ISLAMABAD: China has announced fully funded scholarships for Pakistani students seeking to get their undergraduate, master’s, and PhD.
The Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC), under the Government of China’s flagship scholarship program, has announced 75 fully-funded scholarships exclusively for Pakistani and AJK students for the academic year 2026–27, aimed at strengthening educational cooperation between China and Pakistan.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has been authorised as the sole nominating agency responsible for screening and shortlisting eligible candidates.
Programs Offered
The newly announced scholarship covers:
- Undergraduate (Bachelor’s): 4–5 years + 1–2 years mandatory Chinese language preparatory course (unless exempted with HSK Level 3 or above)
- Master’s: 2–3 years (Chinese language preparatory year if required)
- PhD: 3–4 years (Chinese language preparatory year if required)
The scholarships are available in almost all academic disciplines offered by over 280 designated Chinese universities.
Financial Coverage
The Chinese scholarship is fully funded and includes:
- Full tuition waiver
- Free on-campus accommodation or housing subsidy
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Monthly living stipend (amount varies by study level as per CSC policy)
It is important to mention here that International airfare/travel expenses are not covered and must be borne by the awardee. HEC or the Chinese government will bear no financial liability.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a Pakistani/AJK national (dual nationality holders are ineligible)
- Must be in good physical and mental health
- Age limits: Under 25 (Bachelor’s), Under 35 (Master’s), Under 40 (PhD) as of March 1, 2026
- Minimum academic requirements:
- Bachelor’s: 12 years of education (F.A/F.Sc/A-Level/Intermediate) with minimum 70% marks or equivalent
- Master’s: 16-year Bachelor’s/Honours degree
- PhD: 18-year MS/MPhil degree
- Valid test scores required:
- Undergraduate: USAT or CSCA test (CSCA test scheduled for December 21, 2025)
- Master’s & PhD: HEC HAT (HAT-I, II, or III as applicable)
- Applicants for professional degrees (medicine, engineering, architecture, law, etc.) must ensure the program is accredited by relevant Pakistani councils (PMDC, PEC, PCATP, PBC, etc.)
Here’s how to apply
Candidates must apply on both portals:
- HEC Online Portal
- CSC Portal
Both applications must be completed and submitted before the deadline.
Required Documents (to be uploaded on both portals)
- Attested educational documents and transcripts
- Study plan (undergraduate) or research proposal (Master’s/PhD)
- Two recommendation letters (Master’s & PhD only)
- Valid passport
- Physical examination form (CSC format)
- Police clearance certificate
- Language proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL/HSK if applicable)
- Equivalence certificate (if required)
- Signed hard copy of both applications
Shortlisted candidates will later submit two sets of attested hard-copy documents to HEC.
Application Deadline
Applications submitted after the deadline or only on one portal will not be entertained.
Monday, January 5, 2026, at 4:00 PM PST.
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