The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced applications for a fully funded six-month research fellowship in China under the Academic Collaboration Program of the CPEC Consortium of Universities. The initiative aims to strengthen academic and research collaboration between Pakistan and China while providing Pakistani scholars with international research exposure.
The fellowship is open to full-time MS, MPhil, and PhD students enrolled at HEC recognized universities across Pakistan. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to conduct research at Chinese universities and laboratories for up to six months, gaining access to advanced research facilities and international academic networks.
According to HEC, applicants must be Pakistani or AJK nationals, enrolled as full-time students, and working on an approved research topic directly related to their degree. Both the applicant’s Pakistani university and the proposed Chinese host institution must be members of the CPEC Consortium of Universities.
For PhD applicants, eligibility requires completion of coursework, at least 18 months of enrollment, and active participation in the research phase. Applicants must also have an approved research synopsis and should not have exceeded three-and-a-half years in their PhD program by the application deadline.
MS and MPhil students must have completed a minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework and be in the thesis or research stage with an approved research topic.
A key requirement of the fellowship is securing an official invitation or acceptance letter from a supervisor at a Chinese university, research institute, or laboratory that is a member of the CPEC Consortium of Universities.
HEC has identified several priority research areas for the fellowship, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, robotics, renewable energy, climate change, water management, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health sciences, infrastructure, transport, economics, trade, Chinese studies, and CPEC-related research.
Applicants are required to submit a single PDF containing all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, enrollment certificate, approved research synopsis, research statement, acceptance letter from the Chinese host supervisor, recommendation letter from the local supervisor, and other supporting documents.
The online application process opened on July 26, 2026, and the last date to apply is August 14, 2026. HEC has advised applicants to complete the online application carefully and ensure that the final application status shows “Submitted,” as applications left in “Saved” status will not be considered.
