The clock is running out on one of Pakistan's most prestigious fully funded scholarships. The Commonwealth Scholarship 2027-28 — offering full Master's and PhD funding at UK universities — closes on 20 October 2026 at 4:00 PM Pakistan time, just three days from now. The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan's nominating agency for the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), will not accept late applications. If you are eligible, this is your final window to get both applications submitted correctly.
And "correctly" matters more than most applicants realise: the number-one reason Pakistani applications get rejected is not merit — it is process. You must apply on two separate portals, and missing either one invalidates the whole effort. Here is everything you need to know, verified across multiple independent sources.
The deadline — confirmed
Multiple independent sources — including Bloom Pakistan, ProPakistani, TechJuice, GreatPakTimes, Westside Visa, and Pakhtun Digital — all agree: the HEC deadline for the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027-28 is 20 October 2026, 4:00 PM PKT. This applies to both Master's and PhD applicants, and to both application portals described below.
What the scholarship covers
The Commonwealth Scholarship is one of the UK's flagship awards for developing Commonwealth nations. For Pakistani scholars selected for 2027-28, funding includes:
- Full tuition fees at the UK university
- Return airfare between Pakistan and the UK
- Monthly living stipend (check the current CSC rates on the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website — published figures vary by source, so verify the 2027-28 rate directly rather than relying on any single number quoted online)
- Warm clothing allowance
- Study travel grant for academic travel within the UK
- Thesis grant (PhD scholars)
- Child allowance for eligible scholars with children
Note: HEC's role is nomination only — it carries no financial liability. Final selection is made by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK.
Who can apply
- Nationality: Pakistani and Azad Jammu & Kashmir nationals who are permanent residents of Pakistan/AJK. Dual nationals are NOT eligible.
- Age: There is no upper age limit.
- Master's applicants: A first-division bachelor's degree (16 years of education) in a relevant field. No second or third division in the latest degree.
- PhD applicants: A first-division master's, MS, or MPhil (17/18 years of education) in a relevant field.
- Awaiting results? Students awaiting their final results may apply — but must submit the final degree and transcript before the session begins (August/September 2027).
The HAT requirement — non-negotiable
An HEC HAT (Higher Education Aptitude Test) score of at least 60 out of 100 is mandatory. HAT-I through HAT-IV scores are accepted, with tests taken on or after 25 October 2024 considered valid. If you sat a recent HAT, HEC adds your valid score automatically — but do not assume; confirm your score is on record before the deadline.
How to apply — the two-portal trap
This is where most applications die. You must submit on both of these portals before the 20 October 4 PM deadline:
- The CSC online application system — the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's own portal (Master's or PhD scholarship page, as applicable).
- The HEC portal — scholarship.hec.gov.pk → "Learning Opportunities Abroad" → the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027-28 application, including your HAT score.
Submit on both. A form saved but never submitted on the HEC portal is treated as no application at all. No hard copies are required unless HEC emails you asking for them.
How many places — and the timeline
HEC is expected to nominate approximately 26 Master's and 30 PhD candidates, with at least 45% of nominations reserved for women. The expected timeline:
- Nominations: December 2026 (expected)
- Final CSC results: July 2027
- Studies begin: September/October 2027
What to do in the next 72 hours
- Check your HAT score — confirm it is 60+ and on HEC's record.
- Gather documents — degrees, transcripts, CNIC, and (for PhD) your research proposal.
- Complete the CSC portal application first (it is the longer form).
- Complete the HEC portal application — and hit submit, not just save.
- Screenshot both confirmations. If anything goes wrong, you have proof of timely submission.
Frequently asked questions
Can dual nationals apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship through HEC?
No. Dual nationals are explicitly excluded from HEC's nomination for the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027-28.
Is there an age limit?
No. The Commonwealth Scholarship via HEC has no upper age limit.
I am waiting for my final result. Can I still apply?
Yes — but you must provide your final degree and transcript before the academic session starts in August/September 2027.
What HAT score do I need?
A minimum of 60 out of 100 on HAT-I, II, III, or IV, from a test taken on or after 25 October 2024.
Do I really need to apply on both portals?
Yes. The CSC system and the HEC portal are both mandatory. An application on only one is incomplete and will not be considered.
Related guides
- HEC Scholarships 2026: Complete Guide — every HEC foreign scholarship in one place
- HEC US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship 2026 — deadline 30 Oct 2026
- CGPA to Percentage Calculator — convert your grades for UK university applications
