Commonwealth Master's Scholarships 2027/28 – UK

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has invited applications from eligible Pakistani and AJ&K nationals for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for the 2027/28 academic year.

The scholarship is offered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the United Kingdom, while HEC Pakistan acts as the national nominating agency.

The scholarship supports full-time taught Master’s study at a UK university for talented candidates who may not otherwise be able to afford postgraduate study in the UK.

For Pakistani applicants, 26 Master’s nominations are available under this programme. HEC will shortlist and nominate eligible candidates according to its prescribed criteria. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission will make the final selection.

Important: HEC nomination does not guarantee the award of a scholarship. Final selection is made by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

Who Can Apply for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship?

Applicants applying through HEC must meet the required nationality, residency, academic and HAT requirements.

Nationality and Residency

Applicants must be:

• A Pakistani national, or

• An AJ&K national

• A permanent resident of Pakistan or AJ&K

Dual nationals are not eligible.

There is no upper age limit for this scholarship.

Master’s Degree Requirement

Applicants must have:

• A 16-year Bachelor’s degree

• A first division

• A degree in the relevant field of study

The applicant's latest or terminal degree must not contain a Second or Third Division.

Can Result-Awaiting Students Apply?

Yes. Students whose final results are still awaited may apply.

However, they must obtain and submit their final degree and transcript before the academic session begins in August/September 2027.

HAT Test Requirement for Commonwealth Scholarship

The HEC HAT test is an important requirement for applicants applying through HEC.

Applicants must have a minimum:

HAT score: 60 out of 100

HEC accepts the following HAT categories:

1. HAT-I

2. HAT-II

3. HAT-III

4. HAT-IV

HAT tests conducted specifically for admission to Pakistani universities are not applicable to this Commonwealth scholarship nomination.

Existing HAT Result

Applicants who took an eligible HAT test on or after 25 October 2024 can upload the result to the HEC portal and enter their score in the application.

HAT Test Scheduled for 25 October 2026

According to the HEC/ETC tentative test schedule, the HAT test scheduled for 25 October 2026 is eligible for the Commonwealth scholarship nomination process.

Applicants who do not have a valid HAT score, or who want to improve their score, can register for the eligible HAT test.

If the HAT result is announced after the scholarship application deadline, applicants do not need to manually enter the result. HEC will automatically add the valid HAT score after the result is announced.

How HEC Will Determine Merit

HEC states that merit will be determined primarily on the basis of the HAT score, subject to any changes in the merit criteria prescribed by HEC.

If two or more applicants have the same HAT score, HEC will use the percentage obtained in the applicant's last completed degree as the tie-breaker. Preference will be given to the applicant with the higher percentage.

Applicants should therefore pay particular attention to their HAT preparation.

Commonwealth Development Themes

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are offered under six development themes.

1. Science and Technology for Development

This theme covers areas where science, technology and technical knowledge can contribute to development.

Examples may include:

• Computer Science

• Information Technology

• Engineering

• Data-related fields

• Emerging technologies

2. Strengthening Health Systems and Capacity

This theme focuses on improving healthcare systems, services, research and capacity.

3. Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship

This area focuses on innovation, business development, entrepreneurship and solutions that can contribute to economic and social development.

4. Strengthening Global Peace, Security and Governance

This theme covers areas related to governance, public policy, international development, security and strengthening institutions.

5. Strengthening Resilience and Response to Crises

This theme focuses on improving the ability of communities and institutions to respond to crises and other challenges.

6. Access, Inclusion and Opportunity

This theme focuses on improving access to education, opportunities, participation and inclusion.

What Should Your Scholarship Application Show?

Applicants should explain how their proposed Master’s study relates to a development challenge and how the knowledge and skills gained in the UK could contribute to development in Pakistan.

For example, a candidate applying for a technology-related Master’s programme should clearly explain:

What do you want to study?

Explain the Master’s programme or subject you are proposing to study.

Why is it important?

Explain the development problem or challenge that your field of study could address.

How will it help Pakistan?

Explain how the knowledge and skills gained during your studies could contribute to development after returning.

A clear application should connect:

Academic field → Development challenge → Potential contribution to Pakistan

How to Apply for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship

Applicants must complete two separate online applications.

Step 1: Apply to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

Master’s applicants must submit their application through the official Commonwealth Scholarship Commission application system.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships – Official CSC Information

The CSC does not accept applications submitted outside its official online application system.

Step 2: Apply Through HEC Pakistan

Applicants must also submit an application through the HEC scholarship portal.

HEC Scholarship Portal

After registering and completing your HEC profile:

1. Log in to the HEC scholarship portal.

2. Complete or update your profile.

3. Select “Learning Opportunities Abroad.”

4. Complete the Commonwealth scholarship application.

5. Submit the application before the deadline.

6. Download and keep a copy of the submitted application.

Both applications are mandatory.

Submitting only the HEC application or only the Commonwealth application is not sufficient.

Important HEC Application Instructions

Before submitting the application, make sure your HEC profile contains your latest:

• Email address

• Mobile number

• Academic information

• Required personal information

HEC recommends submitting the application as early as possible because the portal may experience heavy traffic close to the deadline.

Do not send hard copies to HEC unless HEC specifically asks you to do so by email.

Applicants should regularly check the official HEC and Commonwealth Scholarship Commission websites for updates.

Documents and Information Required

Applicants should prepare their academic and supporting information before starting the application.

Depending on the application requirements, you may need:

1. Bachelor’s degree

2. Academic transcripts

3. HAT result

4. Personal information

5. Academic history

6. Proposed study information

7. Relevant supporting documents

8. Information required by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

All information should be accurate and consistent across both applications.

Providing false, incorrect or misleading information can result in disqualification or cancellation of the nomination.

HEC Nomination Is Not the Final Selection

HEC conducts the nomination process for Pakistani applicants, but it does not make the final scholarship selection.

The process can be summarized as:

Applicant

HEC application + Commonwealth application

HEC eligibility and merit assessment

HEC nomination

Commonwealth Scholarship Commission assessment

Final selection

Therefore, receiving an HEC nomination does not automatically mean that the scholarship has been awarded.

The final selection is made by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

Female Applicants

HEC states that it supports equal opportunity and encourages female applicants to apply.

For this scholarship, HEC has stated that the female nomination ratio will be at least 45%.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship Eligibility Checklist

Before submitting your applications, check the following:

• I am a Pakistani or AJ&K national.

• I am a permanent resident of Pakistan or AJ&K.

• I am not a dual national.

• I have a 16-year Bachelor’s degree for Master’s study.

• My Bachelor’s degree is in the relevant field.

• I have a first division.

• My terminal degree does not contain a Second or Third Division.

• I have an eligible HAT score of at least 60/100, or I am taking the eligible HAT test.

• I meet the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's eligibility requirements.

• I will submit the Commonwealth application.

• I will submit the HEC application.

• I will submit both applications before 20 October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship?

No. HEC states that there is no upper age limit for this scholarship.

Can result-awaiting students apply?

Yes. However, applicants must obtain and submit their final degree and transcript before the start of the academic session in August/September 2027.

What is the minimum HAT score?

The minimum required HAT score is 60 out of 100.

Which HAT tests are accepted?

HEC accepts HAT-I, HAT-II, HAT-III and HAT-IV for this scholarship.

Do I need to apply through both HEC and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission?

Yes. Applicants must complete both the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission application and the HEC application.

Does HEC make the final scholarship selection?

No. HEC conducts the nomination process in Pakistan. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission makes the final selection.

When will the studies begin?

Successful scholars are expected to begin their studies in the UK in September/October 2027.

How many Master’s nominations are available for Pakistani applicants?

HEC has announced 26 Master’s nominations for this programme.

Final Deadline

The key application deadline is:

20 October 2026

By this deadline, applicants need to complete both:

1. Commonwealth Scholarship Commission application

2. HEC Pakistan application

Applicants should prepare their academic documents, check their eligibility, meet the HAT requirement and submit both applications before the deadline.