Strengthening Pakistan–China educational cooperation
According to the Higher Education Commission (HEC), these scholarships are offered by the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) to enhance academic and cultural ties between Pakistan and China. The program offers 35 seats for Bachelor’s, 25 for Master’s, and 15 for PhD programs in leading Chinese universities.
Application process and deadline
HEC has been designated as the official nominating body for the program and will select eligible applicants under Type-A (HEC–Chinese Government Scholarship) through its established process.
The deadline to apply through the HEC Scholarship Portal is Monday, 05 January 2026 (04:00 PM PST).
The commission clarified that it only handles nominations under Type-A, while applicants applying directly to Chinese universities under Type-B or other scholarship categories must manage their own applications and communication.
Mandatory CSCA test for undergraduate applicants
A key requirement for all undergraduate candidates is the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA), available at www.csca.cn. This test is compulsory for all applicants, whether applying through HEC or directly.
A step toward stronger academic ties
Officials stated that the scholarships aim to encourage academic collaboration and mutual understanding between the two countries, giving Pakistani students a valuable opportunity to study in globally recognized institutions.
Read more: HEC opens registration for ASIP 2025-26 for PhD students
This initiative reflects China’s deepening educational partnership with Pakistan. For many students, it represents a chance to pursue world-class education free of cost. However, applicants must strictly follow HEC’s guidelines and fulfill the CSCA requirement to ensure eligibility and avoid disqualification.
