HEC Faculty Development Program 2024-25

Higher Education Commission HEC of Pakistan has launched the Faculty Development Program Batch-IV for the academic year 2024-25. This initiative is designed to provide scholarships to faculty members from public sector universities in Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir AJK for pursuing PhD studies at HEC-recognized institutions. The program covers funding for up to four years, including a one-year research opportunity at an international university. If you wish to apply, this guide will outline the eligibility criteria, application procedure, benefits, and strategies to improve your selection chances. The students can get fresh updates of HEC Faculty Development Program 2024-25.

Overview of the Faculty Development Program FDP

The Faculty Development Program is an HEC-sponsored scholarship scheme aimed at enhancing the standard of higher education in Pakistan. It allows faculty members in public sector universities to pursue PhD degrees at recognized institutions within the country. The primary objective is to elevate research capabilities, academic excellence, and the overall quality of education. The application deadline for this scholarship is March 10, 2025.

Eligibility Criteria for HEC Faculty Development Program

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:

Citizenship: Must be a Pakistani national or from AJK.

Education: Should hold an MS/MPhil degree or equivalent 18 years of education.

Age Limit: Must be 45 years or younger at the time of application submission.

Employment: Should be a full-time regular faculty member at a public sector university/degree-awarding institute DAI.

Experience: Must have at least two years of consecutive teaching experience at the parent/serving university.

Academic Performance: Should have a minimum of 60% marks in an annual system or a CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 in the semester system.

Test Score Requirement: Must have a valid HAT/GRE General Test score with a minimum of 60% marks valid from May 2023 to May 2025.

Restrictions:

Applicants already enrolled in a PhD before Spring 2024 are ineligible.

Individuals benefiting from other HEC/government/university scholarships are not eligible.

Visiting or adjunct faculty members cannot apply.

Application Process for the Faculty Development Program

To apply for this program, follow these steps:

Online Application Submission:

Visit the official HEC scholarship portal: https://scholarship.hec.gov.pk/.

Complete the online application form.

Hard copies or additional documents are not required at this stage.

Payment of Application Fee:

Pay a non-refundable fee of Rs. 1000/- through 1Link 1Bill Invoice.

Use bank branches, ATMs, internet banking, or mobile banking for payment.

Enter the consumer number generated on the HEC portal when making the payment.

Confirm the payment on the HEC application portal.

Final Submission:

Complete the form and submit it online.

Ensure you receive a submission acknowledgment for confirmation.

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be evaluated based on:

Academic Merit determined through HEC’s evaluation formula.

HAT/GRE General Test Score higher scores improve selection chances.

Interview with Subject Experts assessment of academic and research potential.

The National Scholarship Management Committee NSMC will make the final selection.

Important Guidelines and Conditions

Selected candidates must secure admission to a PhD program in a university other than their parent institution.

Research at foreign institutions is encouraged under agreements between universities.

Disciplines will be prioritized according to Pakistan’s higher education needs.

Interdisciplinary PhD admissions may be allowed as per HEC Graduate Education Policy 2023.

The host university must comply with all HEC PhD program requirements.

Any errors or omissions in the application may result in scholarship cancellation.

HEC holds the authority to accept or reject applications without explanation.

Benefits of the HEC Faculty Development Program

Full tuition fee coverage for PhD studies.

Monthly stipend for living expenses.

Funding for research projects.

Opportunities for foreign research collaboration.

Enhanced career growth and academic promotion

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Selection

Aim for a high HAT/GRE General Test score to boost your merit ranking.

Choose a research field aligned with the needs of Pakistani universities.

Submit a well-structured, error-free application with all required details.

Select a reputed HEC-recognized institution for your PhD studies.

Showcase a strong teaching record and highlight contributions to academia.

By fulfilling the eligibility criteria and preparing a strong application, faculty members can benefit from this prestigious program to advance their academic and research careers.