US-Pak Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship Program 2026 – Apply Online

US-Pak Knowledge Corridor PhD Scholarship Program & GRE Training 2026: Complete Guide

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has announced two major opportunities under the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor initiative. This project aims to send outstanding Pakistani and AJK nationals to top-ranked United States universities to pursue higher education and shape national progress.

Applications are officially open for both Fall 2026 PhD Admissions and Comprehensive GRE Training Classes. Below is the complete breakdown of eligibility criteria, funding categories, deadlines, and application links.

Opportunity 1: Comprehensive GRE Training Program

To help students secure admissions into top US institutes, HEC is offering specialized, comprehensive GRE training sessions.

• Training Locations: Islamabad, Karachi, Quetta, and Lahore.
• Who Can Apply: Prospective students and non-PhD faculty members aspiring to secure a PhD scholarship under this HEC initiative.
• Special Perquisite: Trainees who secure a GRE General score of 300 and above will have their official ETS exam fee fully reimbursed by HEC!

GRE Training Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Pakistani or AJK nationals.
• Education: Minimum 4 years Bachelor's degree (B.S / B.Sc / B.E—16 years of formal education).
• Academic Record: Strictly no 2nd or 3rd Division across the entire academic career.
• Age Limit: Maximum 40 years for regular government employees and public sector faculty; 35 years for all other applicants.
• Training Fee: Shortlisted candidates only pay a concessional fee of Rs. 5,000/-. The remaining cost of the training is heavily subsidized and covered by HEC.

How to Apply for GRE Training

Applications must be submitted via the dedicated Google Form before June 20, 2026. No deposit fee is required at this initial stage. 👉 Apply for GRE Training: https://forms.gle/8D6eHRuwRN37zh1J6

Opportunity 2: PhD Scholarships for Fall 2026 Intake

HEC is inviting formal applications for direct PhD scholarships in top 100 QS World Ranked US Universities for the Fall 2026 session. Note that this is directly for PhD tracks and does not include an MS leading to PhD path.

Scholarship Categories & Financial Benefits

1. Category I – Top 50 QS World Ranked US Universities (Overall)

• Financial Coverage: Full tuition fee coverage as per actual university invoice, along with a monthly living stipend and health insurance.
• Requirements: Secured admission in a top 50 QS ranked US institute, alongside a valid GRE General score (Minimum 300 total) OR an HEC HAT Score (Minimum 60%).

2. Category II – 51–100 QS World Ranked US Universities (Overall)

• Financial Coverage: Tuition fee support up to a maximum of USD 12,000/- per annum, alongside a monthly living stipend and health insurance coverage.
• Requirements: Secured admission in a top 51–100 QS ranked US institute, alongside a valid GRE General score (Minimum 300 total) OR an HEC HAT Score (Minimum 60%).

General Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Pakistani or AJK nationals.
• Academic Standing: Minimum 4 years bachelor's degree (16 years of formal education) with no 2nd or 3rd Division anywhere in your academic timeline.
• Age Limit (on closing date): Maximum 40 years for regular government employees, public sector university faculty members, and researchers of approved R&D organizations. Maximum 35 years for all other applicants.
• Exclusivity: Candidates must not be availing of any other active scholarship programs.

How to Apply for the PhD Scholarship

Eligible profiles must submit their scholarship portfolio online via the HEC web portal. The final deadline for online application submission on the portal is April 30, 2026. 👉 Apply for Scholarship: https://scholarship.hec.gov.pk/

News & Official Sources

• Official Program Portal: www.hec.gov.pk/site/US-PAK-KC
• Image Advertisement Source: HEC Official Image Repository
• Press Print Advertisement Source: Daily Jang Lahore Edition (May 17, 2026 - Page 2)

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