Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan offers a well-regarded scholarship program to Pakistani students to study in commonwealth countries known as HEC Commonwealth Scholarship.
HEC has collaborated with the Commonwealth Scholarship Program providing financial support to study in UK for for Pakistani students so that they can pursue their graduate and postgraduate studies in selected universities across the Commonwealth countries.
We have curated a step-by-step that will highlight the most known aspects if you are looking forward to HEC scholarships. We will unfold the eligibility criteria, the application process, the benefits these scholarships offer, study fields covered under HEC scholarships, the preparation of required documents, and much more.
So much to explore, and so much to learn. Let’s buckle up, and get this blog post started!
What are the Eligibility Criteria for the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship?
Let us unwrap the mandatory eligibility criteria if you want to apply for the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship. We will highlight the academic qualifications, age limits, and nationality requirements (if any)
To apply for Commonwealth Scholarships, you need to:
- You must be from Pakistan or AJK and live there. If you have dual nationality, you can’t apply.
- If you are looking for a Master’s scholarship, you should have your latest education of Bachelor’s (or Master’s) which is a 16-year degree in the subject you want to study.
- If you want a PhD scholarship, you should have your latest education of Masters, MPHIL which is a 16-year degree in the subject you want to study.
- You must have standard grades, and the required CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) in your last degree. If you are waiting for your results, you can still apply.
- You need to take the HAT (Higher Education Aptitude Test) and score at least 60 out of 100. If you took the HAT test after January 1, 2024, you can submit your score on the HEC website when you apply.
- Your application will not be considered if you do not score at least 60 on the HAT test.
- Selection is purely based on your HAT score. HEC may change the selection rules.
Now, we will talk about the application procedure for HEC scholarships in the coming section.
How to Apply for the HEC Commonwealth Scholarships?
There are two application portals if you are looking to apply for the HEC scholarships.
- CSC (Commonwealth Scholarship Commission)
- HEC Portals
In case the applicant fails to submit online application forms on BOTH websites mentioned in Step (1) & Step (2) below, HEC is unable to accept their application.
STEP 01: (CSC Online Portal)
- Applicants must apply using the online application system of CSC. mentioned below.
- There is no other way to submit your application despite being sent online.
- Moreover, CSC will be unable to accept your application after the closing date.
STEP 02: (HEC Portal)
- When you sign in to the HEC portal, and start filling your profile, please go with the “Learning Opportunities Abroad”.
- When you are done with your application, get a printed copy to be signed by the applicant.
- Please note that the extended deadline for the HEC scholarship portal is October 24, 2024.
- It is advised to add your updated and latest information regarding Email address, phone number, and other qualifications.
- Please complete and submit your application as soon as possible, as the online application system will be very busy in the days leading up to the application deadline.
What are the Benefits of the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship?
In this section, we will cover some benefits that fall under the umbrella of HEC scholarships. For instance, tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and any additional allowances.
- Students pursuing Masters receive a monthly stipend of £1,347, which increases to £1,652 for those studying in the London metropolitan area.
- Ph.D. students receive a monthly living allowance of £1,236, or £1,516 for those at universities in London.
- These stipends cover full tuition fees, a round-trip ticket to the UK for the start and conclusion of their program, and a warm clothing allowance if required.
- Additional allowances include expenses for study tours, one airfare for fieldwork, and another for a visit to the home country during the study period.
Now, we will explain the family allowances as well.
- For students who are living with their spouses (without children), a spouse allowance of £266 per month is provided for up to nine months.
- For students who are living with a spouse and children, the allowance is £266 per month for the spouse and £266 monthly for the first child, with £131 per month for the second and third child under 16.
- For students living with their children, the first child receives £529 per month, while the second and third children receive £131 each per month, provided all children live with the student at the same UK address.
What Fields of Study Does the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship Support?
We know you must be wondering if you are eligible for the social sciences scholarship if you have done your bachelor’s in natural sciences.
Don’t worry, we have created a thoughtful section on it as well. We will explore some of the Mandatory Information on the academic fields and disciplines that the HEC scholarship supports.
The scholarship is open to students who are pursuing a wide range of fields of study, including:
- Agriculture and related sciences
- Applied sciences and technology
- Business and management studies
- Development studies
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering and technology
- Environmental studies
- Health and medical sciences
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Law
- Natural sciences
- Veterinary medicine
What is the Application Process for the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship?
Following are some steps that highlight the application process for the HEC Commonwealth scholarship in a very brief way.
Create an account:
Visit the HEC website and create an account.
Fill out the application form:
Complete the online application form, providing information about your details, academic qualifications, and work experience.
Upload supporting documents:
You need to upload scanned copies of your transcripts, certificates, and other relevant documents.
Submit your application:
Now you submit your application before the deadline.
How You Can Prepare For Your Studies Under the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship?
HEC just gives you a smooth path, making it a planned one needs a wise strategy. And for that, we are going to jot down some valuable insights related to it, too.
- Get yourself familiar with all the scholarship benefits, including stipends, allowances, and any additional support provided.
- Understand the academic requirements and expectations that come with the scholarship.
- Review your course structure and content. Look for any recommended readings or preliminary work suggested by the university.
- If possible, contact your future professors or department for advice on how to best prepare for your course.
- Create a budget considering your stipend and additional allowances.
- Understand what health services are covered and consider additional health insurance if needed.
- Abroad’s research life is very different. It includes culture, customs, and laws to ease your transition.
- Look into social groups, clubs, or societies within your university or community that align with your interests or background.
- Through social media or university forums, make connections with other scholarship recipients, alumni, or students from your nation or program.
- Think about the goals you have for the duration of your scholarship. Establish attainable objectives for your personal growth as well as your academic endeavors.
Let’s Highlight Some Success Stories of HEC Commonwealth Scholarship Recipients!
We all know that everyone may use some motivational stories and endorsements from previous candidates as they want to get assistance regarding the scholarship’s influence on their academic, and professional endeavors.
So, we have researched them, and featured a few of them below:
Some notable success stories of HEC Commonwealth Scholarship recipients include:
Dr. Ayesha Aslam:
A medical doctor who is now working as a consultant at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi.
Dr. Muhammad Ali:
An engineer who is now working as a professor at the University of Engineering and Technology in Lahore.
Ms. Fatima Jinnah:
A lawyer who is now working as a human rights activist in Islamabad.
Mr. Muhammad Iqbal:
A teacher who is now working as the principal of a government school in rural Sindh.
These are just a few examples of the many success stories of HEC Commonwealth Scholarship recipients. These scholars are making a positive impact on their communities and the world, and they are a testament to the power of education.
What are the Official Websites, Contact Information, and Support for HEC Commonwealth Scholarship Applicants?
You must have the official websites, and application portals when you are making up your mind to apply for the HEC commonwealth scholarship. That is why we have chalked them down for your ease:
HEC portal:
https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk/#/auth/login
CSC portal:
https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/
FAQs
We are answering some of the frequently asked questions regarding the scholarship, providing quick and easy answers to common queries.
Who is eligible for a Commonwealth scholarship?
Commonwealth countries nationals with at least a second-class upper bachelor’s degree are eligible for these scholarships.
How to apply for the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship?
Apply through the HEC website for Pakistanis or directly through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s e-application system for other nationals.
What is the Commonwealth scholarship for Pakistani students in 2024?
This scholarship helps Pakistani students study for a Master’s or Ph.D. in the UK by paying for their school, travel, and living costs.
How much CGPA is required for a Commonwealth Scholarship?
A minimum CGPA that is generally required is 3.5 out of 4.0, or equivalent.
What documents are required for the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship?
You need your last degree points, a personal statement, a study plan (for Ph.D.), letters of recommendation, and an English test score.
What are the requirements for HEC Masters?
To do a Master’s with HEC, you need 16 years of schooling, a good CGPA, and good knowledge of the university you are seeking admission into.
Is IELTS necessary for a Commonwealth Scholarship?
Yes, IELTS or an equivalent English language test is necessary for the Commonwealth Scholarship program.
