HEC NRPU 2026-27 – Call for Research Proposals in Pakistan

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Overview of HEC National Research Program for Universities (NRPU)

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has announced the Call for Research Proposals under the National Research Program for Universities (NRPU) 2026-27. This prestigious funding program is aimed at supporting high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary, and solution-oriented research with strategic relevance to Pakistan's socio-economic development, industry, and society . The NRPU is one of HEC's flagship initiatives to promote a strong research culture in Pakistani universities and R&D organizations, driving innovation and addressing national challenges through evidence-based research .

◆ Funding for high-quality research proposals in priority domains.
◆ Maximum project duration: 24 months.
◆ Open to public and private sector universities and R&D organizations in Pakistan.
◆ Encourages international collaboration with researchers from developed countries.
◆ Check fully funded scholarships in Pakistan for international students for similar opportunities.

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Research Domains – NRPU 2026-27

The following research domains are eligible for application under the NRPU:

◆ Social, Behavioral, Economic and Human Sciences .
◆ Natural / Emerging Sciences .
◆ Product Process / Technology Development .
◆ Explore latest scholarships in Pakistan for all nationalities for more field options.

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Eligibility Criteria for NRPU

◉ Proposals must be submitted by Principal Investigators (PIs) from public or private sector universities and R&D organizations recognized by HEC .
◉ Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria specified in the NRPU guidelines .
◉ Universities having more than five (05) delayed/unsettled cases are not eligible to apply .
◉ Pakistan researchers are encouraged to submit joint research proposals in collaboration with international researchers .
◆ See financial aids for students in Asia for more funding options.

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Funding and Duration – NRPU

★ Funding is provided for high-quality, solution-oriented research projects.
★ Maximum project duration: 24 months .
★ The program supports research with strategic relevance to Pakistan's socio-economic development .
★ International collaborations are encouraged on a voluntary basis .
★ Explore Pakistan's latest scholarships in 2026 for more details.

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Application Process for NRPU

The application process consists of two stages:

◆ Stage 1 – Submission of Outlines:
◉ Research proposal outlines must be submitted through the online portal: https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/universities/nrpu/Pages/Introduction.aspx .
◉ An application fee of Rs. 5,000 must be deposited online using 1 link/1 bill service through mobile banking app or internet banking .

◆ Stage 2 – Detailed Research Proposal:
◉ Only shortlisted short proposals from Stage 1 will be invited to submit a detailed research proposal (Stage 2) .
◆ list of all open scholarships in Asia for additional opportunities.

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Important Notes for Applicants

◆ General information, eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and other relevant details are available on the HEC website: http://www.hec.gov.pk/site/nrpu .
◆ Pakistan researchers are encouraged to submit joint research proposals in collaboration with researchers and institutions from KSA, Türkiye, China, USA, UK, European Union, Central Asian states, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, and other developed countries .
◆ Collaborations should focus on co-creating innovative, interdisciplinary, and solution-oriented research projects through international research engagements on a voluntary basis .
◆ The NRPU project under HEC operates under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training .

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Contact Information

◆ Director: Humaira Quddus, National Research Program for Universities (NRPU) R&D, Higher Education Commission, H-9, Islamabad.
◆ Phone: 051-90401904 and 90401924 .
◆ Email: hquddus@hec.gov.pk and smbatool@hec.gov.pk .

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Why Choose NRPU Funding

◆ Prestigious HEC research funding program supporting innovation and national development.
◆ Encourages interdisciplinary and solution-oriented research .
◆ Promotes international collaboration with researchers from developed countries .
◆ Supports Pakistani universities and R&D organizations in building research capacity .
◆ Contributes to Pakistan's socio-economic development through evidence-based research .
◆ Explore fully funded scholarships in Pakistan for international students for similar programs.

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Final Thoughts – NRPU 2026-27

◆ This is a significant opportunity for Pakistani researchers to secure funding for innovative research projects.
◆ The program encourages international collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches.
◆ Submit your research proposal outline through the online portal .
◆ For more opportunities, explore latest scholarships in Pakistan for all nationalities.

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Apply Link

Apply Now for NRPU Research Proposals