This program is launched to provide exposure to our local students in order to enhance their quality of research through engaging with international experts in their field of studies. It is meant to achieve the following objectives:

• To enhance the quality of doctoral research in Pakistan
• To increase doctoral students exposure to international research in relevant disciplines and bring along the best practices in research
• To provide opportunities to doctoral students for training/ research work at advanced research facilities of top-ranked foreign universities
• To expand research network of doctoral students with foreign universities and explore opportunities for future collaboration
• To disseminate information about research in Pakistan

The eligible candidate must have:

1. Domicile from any district of Punjab
2. Maximum 45 years of age on closing date of application
3. Enrolled in a PhD program of any public/private sector university of Punjab and should have completed course work
4. Applied after 1.5 years of enrollment and maximum up to 3.5 years in PhD program
5. Passed the comprehensive examination (as per university norms)
6. PhD synopsis/research proposal approved by the Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR) or equivalent statutory body of the university
7. Valid acceptance letter from a foreign university/supervisor listed in top 200 QS World Universities General ranking of 2024

Eligible students may apply using the PHEC application form. Complete set of documents must include:

1. Duly filled application form complete in all respects. To apply online (Click Here)
2. Foreign university acceptance letter(s), in order of preference
3. CV(s) of proposed foreign supervisor(s) (not more than 02 pages for each CV)
4. BASR approval showing approved PhD research topic & synopsis
5. PhD thesis synopsis (complete)
6. Local PhD supervisor recommendation letter on local university letter head endorsed by HOD and Dean of faculty
7. NOC and Study Leave from department/organization (if employed)
8. Copy of passport
9. Copy of domicile
10. Copies of academic documents including PhD comprehensive examination result, coursework transcript showing credit hours and grades obtained in each course
11. Foreign University Acceptance Letter for IRSF by Foreign Supervisor. (This form must be filled in and duly signed by Foreign Supervisor)

03 copies of the above application set must be submitted to PHEC. Each set has to be properly bound (ring/spiral/other). All annexures to the application sets are to be properly labelled (tagged). Applications which are not in proper binding and annexures according to the above list will not be entertained.

(Application complete in all respect must reach at Punjab Higher Education Commission, 10th Floor, Arfa Software Technology Park, 346-B, Ferozepur Road, Lahore on or before August 03, 2023 at 05:00PM through registered post. Application submitted by hand will not be accepted)

The funding grant will cover the bench fee, return airfare, and a living stipend only as per the limits defined below:

  Travel

The return airfare will be admissible as per actual up to the maximum Rs. 300,000/- for return air ticket.
Travel allowance for different countries is given as under:

  Living Allowance

Living allowance for different countries is given as under:

  Bench Fee

The bench fee is only awarded if it is demanded in the acceptance letter at the time of selection. After selection any demand of fee will not be accepted. The bench fee will be paid up to Rs. 500,000/- only.

Following are the terms & conditions of the award of fellowship and the acceptance of the award is an acknowledgement of these obligations:

1. The applicant must have secured admission in his/her relevant field of studies
2. The selected candidates will be required to enter into a bond with PHEC to return and complete their PhD studies at their parent universities. CNIC copies and official seals of witnesses are mandatory
3. The selected candidates shall avail the scholarship within six-month from the date of issuance of award letter or earlier, and/or any such date as specified by PHEC; otherwise the award will be cancelled automatically without intimation
4. The Punjab Higher Education Commission would monitor the progress of the fellows
5. Any cost beyond the defined limit shall be paid by the fellow him/herself
6. In case of government employees, additional requirement of study leave and NOC would apply
7. PHEC reserves the right to postpone or cancel the scholarship at any stage without assigning any reason

• International Research Support Fellowship (IRSF)
• Extension of date of International Research Support Fellowship (IRSF)

For any further information about the program please contact:
Director (HRD)
Punjab Higher Education Commission
Arfa Software Technology Park, 346-B, Ferozepur Road, Lahore, Ph: 042-99231903