The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has invited applications for a six-month research fellowship in China under the Academic Collaboration program of the CPEC Consortium of Universities.
The opportunity is aimed at full-time MS, MPhil and PhD scholars enrolled at recognised universities in Pakistan. It will allow selected researchers to work at Chinese universities and laboratories, gain international research experience and develop academic links between Pakistan and China.
What the Fellowship Offers
The official call describes the research fellowship as fully funded and allows selected scholars to conduct part of their degree research in China for up to six months.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be:
- Pakistani or AJK nationals
- Enrolled as full-time MS, MPhil or PhD scholars
- Studying at an HEC-recognised Pakistani university
- Working on an approved research topic
- Enrolled throughout the application, selection and research period
The proposed work in China must be directly connected to the applicant’s degree research and should be achievable within six months.
Both the applicant’s Pakistani university and the proposed Chinese host university must be members of the CPEC Consortium of Universities.
Requirements for PhD Scholars
PhD applicants must have completed their required coursework and should be in the research stage of their degree.
They must have completed at least 18 months of enrolment and should not have exceeded three-and-a-half years in their PhD program by the closing date.
Their research topic and synopsis must be approved by the Board of Advanced Studies and Research, Directorate of Advanced Studies and Research, or an equivalent university body.
Requirements for MS and MPhil Scholars
MS and MPhil applicants must have completed at least 18 credit hours of coursework.
They should be in the thesis or research stage, with their research topic approved by the relevant university, department or academic body.
Acceptance Letter From China
Applicants must obtain an official invitation or acceptance letter from a supervisor at a Chinese university, research institute or laboratory.
The host institution must be part of the CPEC Consortium of Universities. The acceptance letter should clearly identify the host supervisor and proposed research placement.
Priority Research Areas
HEC will give priority to research proposals in national and emerging fields, including:
- Artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science
- Cybersecurity, robotics and automation
- Water management, climate change and environmental engineering
- Renewable energy and green technologies
- Advanced manufacturing and material sciences
- Agriculture, food security and biotechnology
- Infrastructure, transport and logistics
- Health and life sciences
- Economics, trade, Chinese studies and CPEC-related research
Applicants from related disciplines may also apply when their proposed research matches the program objectives.
Documents Required
Applicants must upload the required documents as one combined PDF file, including:
- CNIC and proof of Pakistani or AJK nationality
- Current full-time enrolment certificate
- Matric and intermediate certificates
- Bachelor’s and master’s degrees and transcripts
- Approved research topic and synopsis
- Research statement explaining the feasibility and future use of the work
- Official acceptance or invitation letter from the Chinese host supervisor
- CV of the Chinese supervisor
- HEC foreign university acceptance proforma
- Applicant’s updated CV
- Recommendation letter from the local supervisor
How to Apply
Eligible candidates must visit the official HEC program page and open the online application form provided for the fellowship.
Applicants should complete all required sections and upload the supporting documents in a single PDF file. They must check that the final application status is shown as “Submitted.” Applications left in “Saved” status will be treated as incomplete.
A hard copy is not required at the initial application stage. HEC may ask selected candidates to submit a signed printed application and supporting documents later.
Application Deadline
The online application form opened on July 26, 2026.
The last date to apply for the HEC six-month research fellowship in China is August 14, 2026.
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