The Commonwealth Scholarship Programme 2027–28 is offering fully funded opportunities for eligible Pakistani and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) nationals to pursue Master’s and PhD study at universities in the United Kingdom. The programme is offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), with Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) serving as the national nominating agency. The scholarships are designed to support talented candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries who would otherwise face financial barriers to studying in the UK. For the 2027–28 academic year, the scholarships support full-time taught Master’s and PhD programmes beginning in September or October 2027. HEC will conduct the national nomination process, while the final selection of scholarship recipients will be made by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Scholarship Opportunities For this intake, HEC has announced 26 nominations for Master’s scholarships and 30 nominations for General PhD scholarships. The scholarships are offered under six Commonwealth development themes: Science and technology for development; Strengthening health systems and capacity; Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship; Strengthening global peace, security and governance; Strengthening resilience and response to crises; and Access, inclusion and opportunity. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their proposed studies relate to development challenges and how the knowledge and skills gained through the scholarship can contribute to development in Pakistan. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must satisfy the eligibility requirements established by both HEC and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. For the HEC nomination process, applicants must be Pakistani or AJ&K nationals and permanent residents of Pakistan/AJ&K. Dual nationals are not eligible, and there is no upper age limit for the scholarship. For Master’s study, applicants must hold a first-division 16-year Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field. PhD applicants must hold a first-division 17- or 18-year Master’s, MS or MPhil degree in a relevant field. Applicants must not have a Second or Third Division in their terminal or latest degree. Result-awaiting candidates may apply, provided they obtain and submit their final degree and transcript before the academic session begins in August/September 2027. Applicants must also meet the separate CSC eligibility requirements for the relevant scholarship category. HAT Test Requirement All applicants are required to provide a valid Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) score of at least 60 out of 100. Only HAT-I, HAT-II, HAT-III and HAT-IV categories are accepted for the Commonwealth scholarship nomination process. HAT tests conducted for Pakistani university admissions are not applicable. Applicants who do not have a valid HAT score or wish to improve their score may register for an eligible upcoming HAT test. HEC states that the test scheduled for 25 October 2026, subject to the tentative schedule, is eligible for the nomination process. Where results are released after the application deadline, applicants do not need to enter the score manually; HEC will automatically add the valid test score after results are announced. Application Deadline Applicants must complete both the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and HEC application processes by the applicable deadline. CSC application deadline: 20 October 2026 at 4:00 PM BSTHEC application deadline: 20 October 2026 at 4:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time The expected nomination period is December 2026, with scholarship results expected in July 2027. Successful scholars are expected to begin their studies in the UK in September/October 2027. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. How to Apply Applicants must complete two separate online applications. First, applicants must submit an application through the appropriate Commonwealth Scholarship Commission online application system, selecting the relevant Master’s or PhD scholarship. Second, applicants must apply through the HEC online scholarship portal. After registering and completing their profile, applicants should select “Learning Opportunities Abroad”, complete the application and submit it online. Applicants should ensure that their HEC profile contains their current email address, mobile number and other relevant information. They are encouraged to submit applications early because online systems may experience heavy traffic near the deadline. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY Selection and Important Notes HEC will shortlist and nominate candidates according to its prescribed eligibility and merit criteria. HEC states that merit will be determined strictly on the basis of HAT scores, subject to any changes in the applicable merit criteria. Where applicants have identical HAT scores, the percentage obtained in the latest completed degree will be considered. HEC nomination does not guarantee a Commonwealth Scholarship, as final selection is made by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. HEC also states that female applicants are encouraged to apply and that the female nomination ratio will be a minimum of 45%. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that both applications are successfully submitted before the deadline. No hard copies should be sent to HEC unless specifically requested. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.