HEC Commonwealth Scholarships UK for Pakistani Students 2025

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK, backed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), offers scholarships as part of the UK's efforts to support the Commonwealth. This program aims to bring talented people to UK universities and help with sustainable development in low and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including Pakistan. Since it started in 1960, the CSC has helped over 30,000 people, many of whom have made valuable contributions in their countries and worldwide. These scholarships are quite competitive and are given based on academic achievement, the strength of the research proposal (for PhDs), and how the study can benefit the candidate's home country.

Programs Offered

Commonwealth Scholarships help students pursue Master's and PhD degrees in the UK. They focus on areas that are important for low and middle-income Commonwealth countries like Pakistan. Here are the six main themes they look at:

• Science & Technology for Development
• Strengthening Health Systems
• Promoting Global Prosperity
• Supporting Peace and Security
• Building Resilience to Crises
• Ensuring Access and Inclusion

While students can choose any field, those that show potential to make a difference in Pakistan are preferred.

There are different types of scholarships available:

• Commonwealth Master's Scholarships for full-time Master's programs.
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for doctoral research.
• Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships for those already in a PhD program who want to spend some time studying in the UK.
• Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, which cover Master's courses funded together by CSC and UK universities.
• Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for remote Master's degrees from Pakistan.
• Commonwealth Professional Fellowships for mid-career professionals.

Benefits

Commonwealth Scholarships are fully funded and offer great financial support to scholars. For those from Pakistan, here’s what you can usually expect:

• Full tuition fees: The CSC and the UK institution have an agreement that covers all approved tuition fees.
• Approved airfare: Return economy flights from Pakistan to the UK at the start and end of the award.
• Living allowance (stipend): A monthly stipend to cover living expenses, which can range between £1,378 and £1,690 for people attending universities in the London metropolitan region (rates are subject to change).
• Warm clothing allowance: Where appropriate, a grant for warm clothes.
• Study travel grant: Helps cover travel expenses for study-related trips in the UK or abroad. 
• Thesis grant: Assists with the costs of preparing your thesis, if you need it. 
• Family allowance: For parents who are widowed, divorced, or single, there's support for the first child (£590 per month) and £146 per month for the second and third kids under 16, as long as they live with you in the UK. 
• Visa costs: Covers the fees for your visa application.

For Distance Learning Scholarships, you generally get full tuition coverage and access to study materials and online resources, since there are no travel or living expenses needed.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Commonwealth Scholarships, Pakistani citizens need to meet the general requirements from the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, as well as the specific criteria laid out by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, which nominates candidates.

General CSC Eligibility

To qualify, you need to meet these criteria:

• Be a citizen or refugee from an eligible Commonwealth country (Pakistan counts).
• Have permanent residency in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be ready to start your studies in the UK by September or October of the academic year you're applying for.
• By the start of that academic year, you should have at least a second-class degree (2:1) or a lower second-class degree plus a relevant Master's degree.
• Show that you can’t afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
• Provide all necessary documents in the required format.
• If you're applying for a PhD, you shouldn't be already enrolled in a PhD or MPhil program at a UK university or in your home country before the scholarship starts.

HEC Specific Eligibility for Pakistani Citizens

• Be a Pakistani/AJ&K national and permanent resident in Pakistan/AJ&K. Dual nationals are often ineligible.
• For Master's scholarships, you must have a first-class Bachelor's/Master's degree in the relevant field of study after 16 years of study.
• For PhD scholarships, you must have received a first-class degree in a 17/18-year Master's/MS/MPhil program in the relevant discipline.
• Candidates must not have a second or third division in their terminal/final degree.
• Candidates who are awaiting their results may be eligible, however this must be validated by HEC.
• HAT (Higher Education Aptitude Test) Score: Everyone applying needs to submit a HAT score, and the minimum acceptable score is 60 out of 100. If you've taken the HAT test on or after a certain date (like October 16, 2022), that score will typically count. If you haven't taken it yet, you'll need to register for the test through ETC HEC.
• English Proficiency: HEC might not specifically ask for IELTS, but most UK universities will want to see proof that you have a good grasp of English (like IELTS or TOEFL) as part of their admission requirements. If you've been nominated, you may need to take the IELTS.

How to Apply

Applying for a Commonwealth Scholarship from Pakistan involves two steps:

• CSC Online Portal: Fill out the main application on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) website (cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk). This includes supplying personal, academic, and professional information, writing a persuasive statement of purpose, and uploading supporting documents such as transcripts, degree certificates, and references. A study proposal and a supervisor statement are essential for PhD candidates. The CSC does not accept direct applications; instead, it needs nomination through an agency.
• HEC Online Portal: After submitting your CSC application, you must also apply through the Higher Education Commission's (HEC) web portal (scholarships.hec.gov.pk). Register, complete the HEC form that mirrors your CSC application, and submit HEC-specific papers including HEC-attested transcripts, CNIC, domicile, and your HAT (Higher Education Aptitude Test) result (minimum of 60%).

Key points

• Both applications are mandatory. Failure to submit through both portals will result in disqualification.
• Deadlines are vital. Applications for the following academic year are normally accepted in September and closed in October. The HEC deadline is usually in mid-October. Apply early to avoid last-minute problems.
• HEC is in charge of nominating candidates, with the CSC making the final decision.
• For PhD aspirants, a supervisor's acceptance statement from a UK university is typically necessary for the CSC application.

FAQs

1. Is IELTS necessary for Commonwealth Scholarships?

HEC might not need an IELTS score for nomination, but UK universities usually want proof of English skills, like IELTS or TOEFL, for admission. If you’re nominated, you’ll need to meet the university’s requirements.

2. Is there an age limit for Commonwealth Scholarships?

No, there isn’t an age limit set by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. They mainly focus on your academic skills, leadership potential, and how your study relates to development.

3. Can dual nationals apply?

Generally, no. If you're a Pakistani citizen applying through HEC, dual nationals usually can’t apply.

4. What is the HAT test, and do I have to take it?

The HAT (Higher Education Aptitude Test) is a required test for Pakistani applicants through HEC. You need to score at least 60 out of 100 to be considered.

5. Can I apply if I haven’t got my final degree results yet?

There might be some leeway for those waiting on results, but it’s best to check with HEC and CSC. You need to finish your degree by when the scholarship starts in September/October.

6: How competitive are these scholarships?

Commonwealth Scholarships are quite competitive and prestigious, drawing many applications from various Commonwealth countries. Good academic records, clear study plans, and a solid vision for contributing to development are important.

7. Do I need an admission offer from a UK university before applying for the scholarship?

For agency-nominated scholarships like through HEC, you usually don't need an offer letter right away. Eventually, you’ll have to get accepted into a UK university that supports Commonwealth Scholars for your program. Some scholarships, like Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, may require you to apply directly to the university first.

8. Can I bring my family with me to the UK?

Scholars can usually bring dependents to the UK, following UK immigration rules. Recent changes to student dependent visas mostly don’t affect international students on a government scholarship for a full-time program over 6 months. But keep in mind that the scholarship doesn’t usually cover travel costs for family.

9. What happens after I finish my scholarship?

Scholars are expected to head back home after their studies to help with national development. They also become part of a global alumni network, which opens up chances for networking and collaboration.