The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan has announced the HEC CPEC Scholarship 2026 for Pakistani and AJK students enrolled in MS, MPhil, and PhD programs.
Under this fully funded opportunity, selected scholars can conduct up to six months of degree-related research at an approved Chinese university, research institute, or laboratory.
Officially titled Academic Collaboration under the CPEC Consortium of Universities, the program provides a monthly living allowance, health insurance support, research or laboratory funding, and return airfare.
Applications opened on July 26, 2026, and the last date to apply for the HEC CPEC Scholarship 2026 is August 14, 2026.
Important: This opportunity is a six-month research fellowship for students already enrolled at Pakistani universities. It does not fund a new MS or PhD degree in China and is separate from the standard Chinese Government Scholarship offered through the China Scholarship Council.
HEC CPEC Scholarship 2026 Overview
| Scholarship detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program | Academic Collaboration under CPEC Consortium of Universities |
| Common name | HEC CPEC Scholarship 2026 |
| Funding organization | Higher Education Commission of Pakistan |
| Host country | China |
| Eligible levels | MS, MPhil, and PhD |
| Eligible nationality | Pakistani and AJK nationals |
| Research duration | Up to six months |
| Approved Chinese hosts | 40 institutions |
| Application opening date | July 26, 2026 |
| Application deadline | August 14, 2026 |
| Monthly allowance | USD 1,200 |
| Health insurance | Up to USD 1,000 |
| Research or laboratory support | Up to USD 2,250 |
| Return airfare | Up to PKR 150,000 |
| Application method | Online through the HEC Research Portal |
| Printed application | Required only from shortlisted applicants |
Applicants should review the official HEC CPEC program page before submitting their applications.
What Is the HEC CPEC Scholarship?
The HEC CPEC Scholarship is a short-term international research opportunity for postgraduate students enrolled at recognized Pakistani higher education institutions.
Selected students remain registered in their Pakistani MS, MPhil, or PhD program while completing a defined part of their research at a Chinese university, institute, or laboratory.
The scholarship is designed to:
- Strengthen academic cooperation between Pakistan and China
- Give Pakistani scholars access to specialized laboratories and research facilities
- Build long-term partnerships between Pakistani and Chinese universities
- Support research in Pakistan’s priority and emerging fields
- Improve the international quality of MS, MPhil, and PhD research
- Promote joint publications, projects, datasets, and technological development
The proposed work in China must be directly connected to the applicant’s approved thesis or dissertation and must be achievable within six months.
Is the HEC CPEC Scholarship Fully Funded?
The program provides funding for living expenses, research costs, health insurance, and return airfare. However, several benefits have maximum limits.
According to the official HEC scholarship award details, selected scholars may receive:
| Funding component | Maximum amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly living allowance | USD 1,200 per month |
| Six-month living allowance | Up to USD 7,200 |
| Health insurance | Up to USD 1,000, once |
| Research or laboratory expenses | Up to USD 2,250, once |
| Return airfare | Up to PKR 150,000, once |
The total dollar-denominated support may reach USD 10,450, in addition to return airfare, if all funding components are approved at their maximum amounts.
The research or laboratory allowance may cover eligible costs such as:
- Laboratory bench fees
- Specialized testing
- Research consumables
- Equipment-use charges
- Data-access fees
- Other approved research expenses
Applicants should ask the Chinese host to mention any required laboratory or research fee in the invitation or supporting letter. Final payments and reimbursements will remain subject to HEC’s rules, approval, and documentation requirements.
HEC CPEC Scholarship 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the general requirements and the additional conditions for their degree level.
General eligibility requirements
According to the official HEC eligibility criteria, applicants must:
- Be a Pakistani or AJK national
- Be enrolled as a full-time MS, MPhil, or PhD scholar
- Study at a recognized Pakistani higher education institution
- Remain enrolled during the selection process and research visit
- Propose research directly connected to their current degree
- Present a research plan that can be completed within six months
- Obtain an official invitation or acceptance from an approved Chinese institution
- Identify a host supervisor in China
- Select a host that belongs to the CPEC Consortium of Universities
Eligibility for PhD students
PhD applicants must:
- Have completed their PhD coursework
- Have completed at least 18 months of PhD enrollment by August 14, 2026
- Not have exceeded 3.5 years of PhD enrollment by the application closing date
- Have an approved research topic and synopsis
- Have approval from the BASR, DASR, or an equivalent competent university body
The enrollment period is measured on the application closing date. A PhD student who has completed only 12 months of enrollment by August 14, 2026, would not meet the published requirement.
Eligibility for MS and MPhil students
MS and MPhil applicants must:
- Have completed at least 18 credit hours
- Have entered the thesis or research stage
- Have an approved research topic
- Propose work directly connected to their approved thesis
Who is not eligible?
The following applicants do not meet the published requirements:
- Bachelor’s or undergraduate students
- Students who have completed their degree and are no longer enrolled
- Part-time MS, MPhil, or PhD students
- PhD scholars who have not completed their coursework
- PhD scholars with less than 18 months of enrollment
- PhD scholars who have exceeded 3.5 years of enrollment
- MS or MPhil students who have not completed 18 credit hours
- Students without an approved research topic
- Applicants without an invitation from an approved Chinese host
Priority Research Areas
The HEC CPEC Scholarship 2026 supports research in eight broad priority areas.
1. Emerging technologies
Eligible disciplines include:
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
- Data science
- Cybersecurity
- Robotics
- Automation
- Related computational and digital technologies
2. Water, environment, and climate
Relevant subjects include:
- Water treatment
- Wastewater treatment
- Desalination
- Water security
- Environmental engineering
- Climate resilience
- Related environmental disciplines
3. Energy and green technologies
Eligible topics include:
- Renewable energy
- Energy storage
- Smart grids
- Green hydrogen
- Energy efficiency
- Energy security
- Sustainable energy systems
4. Advanced industry and earth resources
This category includes:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Advanced materials
- Minerals
- Geosciences
- Marine science
- Coastal technologies
- Related industrial research
5. Agriculture, food, and biotechnology
Relevant areas include:
- Precision agriculture
- Sustainable food systems
- Food security
- Agricultural biotechnology
- Bioengineering
- Related agricultural sciences
6. Infrastructure, transport, and logistics
This priority area covers:
- Bridges and tunnels
- Ports and shipping
- Supply chains
- Transportation systems
- Sustainable cities
- Logistics
- Infrastructure planning
7. Health and life sciences
Eligible fields include:
- Biomedical sciences
- Telemedicine
- Public health
- Pharmaceuticals
- Infectious disease control
- Related health and life sciences
8. Society, economy, and CPEC studies
This category includes:
- Economics
- Trade
- Chinese studies
- Culture
- Media
- Tourism
- CPEC-related social sciences
Applicants should identify a specific research problem within one of these areas. Simply stating that the project relates to artificial intelligence, energy, climate, or CPEC will not make the proposal competitive.
Approved Chinese Universities for the HEC CPEC Scholarship
Applicants must obtain an invitation from a Chinese university, institute, or laboratory included in HEC’s official 2026 CPEC Consortium member list.
The 40 approved Chinese host institutions are:
| No. | Chinese institution |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fudan University |
| 2 | Tsinghua University |
| 3 | Peking University |
| 4 | Shanghai Jiao Tong University |
| 5 | Harbin Institute of Technology |
| 6 | Wuhan University |
| 7 | South-Central Minzu University |
| 8 | University of Science and Technology of China |
| 9 | Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology |
| 10 | Xi’an Jiaotong University |
| 11 | Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
| 12 | Zhejiang University |
| 13 | Nanjing University |
| 14 | Yunnan University |
| 15 | Xidian University |
| 16 | Harbin Engineering University |
| 17 | Hohai University |
| 18 | Shanghai University |
| 19 | Shanghai University of International Business and Economics |
| 20 | Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment |
| 21 | Northwest University |
| 22 | Sias University |
| 23 | Huazhong Agricultural University |
| 24 | Sichuan Agricultural University |
| 25 | China University of Petroleum–Beijing |
| 26 | Guangxi University |
| 27 | Northwestern Polytechnical University |
| 28 | Henan Normal University |
| 29 | China University of Mining and Technology |
| 30 | Xinjiang Agricultural University |
| 31 | Southwest Petroleum University |
| 32 | China Academy of Art |
| 33 | Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics |
| 34 | Sichuan University |
| 35 | Anqing Normal University |
| 36 | Southwest Jiaotong University |
| 37 | Chengdu University of Technology |
| 38 | Jiangxi University of Science and Technology |
| 39 | Guizhou University |
| 40 | Liaoning University |
Applicants should select a host according to research alignment, supervisor availability, laboratory facilities, and the feasibility of the proposed work.
A famous university without a suitable supervisor is not necessarily the best choice. A specialized research group that directly supports the applicant’s thesis may strengthen the application.
Is an Acceptance Letter Required?
Yes. An official acceptance or invitation letter from an approved Chinese host is compulsory.
The invitation may come from a participant:
- Chinese university
- Research institute
- Department
- Laboratory
- Authorized host supervisor
The Chinese host must be included in the official CPEC Consortium list.
What Must the Chinese Invitation Letter Include?
At minimum, the invitation or acceptance letter must state:
- Applicant’s complete name
- Proposed research area
- Name of the Chinese host supervisor
- Duration of the proposed research visit
A stronger invitation letter should also include:
- Proposed starting and ending dates
- Name of the department or laboratory
- Brief description of the research activities
- Confirmation that the required facilities are available
- Research or laboratory fee, if applicable
- Official university letterhead
- Signature of the host supervisor or authorized official
- Official contact information
Applicants can consult this acceptance-letter sample, but the final letter must describe the six-month HEC CPEC research placement rather than a full CSC degree program.
How to Find a Chinese Host Supervisor
Obtaining an invitation may take time, so applicants should begin contacting potential supervisors immediately.
Step 1: Shortlist suitable institutions
Select three to five institutions from the approved list. Choose institutions with departments and laboratories related to your thesis.
Step 2: Find relevant professors
Search each institution’s official website and review:
- Departmental faculty pages
- Research interests
- Recent journal publications
- Active projects
- Laboratory equipment
- Current research students
- Official email addresses
Step 3: Confirm research alignment
Read at least one or two of the professor’s recent papers. Explain how the professor’s work connects to your thesis and what you hope to complete during the six-month visit.
Step 4: Send a personalized email
Your email should include:
- Your name and Pakistani university
- Current degree and enrollment status
- Thesis or dissertation topic
- Proposed six-month research activity
- Connection to the professor’s work
- Expected research output
- A clear request for supervision and an invitation letter
Use these email samples for contacting Chinese professors as guidance, but personalize each message.
Suggested email subject
Request for Six-Month HEC-CPEC Research Supervision – [Research Field] – [Your Name]
What to attach to the email
Attach:
- One- or two-page academic CV
- Short research proposal
- Academic transcript
- Thesis or synopsis abstract
- Proof of enrollment
- Publication list, if applicable
Use professional filenames such as:
Muhammad_CV.pdfHEC_CPEC_Research_Proposal.pdfAcademic_Transcript.pdf
Avoid sending large or unrelated attachments.
How to Apply for the HEC CPEC Scholarship 2026
Follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Check:
- Degree level
- Full-time enrollment status
- Coursework completion
- Number of completed credit hours
- PhD enrollment duration
- Thesis or synopsis approval
- BASR or DASR approval, where applicable
Step 2: Select an approved Chinese host
Choose a university or research institute from the official list of 40 Chinese institutions.
Step 3: Contact a Chinese supervisor
Identify a professor whose expertise matches your research and request supervision for a six-month HEC-funded research placement.
Step 4: Obtain the official invitation
Ensure that the invitation clearly states the research area, host supervisor, and duration.
Step 5: Prepare a six-month research proposal
The proposal should include:
- Research title
- Background and problem statement
- Research gap
- Objectives
- Connection to the applicant’s Pakistani degree
- Proposed methodology
- Facilities required in China
- Six-month work plan
- Expected results
- Benefits to Pakistan
- Expected thesis, publication, dataset, or prototype output
- References
Applicants who need help can review this guide on how to write a research proposal.
Step 6: Prepare the application documents
A practical document folder should contain:
- CNIC
- Valid passport, if available
- Recent photograph
- Academic CV
- Academic transcripts
- Current enrollment certificate
- Coursework-completion certificate
- Approved thesis or research synopsis
- BASR, DASR, or equivalent approval
- Chinese invitation letter
- Six-month research proposal
- Publication list
- Supporting research documents
- Supervisor or departmental endorsement, if requested
The online HEC portal will show the definitive upload requirements. Follow the portal checklist if it differs from this preparation list.
Step 7: Submit the online application
Visit the HEC Research Portal and locate the program titled Academic Collaboration under CPEC Consortium of Universities.
Complete all required fields, upload clear documents, and review the application before submitting it.
The official HEC application instructions state that applications are open from July 26 to August 14, 2026.
Step 8: Save your application record
After submission, save:
- Submitted application form
- Application or reference number
- Confirmation email
- Uploaded documents
- Screenshots of the submission confirmation
Step 9: Wait for shortlisting instructions
Applicants should not send an unsolicited printed application to HEC.
Only shortlisted applicants will be instructed to provide a signed printed copy of the online application and the required supporting documents.
HEC CPEC Scholarship 2026 Deadline
The last date to apply is:
August 14, 2026
Applicants should not wait until the final day. Obtaining an invitation from a Chinese supervisor can take several days or weeks, particularly during university holidays.
Submit the online application early to avoid portal errors, missing documents, or last-minute problems.
How to Write a Strong Six-Month Research Proposal
The proposal should not describe an entire MS or PhD project. It should identify a focused part of the applicant’s existing research that requires Chinese expertise or facilities.
A strong proposal explains:
- What problem will be investigated
- Why the research matters to Pakistan
- Why the work needs to be completed in China
- What specialized facility, data, equipment, or expertise is required
- What will be completed during each month
- What measurable result will be produced
- How the work will contribute to the applicant’s thesis
Example six-month work plan
| Month | Proposed activity |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | Orientation, methodology refinement, and facility training |
| Month 2 | Initial experiments or data collection |
| Month 3 | Main experimental work or model development |
| Month 4 | Validation, testing, and additional data collection |
| Month 5 | Data analysis and interpretation |
| Month 6 | Manuscript, thesis chapter, report, or prototype completion |
The schedule should be customized according to the applicant’s field.
How to Improve Your Selection Chances
Show direct relevance to Pakistan
Explain how the research addresses a real Pakistani need in transportation, agriculture, energy, water, health, climate, technology, trade, or another priority area.
Select the right supervisor
A strong academic match is more important than selecting a university only because of its ranking.
Propose achievable work
The research plan must be realistic for six months. Avoid broad objectives that would normally require several years.
Identify measurable outputs
Possible outputs include:
- Journal manuscript
- Thesis chapter
- Validated model
- Experimental results
- Dataset
- Software tool
- Prototype
- Policy framework
- Joint research proposal
Explain why China is necessary
Identify the specialized laboratory, equipment, dataset, expertise, or research environment that is not currently available at the applicant’s Pakistani institution.
Use a complete invitation letter
Confirm that the invitation includes the host supervisor, research area, and placement duration.
Submit clear documents
Use readable PDF files with professional filenames. Check every uploaded page before submitting the application.
Common Application Mistakes
Avoid these mistakes:
- Applying without checking the degree-level criteria
- Selecting a host outside the approved list
- Contacting professors with generic emails
- Submitting an unrelated research proposal
- Failing to connect the visit to the Pakistani degree
- Using an invitation meant for a full CSC degree
- Submitting a letter without the host supervisor’s name
- Leaving the placement duration unspecified
- Proposing more work than can be completed in six months
- Listing unsupported laboratory expenses
- Uploading incomplete or unreadable documents
- Sending a printed application before being shortlisted
- Waiting until the deadline to submit
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HEC CPEC Scholarship 2026?
It is a fully funded six-month research opportunity for eligible Pakistani and AJK students enrolled in MS, MPhil, and PhD programs. Selected scholars conduct degree-related research at an approved Chinese host institution.
Is this a degree scholarship?
No. It does not fund a new degree in China. Applicants must already be enrolled in a full-time postgraduate program at a recognized Pakistani institution.
Can MS and MPhil students apply?
Yes. MS and MPhil students can apply after completing at least 18 credit hours and entering the approved thesis or research stage.
Can undergraduate students apply?
No. The current opportunity is limited to eligible MS, MPhil, and PhD scholars.
Can graduated students apply?
Applicants must remain enrolled in their Pakistani degree program during selection and the research visit. A person who has already graduated and is no longer enrolled would not meet this requirement.
Can a PhD student apply during the first year?
A PhD applicant must have completed at least 18 months of enrollment by August 14, 2026. Therefore, most first-year PhD students will not be eligible.
Is an invitation letter compulsory?
Yes. Applicants must obtain an official invitation or acceptance letter from an approved Chinese host institution.
Can I apply to any Chinese university?
No. The proposed host must be included in HEC’s list of 40 participating Chinese institutions.
Does the scholarship provide a monthly stipend?
Yes. The published living allowance is USD 1,200 per month.
Does HEC pay for airfare?
The program provides return airfare support of up to PKR 150,000, subject to HEC’s rules.
Are research expenses covered?
Research or laboratory expenses may be covered up to USD 2,250. Applicants should clearly justify these costs and follow HEC’s documentation requirements.
Is IELTS or HSK required?
The published HEC eligibility criteria do not list IELTS or HSK as general requirements. However, an individual Chinese host may request proof of language ability.
Is the HEC CPEC Scholarship the same as the CSC Scholarship?
No. The CSC Scholarship normally supports degree study or other programs administered through the China Scholarship Council. The HEC CPEC Scholarship supports a six-month research placement for students enrolled in Pakistan.
Do applicants need to submit a printed form?
Only shortlisted candidates will be instructed to provide a signed printed application and supporting documents.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is August 14, 2026.
Where can applicants obtain official assistance?
Applicants may contact:
Dr. Farida Anjum
HRD Division
Higher Education Commission
H-8, Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: [email protected]
Final Words
The HEC CPEC Scholarship 2026 gives Pakistani MS, MPhil, and PhD students an opportunity to conduct specialized research at leading Chinese universities and laboratories.
The most important part of the application is obtaining a suitable Chinese host. Applicants should identify a relevant supervisor, prepare a focused six-month research plan, and request an invitation that clearly states the research area, host supervisor, and placement duration.
Complete the online application through the HEC Research Portal before August 14, 2026.
Official program page: Academic Collaboration under CPEC Consortium of Universities
Last updated: July 27, 2026. HEC may amend the funding, application process, or deadline. Applicants should verify all information through the official HEC website before applying.