US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship 2026 in USA | Fully Funded: (Deadline Varies)

US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship 2026 presents a transformative opportunity for Pakistani scholars to pursue doctoral studies at leading universities in the United States. This prestigious initiative, born from the strategic partnership between the United States and Pakistan, aims to strengthen Pakistan’s higher education system by developing a highly skilled academic workforce. With a vision aligned with Pakistan’s Vision 2025, the program targets the training of 10,000 PhD scholars over a decade to enhance research, innovation, and instructional quality across the country’s universities.

Under Phase 1 of the project, 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships will be awarded to exceptional Pakistani students in various high-priority fields. The initiative also includes support programs such as GRE and TOEFL/IELTS training through its “Talent Farming” component, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for admission to U.S. institutions. These scholarships not only offer access to world-class education but also promote academic collaboration between Pakistani and American universities. If you’re ready to contribute to Pakistan’s academic advancement while studying in the U.S., this scholarship could be your gateway to a world-class research career.

Scholarship Summary

• Country: USA
• Host: Higher Education Institutions (HEI), Pakistan
• Program name: US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship Program
• Study Level: PhD
• Benefits: Fully Funded
• Eligibility: Pakistani & AJK nationals
• Deadline:
  • Fall 2025 : 20th July, 2025
  • Spring/Summer 2026 : 15th November, 2025
  • Fall 2026 admission : 30th April, 2026

Scholarship Benefits

Category I – Top 50 QS World Ranked US Universities

• Tuition Fees: Fully funded
• Annual Stipend: USD 19,200
• Health Insurance: Up to USD 2,000 per year (or actual cost, whichever is lower)
• Return Airfare: PKR 250,000

Category II – QS World Ranked US Universities (51–300)

• Tuition Fees: Up to USD 12,000 per year
• Annual Stipend: USD 19,200
• Health Insurance: Up to USD 2,000 per year (or actual cost, whichever is lower)
• Return Airfare: PKR 250,000

These benefits are designed to support Pakistani scholars pursuing PhD programs in the United States under the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor initiative.

Eligibility Criteria

​​​​​​Those who satisfy all the following requirements are eligible to apply for US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship 2026:

General Eligibility Criteria:

1. Pakistani/AJK nationals
2. Minimum 4 years bachelor’s degree (B.S/B.Sc./B.E/16 years formal education)
3. No 2^nd or 3^rd Division in entire academic career is acceptable for both Category – I & II.
4. Maximum age on the closing date shall not exceed:​

• 40 Years i​n case of regular Government Employees/regular Faculty members of Public Sector Universities & Government Colleges/regular Researchers of approved R & D Organizations
• 35 Years in all other cases

5. Must not be availing any other Scholarship.
6. Those having PhD Degree are not eligible.

Specific Eligibility Criteria:

Category I – Scholarship (Top 50 QS World Ranked US Universities):

For this category of scholarship, prospective applicant must have:

• Secured admission in top 50 QS World Ranked US University.
• Valid GRE – General Score (Minimum 300 in total) OR HAT Score (Minimum 60% Score)

Category II -Scholarship (Top 300 QS World Ranked US Universities):

For this category of scholarship, prospective applicant must have:

• Secured admission in top 300 (51-300) QS World Ranked US University (overall ranking). In case of QS Subject wise Ranking, must have secured admission in top 100 (51-100) universities.

• Valid GRE – General Score (Minimum 300 in total) OR HAT Score (Minimum 60% Score).

Note: For scholarship award, preference will be given to applicants who have secured admission in Top 100 QS World Ranked U.S University.

How to Apply

​HEC provides opportunities for applicants to pursue PhD studies in Top US Universities under “US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor”.  Interested applicants can apply online through the link: https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk/​

New User Registration for US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship 2026:

To Login please visit https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk/ 

To create profile for first time user, fill in the available form on the link mentioned above.Click on ‘Register’ for new users and follow the steps stated below:

• You will be required to create user ID by using your CNIC (without dashes) as User ID and select your password.
• Create an Account and fill the required information available on the screen.
• Click and obtain ‘Mobile Code’ on your provided mobile no. for further process. (Currently, MNC / Ported numbers are not supported)
• After receiving code on your mobile enter the code.
• Enter your email ID and click Send Code. You will receive a code on your provided email.
• Please enter a valid email ID.
• Perform code verification and click on submission.
• You will be registered successfully. Please check your email for further information.
• You will be required enter your created ‘User ID’ & ‘Password’ then ‘Sign in’ on HEC portal.
• Complete online profile section wise at https://scholarships.hec.gov.pk/
• Click ‘Scholarships and Grants’ on left ‘Navigation’ and then ‘US-PAK Knowledge Corridor Application’.
• Now follow instructions, fill and submit the form successfully.
• Please send scanned copies of application form along with other required documents on the email address pmu@hec.gov.pk​. Documents should be attested by gazetted officer of Grade-17/above.
• At this stage you are not required to submit hard copies of this application and other documents. You may be asked to submit hard copies later, when required.

​

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE & APPLY