The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has officially announced the launch of the prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Memorial Fellowship for the academic year 2026-27. This fully funded international research grant is exclusively designed for outstanding Pakistani PhD scholars currently enrolled in local degree-awarding institutions who are seeking to conduct a portion of their doctoral research at top-tier global universities.
According to the official notification released by the HEC Human Resource Development (HRD) Division on October 6, 2026, the fellowship covers a comprehensive six-month foreign research placement. This strategic initiative aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Pakistani researchers, facilitate cross-border academic collaborations, and elevate the overall quality of doctoral research produced in Pakistan. The final deadline to submit applications through the official HEC e-portal is October 30, 2026.
HEC Quaid-e-Azam Memorial Fellowship 2026-27: Official Overview
Prospective applicants can review the core parameters, coverage details, and institutional guidelines below:
| Key Parameter | Official Guidelines & Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Quaid-e-Azam Memorial Fellowship 2026-27 |
| Funding Agency | Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan |
| Target Audience | Active PhD Scholars currently enrolled in Pakistani Universities |
| Duration of Fellowship | Six (6) Months |
| Scholarship Coverage | Fully Funded (Monthly stipend, return airfare, research allowance, and health insurance) |
| Application Deadline | October 30, 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria for PhD Scholars
To be considered for the Quaid-e-Azam Memorial Fellowship, candidates must strictly fulfill the following HEC-mandated requirements:
- Must be a Pakistani or AJK national.
- Must be a full-time PhD scholar actively enrolled in an HEC-recognized public or private sector university in Pakistan.
- Must have successfully completed their doctoral coursework and cleared their comprehensive examinations.
- Must possess an officially approved PhD research synopsis or proposal from their respective university's Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR) or equivalent statutory body.
- Must have an official acceptance letter or an invitation for research placement from a foreign supervisor at an internationally recognized, top-tier university (preferably listed in the top 500 QS World University Rankings).
- Must not be availing any other concurrent foreign scholarship or research grant.
Financial Coverage and Benefits
The Quaid-e-Azam Memorial Fellowship is a comprehensive financial package designed to eliminate financial barriers for researchers. The HEC will provide:
- A standard monthly living allowance (stipend amount varies based on the destination country's cost of living).
- One return economy class air ticket from Pakistan to the host country.
- A specialized bench fee or research allowance (if demanded by the foreign host institution, subject to HEC limits).
- Basic health insurance coverage for the duration of the six-month stay.
Application Protocol & Deadlines
Eligible PhD scholars must submit their applications exclusively through the HEC online portal (eportal.hec.gov.pk). Hard copies of applications directly sent to the HEC headquarters will not be entertained. Candidates must upload all necessary documentation, including their BASR approval, academic transcripts, No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their parent university, and the official foreign acceptance letter.
The final deadline for online submission is October 30, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will be summarily rejected. For official guidelines, detailed FAQs, and financial aid assessments, please visit the official HEC website.