HEC opens six-month China Research Programme for Pakistani scholars

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced applications for the HEC China research programme under the CPEC Consortium of Universities.

The initiative aims to strengthen Pakistan-China academic collaboration by allowing students to conduct research at leading Chinese universities and research institutions.

According to HEC, the HEC research placement China opportunity is open to Pakistani and AJK nationals who are currently enrolled in recognised universities.

Applicants must remain enrolled throughout the selection process and during the six-month research placement.

Students applying for the HEC MS MPhil programme or the HEC PhD research programme must ensure that their proposed research matches their current degree and can be completed within the placement period.

Applicants must also obtain an official acceptance letter from a Chinese university, laboratory or institute that is part of the CPEC Consortium of Universities.

For the HEC PhD research programme, candidates must have completed coursework and at least 18 months of enrolment.

Their research topic and synopsis should already be approved by BASR, DASR or another authorised university body.

Applicants under the HEC MS MPhil programme must have completed at least 18 credit hours and entered the thesis or research stage with an approved research topic before applying for the HEC research placement China.

The HEC China research programme covers several priority research fields, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, renewable energy, biotechnology, agriculture, climate studies, robotics, biomedical sciences, infrastructure, economics and CPEC-related studies.

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These fields are expected to further promote Pakistan-China academic collaboration in emerging technologies.

Interested candidates must submit online applications through the HEC website. The commission has advised students not to send printed application forms unless they are shortlisted.

The deadline to apply for the HEC research placement in China and the six-month research placement is 14 August 2026.