should You Prepare?
The exact documents depend on the programme and the instructions in the online application. Preparing these records in advance can make the process easier.
- Valid CNIC or other required identification.
- Academic degrees and transcripts.
- HAT score information.
- Updated email address and mobile number.
- Details of your intended course and UK university.
- Any references, statements or supporting documents required by the CSC application.
Check the current application guidance before assuming that every document on this list is mandatory. Submit only the documents requested for your particular application.
Is the Commonwealth Scholarship Fully Funded?
The Commonwealth Scholarship is designed to support eligible students who cannot otherwise afford to study in the UK. Scholarship benefits are subject to the award’s official terms and the applicable programme.
Applicants should review the relevant CSC scholarship page for the coverage of tuition fees, approved travel costs, living allowance and any other applicable allowances.
Do not assume that every personal expense or additional cost will automatically be covered. Read the terms of the particular award before making financial or travel commitments.
How Are Applicants Selected?
The process involves two stages.
First, HEC assesses applicants and nominates candidates according to its published criteria. HEC states that merit is determined strictly on the basis of HAT scores, subject to any changes in the prescribed criteria. Where applicants have the same score, HEC’s announced tie-breaking criteria apply.
Second, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission makes the final selection from the nominations it receives.
An HEC nomination does not guarantee a scholarship. Applicants should continue to monitor official announcements and email communications after submission.
How to Avoid Scholarship Scams
Students should use only official HEC and Commonwealth Scholarship Commission websites.
Keep these precautions in mind:
- Do not pay an agent who promises guaranteed selection.
- Do not share passwords or one-time verification codes.
- Avoid unofficial websites that imitate scholarship portals.
- Never submit false academic records or misleading information.
- Keep copies of submitted applications and official correspondence.
- Verify unexpected requests for money or personal information.
HEC warns that false information can lead to cancellation and exclusion from future scholarship opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the last date to apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027–28?
The deadline for both the CSC and HEC applications is October 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the respective time zones. The HEC deadline is 4:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time.
2. Can Pakistani students apply for both Master’s and PhD scholarships?
Eligible Pakistani and AJK nationals can apply for the relevant programme if they meet its academic and other eligibility requirements. Review the separate Master’s and PhD application instructions before applying.
3. Is there an age limit?
HEC states that there is no upper age limit for the 2027–28 scholarship round.
4. Is the HAT test compulsory?
Yes. Under HEC’s published criteria, applicants must provide a qualifying HAT score of at least 60 out of 100, subject to the specific rules for valid and pending test results.
5. Can a student with a second division apply?
HEC’s published criteria state that applicants must not have a second or third division in their terminal, or latest completed, degree. Applicants should review the full criteria for their specific qualification.
6. Do I need to apply to both HEC and the CSC?
Yes. Both applications are required. Submitting only one application is not sufficient.
7. When will the scholarship results be announced?
HEC expects the results to be announced in July 2027. Applicants should monitor official websites and their email accounts for updates.
8. Where can I get help with the application?
For assistance, contact HEC through its official support channels:
- HEC helpline: 051-111-119-432
- Alternative helpline: 0334-1119432
- Online support: HEC Online Help
Final Words
The Commonwealth Scholarship 2027–28 offers eligible Pakistani students an opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. Applicants should check the academic requirements, prepare their HAT information and complete both the CSC and HEC applications before the October 20, 2026 deadline.
The most important step is to submit complete applications through the official portals and keep copies of all confirmations.
Official links:
