HEC Commonwealth Scholarships for Pursuing Higher Education

Are you dreaming of pursuing a Masters or Ph.D. degree in the United Kingdom but facing financial constraints? Look no further; the HEC Commonwealth UK Scholarships are here to turn your dreams into reality. These prestigious scholarships, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office FCDO, aim to provide higher education opportunities to individuals who may otherwise be unable to afford studying in the UK. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the details of these scholarships, including eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, and the exciting academic themes they cover. The candidates can check the detailed information regarding HEC Commonwealth UK Scholarships for Pursuing Higher Education.

Scholarship Overview

The HEC Commonwealth Scholarships offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your academic journey in the UK. Here is a summary of what these scholarships entail:

Stipend:

As a scholarship recipient, you will receive a monthly stipend of £1,347 for Masters students. However, if you choose to study in the London metropolitan area, your stipend will be £1,652 per month. Ph.D. students will also receive a generous stipend of £1,236 per month, which increases to £1,516 per month for those studying in the London metropolitan area.

Full Tuition Fees:

The scholarship covers your full tuition fees, ensuring that you can focus on your studies without the burden of tuition expenses.

Travel Assistance:

You will be provided with a two-way air ticket to the UK, facilitating your journey to begin your program and return home upon its completion. Additionally, the scholarship includes an air ticket for fieldwork and one air ticket to your home country during your studies.

Additional Allowances:

The HEC Commonwealth Scholarship also includes various allowances, such as a warm clothing allowance where applicable, traveling expenses related to study tours, and a family allowance.

Spouse Allowance:

If you are accompanied by your spouse but have no children, you will receive a spouse allowance of £266 per month for a maximum of nine months.

Children Allowance:

If you are accompanied by your spouse and children, you will receive a spouse allowance of £266 per month and a child allowance of £266 per month for the first child, along with £131 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16.

Child Allowance No Spouse:

If you are accompanied by your children but not your spouse, a child allowance of £529 per month for the first child and £131 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16 will be provided, provided your children are living with you at the same address in the UK.

Application Deadline and Process

The application deadline for the HEC Commonwealth Masters and Ph.D. Scholarships is October 17, 2023. Its important to note that applications must be submitted to both the HEC and Commonwealth portals, and the deadline for both portals is the same.

To apply for these scholarships, follow these steps:

Step 1: Commonwealth Online Application

For Masters scholarship applications, visit the official link.

For Ph.D. scholarship applications, use the official link.

Complete the online application on the Commonwealth portal.

Step 2: HEC Online Application

Apply online at the HEC website: HEC Scholarships Portal.

After registering and filling out your profile, select "Learning Opportunities Abroad" and submit your application.

Make sure to obtain a printed copy of your application signed by you. The HEC online application portal will close on October 17, 2023, at 04.00 PM Pakistan Time.

Its advisable to update your HEC profile with the latest contact information, including email and phone number. Submit your application as early as possible, as the online application system tends to be busy closer to the deadline.

Programs Offered for Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarships for Masters and Ph.D. degrees in the UK are available for candidates from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. These scholarships cover full-time Masters and Doctoral study at a UK University and are offered under six thematic areas:

Science and Technology for Development
Strengthening Health Systems and Capacity
Promoting Global Prosperity
Strengthening Global Peace, Security, and Governance
Strengthening Resilience and Response to Crises
Access, Inclusion, and Opportunity

These thematic areas encompass a wide range of academic disciplines, ensuring that you can find a program that aligns with your educational and career goals.

Eligibility Criteria for HEC Commonwealth Ph.D. Scholarship UK

To be eligible for the HEC Commonwealth Ph.D. Scholarship in the UK for the year 2023, you must meet the following criteria:

Be a Pakistani or AJK National. Dual nationals are not eligible.
For Masters scholarship, hold a First-Class Bachelors or Masters degree 16 years of education.
For a Ph.D. scholarship, hold a First-Class degree in a relevant postgraduate qualification 17/18 years Masters/MS/MPhil degree in the relevant field of study by the closing date of applications.
Have no more than two second divisions allowed.
Not be registered for a Masters or Ph.D., or an MPhil leading to a Ph.D., at a UK university before September/October 2023.
Students currently pursuing Masters/MPhil or Ph.D. degrees are not eligible.
Have the support of a potential supervisor from at least one UK university listed in your application form for Ph.D..
Submit two references online through the UK application system.
Obtain a minimum of 60 out of 100 marks in the HEC Aptitude Test HAT.

Important Notes

HEC encourages equal opportunity, with a minimum 45% female nomination ratio.
The HEC online portal will close on the specified deadline, and incomplete applications will not be accepted.
HEC plays a facilitation role in the nomination process, with the final selection made by the donor country. HEC has no financial liability regarding this scholarship.
Providing false information at any stage may result in the cancellation and debarment of applicants from future scholarships.
Remember to apply on both the Commonwealth and HEC portals before the deadline of October 17, 2023.

The HEC Commonwealth UK Scholarships offer a fantastic opportunity to pursue your higher education aspirations in the United Kingdom. With a wide range of benefits, including stipends, tuition fee coverage, and allowances for family members, these scholarships aim to make your academic journey hassle-free. Whether you are interested in science, technology, health systems, global prosperity, peace and security, resilience, or inclusion, there is a thematic area that suits your interests.

HEC Commonwealth Scholarships for Pursuing Higher Education