Introduction

The scheme envisages the following programs in different fields:

• PhD Program
• Split-Site Doctoral Scholarship Program
• Post Doctoral Fellowship Studies

Applications are invited, through HEC, from Pakistani/AJK nationals, fulfilling eligibility criteria on or before close of the deadlines etc.

The objectives of the scheme are:

1. To combine academic excellence with the desire to make a real difference in some of the world's poorest countries.
2. To establish the standards for selection of scholars between the developing and developed countries by involving both home and host country.
3. To stimulate research and development activities in developing countries of the world.
4. To provide the highly professional environment to the scholars from all over the world.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria for Ph.D Scholarship Program

1. Should not have obtained below 50% marks in their entire academic career (e.g SSC, HSC, BA/BSc, Masters etc)
2. Should have obtained at least 60% or above marks in Masters (e.g. MA/MSc or other 16 years of Masters Education) or in Professional degrees e.g. BE/BSc Engineering, MBBS, BDS, LLB, MBA or equivalent.
3. Should be under 40 years of age as on 31-10-2007.
4. Be available to join the scholarship program in United Kingdom by 1st October, 2008.

Selection is to be made on the basis of following criteria

1. The academic record.
2. Potential of the candidate.
3. The quality of the proposal.
4. Development impact of work proposed in Pakistan.

Duration of the Scholarship = 12-36 months.

Description of Scholarship

1. *The Applicant should be nominated by their VCs (or equivalent) / their Executive heads of employing institutions, which they will join back after completion of studies, etc.
2. Applicants having completed M. Phil will be preferred.
3. Applicants with Business, Management, Economics and other related fields should note that number of universities require GMAT or GRE score, for admission.
4. Applicants possessing valid test score equal to or above 50, obtained in NTS-GAT Tests, held for HEC Scholarships, on or before 31st October, 2007, may also apply.

   *In response to many queries it is hereby explained that;

   1. Signature & Stamp of VC of University / Head of Institute or Executive heads of their employing institutions (whichever is applicable), where the applicant is currently employed, is a mandatory requirement, obtained on the first page of Commonwealth UK Application Form.
   2. The applicant should, at present be, an employee of that institute /organization / university & is allowed by them, to go abroad for studies, and is under an agreement with them to join back the same institute, after completion of his/her studies.

Eligibility Criteria for Split-Site Doctoral Research Program

1. Should be registered in a doctoral program, at their home university, and intend to undertake a period of study in a UK University, as an integral part of their home PhD program.
2. Should not have obtained below 50% marks in entire academic career (SSC, HSC, BA/BSc, Masters)
3. Should have obtained at least 60% or above marks in Masters (MA/MSc or other 16 years of education) or in professional degrees e.g. BE/B.Sc Engineering, MBBS, LLB, MBA or equivalent.
4. Be under 40 years of age as on 31-10-2007.
5. Be available to join the scholarship program in United Kingdom by 1st October, 2008.

Duration of the Scholarship = 12 months.

1. 12 months non-degree study in the Untied Kingdom on split-site basis, to aid the completion of a doctoral degree undertaken at nominating university in Pakistan.
2. Applications be made in the context of department/institutional link with a UK University, already in operation or under negotiation.
3. Applicants possessing valid test score equal to or above 50, obtained in NTS-GAT Tests, held for HEC Scholarships, on or before 31st October, 2007, may also apply.

Eligibility Criteria for Post Doctoral Fellowship Program

1. Holding a Doctorate degree.
2. Have been employed for at least five years as an academic staff member of the nominating university in their home country.
3. In the field of medicine and dentistry, have held a consultancy or equivalent post for at least five years.
4. Be under 45 years of age as on 31-10-2007.
5. Be available to join the scholarship program in United Kingdom by 1st October, 2008.

Duration of the Scholarship = 06 months.

Details of the scholarship

1. I. Awards are tenable at any approved UK University or Higher Education institution for skill updating research and academic collaboration, etc, for a fix period of six (06) months only.
2. Eligible Medical doctors or dentists (if selected) may obtain six (06) months clinical training in medicine or dentistry. General Medical Council UK currently required applicants for limited registration to score a minimum of 7.0 in all four parts of the academic IELTS test.
3. The Applicant should be nominated by their VCs (or equivalent) / their Executive heads of employing institutions, which they will join back after completion of studies, etc.

Merit Evaluation Formula

Detailed instructions are available in the application form and also uploaded on the website, which must be read, before sending application. Reference letters should be submitted in sealed envelopes.

1. Download a) Commonwealth Application form and b) HEC Information Form (for respective scholarship program), from:
   www.hec.gov.pk/cw-uk (See how to apply).
2. Attach attested copies of all the documents and Annexure, as mentioned in the Application Form, available on the website. Documents to be attached as per checklist on the form:
   • Attach six (06) recent passport size photographs.
   • Attach six (06) copies of university/college transcript(s) and certificate(s), certified by the awarding body.
   • Attach a certified copy of birth certificate.
   • Attach certificate of English Language proficiency.
   • Attach six (06) copies of any university admission letter.
   • Attach six (06) copies of letter of acceptance from UK-supervisor( for split-side applicants).
3. All payments are to be made to HEC through HBL online facility. This facility is available in all branches of Habib Bank Ltd. A separate bank Account No. 01120050011901 is being maintained for the purpose. A proforma for depositing funds is available at the following URL: www.hec.gov.pk/payment
4. Attach portion of payment receipt (in Original), of HBL online payment facility of amount Rs. 300/- non-refundable, made in favor of HEC, Islamabad.
5. Applicants are advised to initiate their admission process simultaneously and to start making communication with UK universities/supervisors, now.
6. Attach six (6) copies of Commonwealth application Form (Five for use by Commonwealth UK, and One for use by HEC), along with all the annexure, as described in the form.
7. Attach one (01) copy of respective HEC application Form (for use by HEC)
   Incomplete forms will NOT be accepted.

How to prepare Application Package?

1. Fill one (01) copy of Commonwealth UK Application Form in original using handwriting or in computer typing. Make Five (5) photocopies of Original Application Form.
2. Fill one (01) copy of HEC Application Form in original using computer typing.
3. Put individual Application Form in a separate large size envelop, with name of the application form written on it’s the outer side of envelop. Attach required copies of Academic Documents with each of six (06) copies of Commonwealth UK Application Form.
4. Use appropriate clip/stapler to attach set of academic documents with each application form.
5. Put seven (07) envelops containing individual application forms & annexures in a large size envelop.
6. Avoid sending lose documents / annexures.
7. Reference letters should only be sent in sealed envelopes.
8. Do not forget to obtain signature, approval, and stamp of your organization’s competent authority / nominating body (which ever is applicable) on the first page of the Commonwealth UK Application Form.
9. Please be noted that preparing an appropriate application package, as per instructions, is the first step towards your journey for higher studies.
10. Send the application package before close of deadline i.e 31st October, 2007, which should be received on the same day by close of office hours, ONLY through postal mail / courier service.

Deadline for Sending Application:

Please be noted that Commonwealth UK does not accept direct applications. All nominations from Pakistan will be routed via HEC.
Kindly send the Application Forms (mentioned) for the said scholarships, following the instruction as mentioned, on or before, 31st October, 2007, to the undersigned on the address, given below

Postal Address:
Rezwana Siddiqui
Project Director (FFSP/CW-UK)
Higher Education Commission
HRD Division
Sector H-9, Islamabad

• Prospectus (PhD and Split Site Doctoral Research Program
• Download Commonwealth UK Application form for Ph.D and Split Site Doctoral Research Scholarship
• Download Prospectus for Post Doctoral Fellowships
• Download Commonwealth UK Application form for Post Doctoral Fellowships
• HEC Application Forms (PhD Program)
• HEC Application Forms (Split Site Research Program)
• HEC Application Forms (Post Doctoral Fellowships Program)