HEC Changes Deadline for Commonwealth Scholarships. In a welcome development for many hopeful candidates, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has extended the deadline for submissions of the Commonwealth Scholarships 2025–26.
Previously set for October 14, the new cut-off is now October 21. This extension gives prospective applicants extra time to polish their applications and meet eligibility requirements.
What Is the Commonwealth Scholarship Programme?
The Commonwealth Scholarships, funded by the British government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), aim to support postgraduate education for students from developing nations. These scholarships are awarded annually across various Commonwealth member countries and provide comprehensive financial support to selected students.
Under the HEC-managed scheme, Pakistan is allocated 56 seats in total: 26 for Master’s level and 30 for PhD candidates. Applicants from Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) are eligible to apply, provided they satisfy both HEC and CSC criteria.
Why Did HEC Extend the Deadline?
The HEC’s decision to shift the deadline reflects a recognition of the logistical and administrative challenges many candidates face while assembling complex scholarship applications.
Documents like transcripts, reference letters, research proposals, and HAT (Higher Education Commission Aptitude Test) scores are essential parts of the submission package—and delays in one component could jeopardize an otherwise strong candidacy.
By extending the deadline, HEC offers a lifeline to those who may have still been acquiring required documents, securing recommendations, or finalizing their proposals. It also reduces pressure on students who might otherwise rush incomplete or lower-quality applications.
Eligibility Criteria: What You Need to Know
To qualify for the Commonwealth Scholarship through HEC, applicants must fulfill both HEC-specific and CSC (UK) requirements:
HEC Requirements
- Must be a Pakistani or AJK national and a permanent resident. Dual nationals are not eligible.
- No second or third division in the terminal (last) degree; first division is mandatory.
- For a Master’s degree, require 16 years of education (e.g. BS, MA/MSc, or equivalent).
- For a PhD, require 17 or 18 years of education (MS/MPhil/PhD) in the relevant field by the application deadline.
- Applicants must have a HAT test score of at least 60 out of 100, taken in the general categories I–IV.
- Merit ranking will be based strictly on HAT score.
CSC (UK) / Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Requirements
- Be able to commence UK studies by September/October 2026.
- Scholarships generally do not support a second UK Master’s degree, unless a compelling justification is provided.
- Submit full academic transcripts (with certified translation if not in English), along with at least two references.
- PhD candidates must provide a supporting statement from a prospective UK supervisor (from one of the institutions named in the application) and must not already be registered in a PhD/MPhil program in Pakistan or the UK.
- Applicants must demonstrate inability to fund their UK studies independently.
Documents and Nominations
After the nomination phase, applicants must submit several sets of documents. These typically include:
- HEC’s “Foreign Student Information Sheet”
- All academic certificates and transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or other recognized certificate)
- Recent photographs
- Copy of passport
- Nomination letter from the home (nominating) country
- NOC from the nominating agency for studying abroad
Once nominations are forwarded, selected applicants proceed toward final endorsement and visa procedures.
How to Apply: Step by Step
To successfully apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship, candidates must follow a two-tier application process:
- CSC (UK) Online Application
Applicants fill out the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s Electronic Application System (EAS). This application includes academic records, personal statements, development impact statements, research proposals (for PhD), and referee details. - HEC Online Application
In parallel, candidates must apply through the HEC e-portal under the “Learning Opportunities Abroad” scheme. Applicants must upload supporting documents, enter their HAT scores, and submit necessary attachments before the deadline.
It is crucial to submit both applications by the deadline — incomplete or late submissions are automatically disqualified.
Impact of the Deadline Change
The extension to October 21 offers significant relief to students in this rigorous process:
- More time to collect, verify, and finalize documents
- Opportunity to improve application quality (research proposals, personal statements, references)
- Reduced likelihood of last-minute errors or omissions
- Better inclusivity for those in remote areas or with slower document processing
However, the extension does not relax eligibility criteria or reduce competition. Students must still meet all requirements and achieve high rankings based on HAT performance and academic merit.
Tips for Applicants (Before the Deadline)
- Prepare early: begin gathering transcripts, recommendation letters, passport copy, etc.
- Register for HAT test well in advance and aim for a strong score (≥ 60)
- Draft and refine your statement / proposal; seek feedback
- Reach out early to prospective UK supervisors (for PhD)
- Double-check all parts of your CSC and HEC applications before submission
- Keep backup digital copies of all documents
- Monitor HEC and CSC websites for any further updates or clarifications
Conclusion
The HEC’s decision to extend the deadline for Commonwealth Scholarship applications is a positive move—giving deserving students additional breathing room to submit polished, complete applications. However, this extension should not be mistaken for an easing of requirements. Applicants must still meet all eligibility standards, prepare carefully, and submit both CSC and HEC applications within the new deadline.
