Pakistani students looking to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom can apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027–28 through the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
The scholarship program offers opportunities for eligible Pakistani and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) nationals to study at the master’s and PhD levels in the UK.
HEC is administering the nomination process in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the United Kingdom.
The deadline to submit the HEC online application is October 20, 2026. Applicants should complete the process before the deadline and carefully review the eligibility conditions for their selected scholarship.
Commonwealth Scholarship 2027–28 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Commonwealth Scholarship 2027–28 |
| Study Levels | Master’s and PhD |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Applicants | Pakistani and AJK nationals |
| Application Route | HEC online application |
| HAT Requirement | Minimum 60/100 |
| HAT Validity | Tests taken on or after October 25, 2024 |
| Application Deadline | October 20, 2026 |
| Academic Session | 2027–28 |
What Does the Commonwealth Scholarship Offer?
The Commonwealth Scholarship is designed to provide higher education opportunities in the UK to students from eligible Commonwealth countries.
For Pakistani applicants, HEC manages the nomination process for the relevant Commonwealth scholarship opportunities. Students can apply for programs at the master’s or PhD level, subject to meeting both HEC and CSC requirements.
Because scholarship conditions can vary according to the specific program, applicants should check the requirements for their intended degree before submitting an application.
Who Is Eligible for the Scholarship?
Applicants must meet the nationality, education and other requirements set by HEC and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
Nationality and Residency
Applicants must:
- Be Pakistani nationals or AJK nationals.
- Be permanent residents of Pakistan or AJK.
- Not hold dual nationality.
- Meet the separate eligibility requirements established by the CSC.
There is no upper age limit stated for the scholarship eligibility.
Academic Requirements for Master’s
Applicants applying for a master’s scholarship should have a first-division bachelor’s degree equivalent to 16 years of education in the relevant field.
Students should make sure that their academic qualification is relevant to the program they intend to pursue in the UK.
Candidates who are waiting for their final results may also be able to apply. However, they must obtain their final degree and transcript before the start of the relevant academic session in August or September 2027.
Academic Requirements for PhD
Applicants seeking a PhD scholarship must have a first-division master’s, MS or MPhil degree representing 17 or 18 years of education in the relevant field.
The latest degree should not contain a second or third division.
As with master’s applicants, candidates awaiting results may apply subject to the requirement that their final degree and transcript are available before the academic session begins.
HAT Score Requirement
One of the important requirements for applicants applying through HEC is the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT).
Applicants must have a minimum HAT score of 60 out of 100.
HEC will consider eligible HAT results obtained on or after October 25, 2024.
The following HAT categories are acceptable:
- HAT-I
- HAT-II
- HAT-III
- HAT-IV
Applicants should note that HAT tests taken specifically for admission to Pakistani universities are not considered valid for this scholarship nomination.
Therefore, candidates should verify that their HAT result meets the specific requirement before submitting their scholarship application.
Commonwealth Scholarship Application Process
Eligible candidates can apply through the online application process announced by HEC.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
First, review the HEC requirements for the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027–28. Make sure you meet the nationality, residency, academic and HAT conditions.
Step 2: Check the CSC Requirements
Meeting HEC’s requirements alone may not be enough. Applicants must also satisfy the eligibility criteria of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for the particular scholarship and study level.
Step 3: Prepare Your Information and Documents
Applicants should keep their academic information, degree details, transcripts and HAT information ready before starting the online application.
If you are awaiting your final result, make sure you can provide the required final degree and transcript within the specified timeframe.
Step 4: Submit the HEC Application Online
Complete the online application through the scholarship facility provided by HEC. Enter your information carefully and review the application before submitting it.
Step 5: Apply Before the Deadline
The HEC application deadline for the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027–28 is:
October 20, 2026
Candidates should avoid waiting until the final day because incomplete applications or technical issues may prevent timely submission.
Important Points for Applicants
Before applying, candidates should keep the following points in mind:
- The scholarship is available for master’s and PhD studies.
- Pakistani and AJK nationals can apply if they meet the requirements.
- Dual nationals are not eligible under the stated conditions.
- A minimum 60/100 HAT score is required.
- Only eligible HAT-I, HAT-II, HAT-III and HAT-IV results are accepted.
- The HAT must have been taken on or after October 25, 2024.
- Applicants must satisfy both HEC and CSC requirements.
- Candidates awaiting results must obtain their final degree and transcript before the 2027–28 academic session begins.
- The HEC online application deadline is October 20, 2026.
What Should You Do After Submitting the Application?
After submitting the application, applicants should keep track of updates from HEC and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
It is also important to regularly check the email address and contact information provided in the application because scholarship-related communication may be sent through those channels.
Applicants should retain a copy or record of their submitted application and any relevant documents for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027–28?
The deadline for submitting the HEC online application is October 20, 2026.
Who can apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship through HEC?
Pakistani and AJK nationals who meet the required nationality, residency, academic, HAT and other scholarship conditions can apply.
What is the minimum HAT score?
Applicants need a minimum 60 out of 100 in the required HAT.
Which HAT categories are accepted?
HEC accepts HAT-I, HAT-II, HAT-III and HAT-IV for this scholarship nomination, subject to the stated validity requirements.
Can students waiting for their final results apply?
Yes, candidates awaiting results may apply if they can obtain and submit their final degree and transcript before the relevant academic session begins in August or September 2027.
Is there an age limit?
There is no upper age limit stated for applicants under the announced eligibility conditions.
Can dual nationals apply?
No. The stated eligibility requirements do not allow dual nationals to apply.
Do HAT tests taken for university admission count?
No. HAT tests conducted for admission to Pakistani universities are not valid for this scholarship program.
Final Words
The Commonwealth Scholarship 2027–28 provides Pakistani and AJK students with an opportunity to pursue master’s or PhD studies in the UK.
However, applicants should not rely on the HEC eligibility criteria alone. They should also review the requirements of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for their selected scholarship.
If you meet the academic and HAT requirements, start preparing your information early and submit the HEC application before the October 20, 2026 deadline.
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