The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has opened applications for Batch 60 of the International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP), offering Pakistani and AJK PhD students a six-month research opportunity abroad.
Applications are open until October 30, 2026. The program is available to full-time PhD students enrolled at HEC-recognized universities in Pakistan who meet the required academic and research criteria.
Eligible applicants must have completed at least 18 credit hours of PhD coursework and between 18 months and 3.5 years of PhD studies. For Batch 60, candidates should have enrolled between Spring 2023 and Spring 2025. They must also have passed the GAT Subject Test or their university’s admission test, while their research topic and synopsis must be approved.
Applicants are required to secure an official acceptance or invitation letter from a university, research institute or laboratory in a developed country that meets HEC’s requirements. The proposed foreign supervisor must be a full-time faculty member at the level of Assistant Professor or above.
HEC will provide financial support for the six-month research stay, including an economy-class return air ticket of up to $1,300. Monthly living allowances vary by destination, with scholars going to the United States eligible for up to $1,500 per month and those travelling to the United Kingdom eligible for up to £750 per month.
Applicants must submit the required documents, including the foreign host’s acceptance letter, supervisor’s HEC proforma and CV, approved research synopsis, and recommendation letter from their local PhD supervisor.
Eligible candidates can apply through the HEC scholarship portal before the October 30 deadline. Applicants should ensure their application status shows “Submitted,” as applications left in “Saved” status will not be considered.
