Commonwealth Scholarship 2027–28 for Pakistanis: HEC Deadline, Eligibility and HAT Requirement
Quick facts
- Levels: master’s and PhD in the UK
- Nominating body in Pakistan: Higher Education Commission (HEC)
- HEC deadline: 20 October 2026
- Test: HAT score of at least 60/100 (test taken on or after 25 October 2024)
- Age limit: none
- Apply at: hec.gov.pk (Scholarships section)
The Commonwealth Scholarship is one of the best ways for Pakistani graduates to study in the UK without paying anything. It is funded by the UK government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), and in Pakistan the HEC shortlists and nominates candidates. Applications for the 2027–28 academic year are open, and the HEC deadline is 20 October 2026.
What the scholarship covers
Commonwealth Scholarships are fully funded. Awards normally include:
- Full tuition fees
- Return economy airfare to the UK
- A monthly living allowance (stipend)
- A warm clothing allowance, where applicable
- A thesis grant towards printing and binding
- Study travel grant for fieldwork (some PhD awards)
Eligibility requirements
For master’s applicants
- Pakistani or AJK national, or permanent resident of Pakistan/AJK
- A first-division bachelor’s degree equal to at least 16 years of education
- HAT score of at least 60 out of 100
For PhD applicants
- A first-division master’s, MS or MPhil degree (17–18 years of education)
- No second or third division in your most recent degree
- HAT score of at least 60 out of 100
Who cannot apply
- Dual nationals
- Anyone who has not taken an eligible HAT. A HAT taken for admission to a Pakistani university is not accepted; you need HAT-I, HAT-II, HAT-III or HAT-IV taken on or after 25 October 2024.
There is no upper age limit, which makes this a good option for mid-career professionals.
The HAT requirement explained
HAT (Higher Education Aptitude Test) is conducted by the Education Testing Council (ETC) of HEC. There are four versions, based on your field:
| Test | Fields |
|---|---|
| HAT-I | Engineering and technology |
| HAT-II | Management sciences and business |
| HAT-III | Arts and humanities, social sciences |
| HAT-IV | Natural, physical, agricultural and biological sciences |
If you do not yet have a valid score, check the ETC schedule straight away. The test result must be ready before you complete your HEC application.
How to apply, step by step
- Create an account on the HEC e-portal and complete your profile with education records, CNIC and contact details.
- Select the Commonwealth Scholarship 2027–28 from the list of open scholarships.
- Upload documents: degrees, transcripts, HAT result card, CNIC and a recent photo. Degrees should be attested as HEC asks.
- Choose your UK course and universities. Research them carefully, because your choice should match your field and career plan.
- Submit before 20 October 2026. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
- If HEC shortlists you, you will be asked to apply through the CSC’s own online system and write development-focused statements.
- Final selection is made by the CSC in the UK, usually in the spring and summer of the following year.
How to make your application stronger
- Show development impact. The CSC asks how your study will help Pakistan. Link your research or course to a real need, such as water management, public health, climate resilience or education quality.
- Pick courses that clearly match your past studies. A big jump in field without a clear reason weakens your case.
- For PhD applicants: contact potential supervisors in the UK early and refine your research proposal with their input.
- Check every document. Missing attestation or a wrong HAT version is one of the most common reasons for rejection.
Commonwealth vs Chevening: which one?
| Commonwealth | Chevening | |
|---|---|---|
| Levels | Master’s and PhD | One-year master’s only |
| Work experience | Not required for most awards | Two years minimum |
| Test | HAT 60+ (in Pakistan) | No Chevening test; university’s English requirement |
| Applied through | HEC, then CSC | Chevening portal directly |
You can apply for both in the same year. Read our Chevening guide for details.
Frequently asked questions
Is IELTS required at the HEC stage?
HEC’s stage focuses on academic record and HAT. UK universities will require proof of English, usually IELTS, before you can join.
Can I apply with a second-division degree?
No. Your relevant degree must be first division, and PhD applicants must not have a second or third division in their most recent degree.
Is there a fee?
HEC may charge a small processing fee; check the advertisement. The CSC does not charge any application fee.
Sources: Higher Education Commission, Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK. Last checked: October 2026.
