HEC Changes Deadline for Commonwealth Scholarships: New Date Announced 2025. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has officially extended the deadline for Commonwealth Scholarships 2025, moving it from October 14 to October 21, 2025. This update gives Pakistani and AJK students an extra week to perfect their applications for one of the most prestigious international study opportunities.
The HEC Commonwealth Scholarship 2025 is designed for talented students aspiring to pursue Master’s or PhD studies in the United Kingdom (UK) under the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC). The new deadline aims to accommodate applicants struggling with documentation, research proposals, or supervisor approvals.
About the HEC Commonwealth Scholarships 2025
The Commonwealth Scholarships, funded by the UK government, provide financial support to students from developing countries within the Commonwealth to study in the UK. The HEC, as Pakistan’s nominating agency, shortlists and forwards eligible applications to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC-UK) for final selection.
For 2025, Pakistan has been allocated 56 nominations:
- 26 seats for Master’s programs
- 30 seats for PhD studies
This distribution ensures equal access to postgraduate opportunities, allowing scholars to contribute to Pakistan’s academic and economic development once they return.
Why HEC Extended the Deadline
According to the HEC notification, many students requested additional time due to delays in:
- Collecting transcripts and NOCs
- Finalizing research proposals and recommendation letters
- Uploading documents to both HEC e-portal and CSC Electronic Application System (EAS)
Hence, HEC extended the submission deadline to October 21, 2025, providing relief to students who were close to missing the previous cutoff.
New HEC Commonwealth Scholarship Deadline:
October 21, 2025 (Tuesday)
Applies to both CSC and HEC portals
Eligibility Criteria for HEC Commonwealth Scholarships 2025
To ensure transparency and merit, the HEC and CSC have jointly established strict eligibility rules. Below is the updated eligibility table:
| Category | Eligibility Details (2025) |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be a Pakistani or AJK permanent resident. Dual nationality not accepted. |
| Academic Record | No 2nd or 3rd division in the final degree. Minimum First Division or equivalent CGPA required. |
| Education Level | For Master’s: 16 years of education (BS/BA/MA/MSc). For PhD: 17 – 18 years (MS/MPhil). |
| HAT Test | Minimum 60 out of 100 in HAT (Higher Education Aptitude Test) under categories I – IV. |
| CSC/UK Conditions | Applicants must begin studies in the UK by Sept/Oct 2026. PhD candidates require a supervisor’s statement of support from a UK university. Applicants already enrolled in a PhD program are not eligible. |
These standards reflect the CSC’s commitment to selecting highly qualified and research-oriented candidates.
Documents Required for Application
Before submitting your applications to both portals, make sure the following documents are ready in scanned PDF format:
- Valid CNIC or passport
- Latest academic transcripts and degrees
- HAT test result card
- Two reference letters (academic/professional)
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement
- Supervisor’s consent letter (PhD only)
- NOC from employer (if applicable)
- HEC Online Application Form printout
Tip: Rename each file clearly (e.g., Transcript_BS.pdf, Reference_Letter1.pdf) to avoid confusion during upload.
How to Apply for HEC Commonwealth Scholarships 2025
Applicants must submit two online applications — one on the CSC (UK) portal and another on the HEC e-portal. Both must be completed before October 21, 2025.
Step 1: Apply Through CSC Electronic Application System (EAS)
- Visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website (cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk).
- Create an account and choose HEC as your nominating agency.
- Complete sections including personal info, academic background, development impact, and career plans.
- Upload all required documents and references.
- Submit the application and note your EAS reference number.
Step 2: Apply Through HEC Online Portal
- Go to the HEC e-portal: https://eportal.hec.gov.pk
- Register under “Learning Opportunities Abroad (LOA)”.
- Select “Commonwealth Scholarships (UK).”
- Fill out all required fields and upload your documents and HAT score.
- Pay the HEC processing fee (usually via Habib Bank Ltd. or HEC payment gateway).
- Submit the form and print the confirmation slip.
Important: Failing to submit either the HEC or CSC application will automatically disqualify your candidacy.
Benefits of the Deadline Extension
The deadline extension is not just a time buffer—it’s a golden opportunity. Here’s why:
Advantages for Applicants
- Extra time to finalize academic and professional documents.
- Improved proposal quality with more time for revisions.
- Less stress for students in remote areas where internet or verification delays occur.
- Chance to coordinate with UK supervisors for PhD proposals.
- Avoid last-minute submission errors or incomplete uploads.
But Remember:
- The extension does not change the eligibility requirements.
- The competition remains highly merit-based.
- Applicants must meet both HEC and CSC deadlines.
Tips to Strengthen Your Commonwealth Scholarship Application
To stand out among thousands of applicants, follow these expert tips before October 21 2025:
1. Start Early
Begin document preparation and portal registration at least one week before the deadline.
2. Score High in HAT Test
A strong HAT score significantly boosts your ranking. Use HEC-recommended preparation materials.
3. Draft a Powerful Personal Statement
Show your motivation, leadership potential, and contribution to Pakistan’s socio-economic goals.
4. Write a Research Proposal (PhD)
Focus on a development-linked topic that aligns with UK universities and Pakistan’s priorities.
5. Secure Reference Letters Early
Approach your professors and supervisors at least two weeks before submission.
6. Contact a UK Supervisor (for PhD)
A confirmed supervisor increases your chances of nomination. Use university websites and email faculty politely.
7. Proofread Everything
Avoid typos, formatting errors, and incomplete uploads. Review your application carefully before submission.
What Expenses Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Commonwealth Scholarship 2025 is fully funded, offering:
| Benefit | Coverage Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Fully covered by CSC UK |
| Monthly Stipend | £1,347 – £1,652 depending on location |
| Airfare | Return ticket to/from the UK |
| Thesis Grant | Support for dissertation costs |
| Warm Clothing Allowance | For students in colder UK regions |
| Family Allowance | For accompanying spouse/children (subject to approval) |
HEC and CSC Selection Process
The process ensures only the most qualified candidates are nominated:
- Initial Screening by HEC:
Verification of academic records, HAT scores, and eligibility. - Shortlisting:
HEC nominates candidates based on merit and provincial representation. - CSC Final Evaluation:
Review of applications, references, and research proposals. - Final Announcement:
Selected candidates are informed via HEC and CSC websites around March–April 2026.
Important Reminders for Applicants
- Submit both applications before October 21, 2025.
- Use correct email addresses—HEC will contact you only through official emails.
- Keep digital copies of all documents in backup drives.
- Avoid applying through agents or third-party consultants. HEC does not authorize intermediaries.
- Read HEC’s FAQs and instructions before submission to avoid disqualification.
FAQs
1. What is the new deadline for HEC Commonwealth Scholarships 2025?
The new submission deadline for both HEC and CSC portals is October 21, 2025.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the HEC Commonwealth Scholarship?
Applicants must be Pakistani or AJK permanent residents with a first-class academic record, holding 16–18 years of education, and a minimum HAT score of 60.
3. Do I need to submit applications on both HEC and CSC portals?
Yes, submitting applications on both portals is mandatory; missing one results in automatic disqualification.
4. Is the Commonwealth Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition fees, airfare, living allowance, thesis grant, and other essential costs for study in the UK.
5. When will the results be announced?
Final nominations are typically published by HEC and CSC between March and April 2026.
Conclusion
The HEC deadline extension for Commonwealth Scholarships 2025 offers students a valuable opportunity to strengthen their applications and finalize pending documents. However, this extra week comes with responsibility applicants must meet all HEC and CSC requirements and submit both online forms by October 21, 2025.
