Commonwealth Scholarships 2027–28: Pakistan Application Deadline and Steps
Applications for Commonwealth Scholarships 2027–28 are open, with Pakistani applicants required to complete both the HEC and Commonwealth Scholarship Commission application processes.
The HEC announcement covers Master’s and PhD opportunities. The deadline is October 20, 2026, but applicants must pay attention to the separate closing times.
Application deadlines
| Application | Closing time on October 20, 2026 |
|---|---|
| HEC | 4pm Pakistan time |
| Commonwealth Scholarship Commission | 4pm British Summer Time — 8pm Pakistan time |
The later UK deadline does not extend HEC’s closing time. Aim to finish both applications before the earlier deadline.
Who should check eligibility?
HEC’s criteria cover Pakistani and AJ&K nationals permanently resident in Pakistan or AJ&K; dual nationals are excluded.
Its academic requirements include a first-division qualification comprising 16 years of education for Master’s applicants, or 17–18 years for PhD applicants. Applicants must also meet the relevant HAT and CSC requirements. Read the complete criteria before starting.
How to apply
Start with the HEC announcement and follow its links for your degree level. Complete the separate application at HEC’s scholarship portal as well.
HEC handles nominations; a nomination does not guarantee the final scholarship award.
Prepare your application before submitting
The CSC Master’s guidance confirms that the opportunity is for study beginning in September or October 2027. It provides an application template and guidance document to help candidates prepare.
For the Master’s application, CSC recommends preparing answers outside the system first. Its guidance also states that submitted applications cannot be edited.
A practical approach is to keep a checklist for each portal, review every upload and save submission confirmations. A completed form on one website should not be treated as proof that the other application is finished.
For inspiration beyond the classroom, students can explore our coverage of Pakistani students at the 2024 International Chemistry Olympiad, including their preparation and participation in an international science competition.