The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2025 is now open for applications under Phase III, Batch V, inviting researchers from across Pakistan and AJK to pursue excellence in advanced research at top international institutions.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has announced the latest round of its prestigious Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.
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The program offers limited seats and aims to support talented PhD scholars who wish to undertake postdoctoral research at internationally recognized institutions, particularly those ranked among the Top 200 in the QS World University Rankings. The last date to apply is October 30, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must fulfill the following conditions:
- Must hold a PhD degree from an HEC-recognized institution (foreign degrees must have an equivalence certificate).
- Must be a regular employee of a public/private university or R&D organization recognized by the Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST).
- Should not have availed any prior postdoctoral fellowship (self- or externally funded).
- Maximum age limit is 45 years on the application closing date.
- Applicants with foreign PhDs must have a minimum of 5 years of post-PhD experience in Pakistan.
- A letter of acceptance/invitation from a host institution in the top 200 QS rankings is mandatory, along with the host supervisor’s CV.
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How to Apply:
- Interested applicants must apply online via the HEC Postdoc Portal: pdfp.hec.gov.pk
- A non-refundable application processing fee of Rs. 2,000 is required, payable to HEC’s designated account at Habib Bank Ltd.
- The application must include documents such as an updated CV, research proposal, acceptance letter, NOC from employer, HEC-attested degree, experience letters (if applicable), and the host supervisor’s CV.
Incomplete or unconfirmed applications (e.g., pending supervisor confirmation) will not be considered. The fellowship duration is 9 months, extendable up to 3 additional months based on performance and justification.
This initiative is a golden opportunity for mid-career researchers and faculty members to gain international exposure, build academic linkages, and contribute to Pakistan’s research ecosystem upon return.
For full guidelines and FAQs, visit the official HEC page:
hec.gov.pk/site/postdoc
