Commonwealth Scholarships 2027-28 Open for Pakistani Students: Master’s and PhD Applications Due October 20

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan is accepting applications for Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarships for the 2027-28 academic year. Eligible Pakistani and AJ&K nationals can apply for fully funded postgraduate study at universities in the United Kingdom, with programmes scheduled to begin in September or October 2027.

Candidates must complete applications on both the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and HEC portals. The deadline for the CSC application is October 20, 2026 at 16:00 BST, while HEC will close its application portal at 4:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time on the same date.

Commonwealth Scholarships Pakistan 2027-28: Key Details

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

Commonwealth Scholarships provide comprehensive funding for selected students studying in the UK. Current CSC funding provisions include:

• Full approved tuition fees
• Return airfare between the scholar's home country and the UK
• Visa-related costs
• Monthly living allowance
• Study-related travel support
• Additional allowances where applicable

The current living allowance is listed at £1,712 per month, rising to £2,000 per month for scholars studying at universities in the London metropolitan area.

Who Can Apply From Pakistan?

HEC requires applicants to be Pakistani or AJ&K nationals and permanent residents. Dual nationals are not eligible under the HEC nomination route.

For the Master’s scholarship, applicants must normally hold a first division in a relevant 16-year bachelor’s degree. PhD applicants must hold a first division in a relevant 17- or 18-year Master’s, MS or MPhil qualification.

HEC states that there is no upper age limit for the scholarship programme. Result-awaiting candidates may also apply if they obtain and submit their final degree and transcript before the 2027 academic session begins.

HAT Score Requirement

Applicants must meet HEC's Higher Education Aptitude Test requirement. A minimum HAT score of 60 out of 100 is required.

HEC says valid HAT-I, HAT-II, HAT-III and HAT-IV scores are accepted. Candidates who do not currently have an eligible score may register for the HAT tentatively scheduled for October 25, 2026. If its results are announced after the scholarship deadline, HEC says it can add the valid score during the nomination process.

Six Commonwealth Development Themes

Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed study relates to one or more CSC development priorities:

• Science and technology for development
• Strengthening health systems and capacity
• Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
• Strengthening global peace, security and governance
• Strengthening resilience and response to crises
• Access, inclusion and opportunity

How to Apply

1. Complete the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission application through CSC Central.
2. Register on the HEC scholarship portal.
3. Select “Learning Opportunities Abroad”.
4. Complete the Commonwealth Scholarship application on HEC.
5. Enter or upload the applicable HAT details.
6. Review all academic, identity and supporting documents.
7. Submit both applications before October 20.

What Happens After Application?

HEC will shortlist and nominate candidates according to its eligibility and merit criteria. Expected nominations are scheduled for December 2026.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission will then make the final selection, with results expected around July 2027.

Candidates should remember that an HEC nomination is not the final scholarship award. Applicants must satisfy both HEC and CSC requirements and should complete both online applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute portal issues.