HEC opens US scholarships and GRE training for Pakistani PhD students

Pakistani PhD students can now apply for HEC GRE training and US scholarships. File photo

| Published May, 20 2026 | Updated 20 hours ago

(Web Desk): HEC has announced GRE General Training for Pakistani PhD students under the US-Pak Knowledge Corridor Scholarship Programme.

The initiative aims to help talented students secure admission in leading universities in the United States.

The Higher Education Commission said applications are now open for students with strong academic records. Officials said the program is part of efforts to improve higher education and research opportunities for Pakistani scholars.

According to HEC, Pakistani and AJK nationals are eligible to apply for the training program. The commission said the project is designed to prepare students for higher studies in top-ranked US universities.

GRE training sessions will be conducted in Islamabad, Karachi, Quetta and Lahore. Candidates from different areas can select the nearest training center while applying.

Also read: HEC changes university entry test rules for MPhil and PhD admissions

Applicants must have completed at least 16 years of education to qualify for the program. HEC also said students must have an excellent academic background to become eligible.

The age limit for government employees and faculty members of public sector universities is below 40 years. Other applicants must be younger than 35 years to apply for the opportunity.

HEC announced that the last date to submit applications is June 20, 2026. Students were advised to complete the process before the deadline to avoid any problems or delays.

The commission further explained that candidates scoring 300 or above in the GRE exam may qualify for ETS fee reimbursement. Such candidates may also become eligible for scholarships at top QS-ranked universities in the United States.

Officials said GRE scores are an important requirement for different scholarship categories under the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Program. The initiative was launched to strengthen educational and research cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.

Also read: HEC announces massive increase in degree attestation fee

HEC said the project also focuses on producing highly qualified researchers and scholars for the future. These students are expected to contribute to Pakistan’s education and research sectors after completing their studies abroad.

Interested candidates can apply through the official HEC registration portal. Complete eligibility criteria and application details are available on the commission’s official website.

Education experts say the latest HEC initiative may create a major opportunity for talented Pakistani students who dream of studying in the United States. They believe better research exposure and international education can help improve Pakistan’s academic sector in the long term.