The Commonwealth Scholarship for Pakistani students in 2024 represents a remarkable opportunity for individuals across Pakistan and AJK to pursue fully-funded higher education in the United Kingdom. This prestigious scholarship, generously funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office (FCDO), serves as a beacon of empowerment for exceptionally talented students. It particularly seeks to uplift those hailing from the least developed countries and fragile states within the Commonwealth.

The core objective of this initiative is to support dedicated students in their pursuit of master’s and doctoral degrees at esteemed UK universities. Beyond individual academic pursuits, these scholarships are designed to enrich teaching and research capabilities, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange. By enhancing the education and research landscape, this program significantly contributes to the development goals of Commonwealth countries.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan proudly facilitates this exceptional opportunity, in line with its mission to promote and elevate education standards within the nation. This endeavor isn’t merely about scholarship; it’s a concerted effort to elevate the quality of education in Pakistan and equip its students with international exposure and expertise. By offering this gateway to fully-funded education in the UK, the Commonwealth Scholarship Program not only empowers deserving scholars but also bolsters the ties and collaboration among Commonwealth nations. Furthermore, it plays a pivotal role in augmenting the higher education and research sector within the UK by attracting high-caliber international candidates.

HEC Pakistan has consistently been at the forefront of offering various foreign scholarships to Pakistani students, enabling them to pursue education abroad and gain global exposure. This aligns seamlessly with the overarching goal of advancing education in Pakistan and contributing to the nation’s development.

Brief Description

  • Organization: Commonwealth Scholarship 2024
  • Universities: UK universities
  • Department: Given below
  • Course Level: Master and PhD Degrees
  • Award: Fully Funded
  • Application Mode: Online
  • Number of Awards: 60
  • Nationality: Pakistan/AJK
  • The award can be taken in UK
  • Deadline: 17 October 2023

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for these scholarships, you’ll need to meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) as well as additional requirements from the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). Here’s a breakdown of the key eligibility criteria:

HEC Eligibility Criteria:

Nationality: You must be a Pakistani/AJ&K national and a permanent resident of Pakistan/AJ&K. Please note that dual nationals are not eligible.

Academic Qualifications (Master’s Scholarship): For Master’s scholarships, you should have a first division in your 16-year Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the relevant field of study.

Academic Qualifications (Ph.D. Scholarship): If you’re applying for a Ph.D. scholarship, you must hold a first division in your 17/18-year Masters/MS/MPhil degree in the relevant field of study.

Academic Performance: You should not have a Second/Third division in your terminal/last degree. Candidates awaiting their results are eligible to apply.

HAT Test Score: All applicants are required to provide an HAT (Higher Education Aptitude Test) score. You should have a minimum score of 60 out of 100 in the HAT test. If you’ve taken the HAT test on or after January 01, 2022, you can upload the test result on the HEC portal and enter your score during the online HEC application process. If you haven’t taken the HAT test yet, you can register for it here, as the Education Testing Council (ETC) is currently accepting applications for the HAT test.

Merit Criteria: Merit will be strictly based on your HAT score. Please note that HEC reserves the right to modify the merit criteria.

CSC Eligibility Criteria (in addition to HEC criteria):

Academic Start Date: You should be available to commence your academic studies in the UK at the beginning of the UK academic year in September 2024.

Second Master’s Degree: The CSC typically doesn’t fund a second UK Master’s degree. If you’re applying for a second Master’s degree in the UK, you’ll need to provide a clear justification for pursuing this course of study.

Financial Need: You should be unable to afford your studies in the UK without this scholarship.

Transcripts: You must provide complete transcripts outlining all your higher education qualifications, including current transcripts for any ongoing qualifications. If your transcripts are not in English, you’ll need to provide certified translations. These documents should be uploaded to the online application system.

References: You’ll need references from at least two individuals.

Ph.D. Candidates: If you’re applying for a Ph.D., you should not already be registered for a Ph.D. or an MPhil leading to a Ph.D. at a UK university or in your home country before September/October 2024. Additionally, you’ll need to provide a supporting statement from a proposed supervisor in the UK, affiliated with at least one of the institutions mentioned in your application.

For more detailed information on eligibility criteria and the terms of the award, please visit the provided links.

For More Details Please visit the following documents

For Master: Click here to read information for a Master’s Scholarship

​For PhD: Click here to read information for a PhD Scholarship

Commonwealth scholarship For International Stuidents:

Click Here to See the Commonwealth Scholarship for their Countries

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Available Disciplines or Fields of Study

The Commonwealth Scholarship, sponsored by the UK Government, presents a remarkable opportunity for international students to pursue higher education in the UK, focusing on six pivotal development themes:

Science and Technology for Development: Explore cutting-edge advancements in science and technology, driving positive change worldwide.

Strengthening Health Systems and Capacity: Contribute to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and capabilities, fostering healthier societies.

Promoting Global Prosperity: Dive into studies that promote economic growth and prosperity on a global scale.

Strengthening Global Peace, Security, and Governance: Play a role in bolstering international peace, security, and effective governance.

Strengthening Resilience and Response to Crises: Study ways to bolster resilience and enhance responses to crises, safeguarding communities in times of need.

Access, Inclusion, and Opportunity: Champion equal access, inclusion, and opportunities for all, fostering a fair and equitable world.

These scholarships pave the way for talented individuals to make a significant impact in these critical areas of global development.

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How to Apply

Prospective candidates eager to pursue their studies in the UK with a fully-funded Commonwealth Scholarship through the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship 2024 are invited to apply for this prestigious opportunity. To kickstart your journey, simply follow the application procedure outlined below. Your path to a transformative educational experience awaits.

Step 1;

Initiate your application process by commencing with the online submission through the Commonwealth Scholarship application portal. Click on the respective links provided below to access the portal and embark on your educational journey:

Commonwealth Master Application

Click Here to Apply Online

Commonwealth PhD Application

Click Here to Apply Online

Step 2;

To finalize your application, kindly submit it through the HEC Scholarship online application portal. Please proceed by clicking on the following link: [Insert Application Portal Link]. Under the “Scholarship and Grant” menu, located in the left-hand side panel of the online portal, select “Learning Opportunities Abroad.” Your journey to seizing educational opportunities abroad begins here.

Click Here to Apply Online

Important Note

Before initiating your application, please ensure that your HEC profile is up to date with your latest email and cellphone number, along with any other relevant information. We strongly recommend completing and submitting your application well in advance of the deadline, as the online application system tends to experience high traffic in the days leading up to the cutoff.

Some important points to keep in mind:

  • Your application will only be considered if you submit both the Commonwealth Application form and the online HEC form. Ensure that all submitted applications are complete in every aspect.
  • It’s advisable to retain copies of your HEC online application and Commonwealth online application for your personal records.
  • Physical copies of your HEC application form, accompanied by the required academic documents (transcripts, foreign degree equivalence, statement of purpose, research plan/proposal, copies of CNIC, Domicile), as well as submitted Commonwealth scholarship forms (proof of a minimum of 02 references and a placement letter), can be saved for your own reference.

Please refrain from sending hard copies of your applications to HEC.

Your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines is greatly appreciated, and we wish you the best of luck with your scholarship application.

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Documents Required

To apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship in the UK for 2024, you will need to prepare the following documents:

Proof of Nationality: This can include your passport or any official document that proves your nationality and citizenship.

Educational Documents: These typically include transcripts, diplomas, or certificates that demonstrate your academic qualifications. You may need to provide documents for your undergraduate and, if applicable, postgraduate degrees.

Recommendation Letters: You will likely need online recommendation letters from individuals who can vouch for your academic or professional capabilities. These letters should ideally come from professors, supervisors, or individuals who are well-acquainted with your work and qualifications.

Statement of Purpose: A well-written statement of purpose (SOP) that outlines your academic and career goals, as well as your reasons for pursuing this scholarship and studying in the UK.

Research Plan/Research Proposal: If you’re applying for a research-oriented program, you’ll need a research plan or proposal that outlines your intended research project, its objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

Other Supporting Documents: Depending on your specific scholarship program and the university you’re applying to, there may be additional documents required. These could include proof of language proficiency, proof of work experience, or any other documents mentioned in the application guidelines.

Be sure to review the specific requirements of the Commonwealth Scholarship you’re applying for, as these may vary depending on the program and your chosen field of study. It’s also essential to meet all the deadlines and submit a complete application to enhance your chances of success. Good luck with your application!

Benefits

The UK Commonwealth Scholarship is a comprehensive fully funded scholarship program for international students to study in the UK. It covers the following essential expenses:

Approved Airfare: The scholarship includes the cost of airfare from your home country to the UK and return at the end of your award.

Tuition Fees: Your approved tuition fees at the UK institution will be covered, ensuring you have access to quality education.

Stipend (Living Allowance): You will receive a monthly stipend to cover your living expenses. The stipend rate is £1,116 per month, or £1,369 if you’re studying at a university in the London metropolitan area.

Warm Clothing Allowance: In cases where it’s applicable, a warm clothing allowance is provided to help you adapt to the UK’s climate.

Study Travel Grants: You’ll receive study travel grants to assist with the cost of travel related to your studies, whether within the UK or overseas.

Family Allowances: Depending on your circumstances and the specific scholarship program, there may be allowances available to support your family members.

These benefits ensure that you can fully focus on your studies and make the most of your educational experience in the UK. It’s a remarkable opportunity for international students pursuing higher education.

For Official Announcement

Click Here to See the Official Announcement

Source: HEC Pakistan

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HEC HAT Test for Commonwealth Scholarship 2023

HEC would conduct the HAT test for shortlisting and selecting the students for the final selection to study in UK. HAT test would be consist of as following

How to Prepare for HAT test?

Click Here to see the Details and Materials

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