HEC International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) Batch 60 – Six-Month Research Fellowship Abroad

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Overview of HEC IRSIP Fellowship

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan offers a prestigious six-month research fellowship abroad to full-time PhD scholars enrolled in higher education institutions across Pakistan and AJK through its International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP). This programme aims to strengthen the research capabilities of PhD scholars and promote linkages between Pakistani and foreign institutions, enabling doctoral students to gain international exposure and enhance the quality of research they conduct in Pakistan.

◆ Six-month research fellowship abroad for PhD scholars.
◆ Fully funded by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.
◆ Host institution must be a top-ranked university in a developed country.
◆ Research conducted at advanced labs of reputed foreign universities.
◆ Check fully funded scholarships in Pakistan for international students for similar opportunities.

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Program Objectives – HEC IRSIP Fellowship

◆ Enhance the quality of doctoral research in Pakistan.
◆ Create a critical mass of highly qualified manpower for Pakistan's development.
◆ Facilitate assimilation, absorption, and transfer of scientific and technological knowledge.
◆ Provide opportunities for training and research at advanced foreign labs.
◆ Interact with foreign scientists working at the frontiers of knowledge.
◆ Explore avenues for further international collaboration.
◆ Introduce Pakistani talent globally.
◆ Bring the standard of doctoral research at par with international standards.

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Eligibility Criteria for HEC IRSIP Fellowship

◉ Must be a Pakistani or AJK national enrolled as a full-time PhD student at a recognised university in Pakistan.
◉ Must have completed at least 18 credit hours of PhD coursework.
◉ Must have completed at least 18 months of PhD enrolment and not exceeded 3.5 years at the time of application.
◉ For Batch 60, PhD enrolment date must fall between Spring 2023 and Spring 2025.
◉ Must have passed the local GAT Subject Test or University Admission Test at the time of PhD admission.
◉ Must have an approved PhD research topic and synopsis from BASR, DASR, or equivalent body.
◉ Must have an official acceptance/invitation letter from a foreign university or research institute.
◉ Host university must be from a developed country ranked among top universities overall or subject-wise in THE or QS World University Rankings.
◉ Foreign supervisor must not be a former supervisor of the applicant's local PhD supervisor.
◉ Foreign supervisor must be a full-time faculty member at Assistant Professor level or above.
◆ See financial aids for students in Asia for more funding options.

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Fellowship Package – HEC IRSIP

◆ Travel Allowance:
◉ Economy class return airfare up to USD 1,300 (once).
◉ HEC will arrange the tickets.

◆ Living Allowance (Monthly):
◉ UK: £750.
◉ Austria, Germany, Netherlands: €975.
◉ Rest of Europe: €900.
◉ USA: $1,500.
◉ Korea, China, Malaysia: $800.
◉ Rest of World: $1,200.

◆ Bench Fee (Maximum Amount):
◉ US Dollar: $3,500.
◉ Pound Sterling: £1,750.
◉ Euro: €2,550.
◉ Australian Dollar: $4,100.
◉ Canadian Dollar: $3,700.
◉ Note: Bench fee is only awarded if demanded in the acceptance letter at the time of selection.
◆ Explore list of all open scholarships in Asia for additional opportunities.

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Required Documents for HEC IRSIP Fellowship

✓ Official acceptance/invitation letter(s) from the foreign university, institute, or laboratory on official letterhead.
✓ Duly completed HEC proforma signed by the proposed foreign supervisor.
✓ Updated CV of the proposed foreign supervisor.
✓ Approval from BASR, DASR, or equivalent body showing approved PhD topic and synopsis.
✓ Complete copy of the approved PhD research synopsis.
✓ Official recommendation letter from the local PhD supervisor (signed and stamped).
✓ Updated CV of the local PhD supervisor.
✓ NOC from concerned HEC officer (if already availing any other HEC scholarship).
✓ NOC from the applicant's department/organisation (if employed or on study leave).
✓ Updated CV of the applicant.
✓ Copy of valid passport (or token slip if passport is in process).
✓ Copies of academic documents from Bachelor's degree onwards, including PhD coursework transcript.
✓ Copy of local GAT Subject Test or University Admission Test taken at PhD admission.
✓ list of all open scholarships in Asia for additional funding sources.

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Important Dates for HEC IRSIP Batch 60

Application Portal Opens: 1 October 2026.

Application Deadline: 30 October 2026.

◆ Applications must be submitted online through the HEC portal.
◆ Only submitted applications will be considered.
◆ Check the official HEC website for any updates.

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Application Process for HEC IRSIP Fellowship

1. Visit the online portal at https://scholarship.hec.gov.pk.

2. Complete the online application form with accurate information.

3. Upload all required documents as listed above.

4. Pay the non-refundable processing fee of Rs. 3,000.

5. Ensure your foreign supervisor completes the HEC proforma.

6. Review your application carefully and ensure the status is "Submitted."

7. Applications in "Saved" status will be treated as incomplete.

8. Await the selection decision.

9. Hard copies of applications and supporting documents will be required from selected candidates.

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Terms and Conditions – HEC IRSIP Fellowship

◆ Selected candidates must enter into a bond with HEC to return and complete PhD studies at their parent universities.
◆ Scholarship must be availed within six months from the date of issue of award letter.
◆ Two or more applicants supervised by the same local supervisor must have different foreign supervisors or different universities.
◆ HEC reserves the right to cancel the scholarship at any stage if documentation is found false.
◆ Applicants already availing any other HEC scholarship are eligible with an NOC from their concerned HEC dealing officer.
◆ list of all open scholarships in Asia for additional opportunities.

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Acceptance Letter Requirements

The acceptance letter must be issued by the Head of Department, senior professors, or associates. Letters issued by Lecturers, Lab Instructors, or experts will not be accepted. The letter must include:

◆ Brief overview of work to be carried out during the foreign visit.
◆ Brief details of research facilities available at the foreign lab.
◆ Plan of research work/activities to be carried out at the foreign university.
◆ Duration of research in months.
◆ Bench fee amount if required.
◆ Terms and conditions of the invitation, if any.
◆ Complete address, contact details (phone, fax, email) of the proposed foreign professor.

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Post-Fellowship Requirements

When a scholar returns to Pakistan after availing IRSIP, they must submit:

◆ IRSIP Feedback Performa.
◆ Foreign supervisor's comments/progress report.
◆ Joining report endorsed by Head of Department at parent institution.
◆ Copy of passport pages showing exit and entrance.
◆ Indigenous Scholars must submit the same documents at the Indigenous Section.

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Contact Information for HEC IRSIP

◆ Project Director: Mr. Jehanzeb Khan, IRSIP, Higher Education Commission.
◆ Email: irsip@hec.gov.pk.
◆ Website: www.hec.gov.pk/english/scholarshipsgrants/IRSIP.

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Why Choose HEC IRSIP Fellowship

◆ Prestigious HEC-funded research fellowship abroad for PhD scholars.
◆ Six-month research opportunity at top-ranked international universities.
◆ Comprehensive fellowship package including travel, living allowance, and bench fee.
◆ Enhances research quality and builds international linkages.
◆ Exposure to advanced research facilities and foreign scientists.
◆ Strengthens doctoral research standards in Pakistan.
◆ Explore fully funded scholarships in Pakistan for international students for similar programs.

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Final Thoughts – HEC IRSIP Fellowship

◆ This is a transformative opportunity for Pakistani PhD scholars to conduct research abroad.
◆ The fellowship provides comprehensive financial support and international exposure.
◆ Apply online between 1 October and 30 October 2026.
◆ Ensure all documents, including the foreign supervisor's proforma, are complete.
◆ For more opportunities, explore latest scholarships in Pakistan for all nationalities.

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Apply Link

Apply Now for HEC IRSIP Batch 60