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The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has invited applications for a fully funded six-month research fellowship in China under the Academic Collaboration Program of the CPEC Consortium of Universities. The initiative aims to strengthen research collaboration between Pakistan and China while giving scholars international research exposure.
The fellowship is open to full-time MS, MPhil, and PhD students studying at HEC-recognized universities in Pakistan. Selected candidates will conduct part of their research at Chinese universities, laboratories, and research institutes, with all major academic expenses covered under the program.
Applicants must be Pakistani or AJK nationals, enrolled as full-time research students, and working on an approved research topic. Their proposed research in China must directly support their degree and be completed within six months. Both the Pakistani university and the Chinese host institution must be members of the CPEC Consortium of Universities.
For PhD scholars, eligibility requires completion of coursework, entry into the research phase, and at least 18 months of enrollment. MS and MPhil students must have completed 18 credit hours and received approval for their thesis or research topic from their university.
One of the key requirements is an official invitation or acceptance letter from a supervisor at a Chinese university or research laboratory that is part of the CPEC Consortium. Applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors early to secure this document before applying.
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The fellowship gives preference to research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Renewable Energy, Climate Change, Water Management, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, Economics, Trade, Chinese Studies, and CPEC-related fields. However, proposals from other disciplines that align with the program’s objectives are also welcome.
Applicants must upload a single PDF file containing all required documents, including their CNIC, enrollment certificate, academic transcripts, approved research synopsis, research statement, acceptance letter from the Chinese supervisor, supervisor’s CV, HEC acceptance proforma, applicant’s CV, and recommendation letter from the local supervisor.
The online application must be submitted through the official HEC scholarship portal, and candidates should ensure the application status shows “Submitted”, as incomplete or saved applications will not be considered. No hard copy is required at the initial stage.
According to the HEC, the online application process is currently open, and the last date to apply is August 14, 2026. Interested scholars are advised to complete their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues and ensure all required documents are uploaded correctly.