Pakistan Higher Education Commission Is Accepting Applications For Fully Funded PhD International Fellowship

Students enrolled in full-time PhD programs at provisionally chartered universities of Punjab are eligible to apply for the six-month International Research Support Fellowship 2023 from the Punjab Higher Education Commission. It is a fully funded non-degree program. This IRSF six-month research program is designed to provide first-hand experience in research to highly motivated Pakistani PhD students in various countries abroad. This opportunity will allow Pakistani PhD students to carry out their research in relevant fields (Humanities & management sciences and science & technology) with international experts in universities ranked in top 200 QS universities. 

Facts about International Research Fellowship Program

PHEC International Research Fellowship Objectives

The following are the objectives of the Punjab Higher Education Commission IRSF 2023 six-month research program:

• It will enhance the Pakistan’s doctoral research quality.

• Pakistani PhD students will work with the international experts and will bring back best research practices.

• Pakistani PhD students will be able to conduct their researches in top ranked renowned universities abroad.

• It will also broaden the doctoral students' research networks and future collaboration opportunities.

• It will also spread the information about research in Pakistan.

PHEC International Research Fellowship Grant Provision

International Research Support Fellowship program will the grant funding to Pakistani PhD students to cover the bench fee, return airfare and will provide a living stipend every month but within a limit. The individual is responsible for covering any costs that go beyond the specified limit.  

• Bench Fee: up to Rs. 250,000/- will be awarded only if demanded in the acceptance letter before the admission.

• Return Air ticket: Maximum Rs. 130,000/- will be granted for a return air ticket.

• Monthly Stipend: Monthly stipend will be awarded for different countries is given as under:

International Research Fellowship Program Eligibility Criteria

• A candidates must have a domicile from any district of Punjab.

• Maximum age allowed for this programs is 45 years.

• A candidate must be enrolled in a PhD program in any public or private sector university of Punjab and should have completed coursework.

• A PhD student can apply after minimum 1.5 years of enrollment and maximum of up to 3.5 years in a PhD program.

• Must have passed the comprehensive examination (as required by the university)

• Ph.D. synopsis/research proposal must be approved by the Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR) or equivalent statutory body of the university.

• A valid acceptance letter from a foreign supervisor or university that is ranked among the top 200 QS World Universities general ranking 2022

How To Apply For International Research Fellowship Program

PHEC requires three copies of the following mentioned application set. Ring, spiral, or another type of binding is required for each set. The application sets must properly label (tag) all annexures. Applications that do not adhere to the above list and do not include the appropriate binding and annexures will not be considered.

• Candidates can apply online and can also send their dully filled application along with the required documents to Punjab higher education commission office before the deadline.

• For online application candidates must sign up for the IRSF account through the link. 

• After creating the account, candidates will be directed to application form automatically.

Required Documents For PhD Fellowship 

Provided all the asked details and upload the following documents:

• Acceptance Letter(s) from the respective Foreign University arranged in order of preference.

• Recommendation letter from Local PhD supervisor on university letterhead signed by the head of departments or dean of the faculty.

• NOC and Study Leave from the department or organization (if employed)

• CV(s) of proposed foreign supervisor(s) (not more than 2 pages for each CV)

• BASR approval which is showing the approved PhD research topic & synopsis

• A complete PhD thesis synopsis

• Copy of valid passport

• Copy of valid domicile

• Copies of academic documents including Ph.D. comprehensive examination result and coursework transcript showing credit hours and obtained grades in each course

• Foreign University Acceptance Letter for IRSF by a Foreign Supervisor. This form must be filled in and signed by Foreign Supervisor

International Research Fellowship Important Instructions

• The selected candidates will be required to sign a bond with PHEC in order to return to their parent universities and complete their PhD studies. Witness’s official seals and CNIC copies will be required required.

• The applicant must have secured admission in his or her relevant field of study.

• The selected candidates must use the scholarship within six months of the award letter's issuance, or earlier, and/or on any date specified by PHEC;

• PHEC reserves the right to postpone or cancel the scholarship at any stage without assigning any reason, and

• The Punjab Higher Education Commission will monitor the fellows' progress.

• Any costs beyond the defined limit will be paid by the individual.

• Additional requirements for study leave and NOC will apply, in case of government employment.