Quick answer: To apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship from Pakistan, you must meet the HEC and CSC eligibility requirements, have a minimum 60 out of 100 HAT score accepted by HEC, and submit separate applications through the official CSC and HEC portals. The current deadline for both applications is 20 October 2026, with the CSC deadline at 16:00 BST and the HEC deadline at 4:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time. For PhD applications, applicants must also meet the additional CSC requirements, including obtaining a supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor.
Pakistani students can apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship for the 2027–28 academic year through both the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. Applicants must meet both HEC and CSC eligibility requirements and provide a valid HAT score for the HEC nomination process.
The Commonwealth Scholarship supports full-time postgraduate study in the UK and provides approved tuition fees, airfare, a monthly living allowance, and other support depending on the award. More than 30,000 Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows have been funded by the UK government through the CSC since the scheme began.
Key Takeaways
The Commonwealth Scholarship 2027–28 is open to eligible Pakistani and AJ&K applicants, with applications submitted in 2026. Applicants must apply through both the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and HEC portals and meet the required academic criteria. HEC requires a minimum HAT score of 60 out of 100. There is no upper age limit under the current HEC criteria. Applicants should also prepare their documents, references, and development-impact statements, while PhD applicants have additional requirements, including support from a proposed UK supervisor.
What Is the Commonwealth Scholarship?
The Commonwealth Scholarship is a UK government-funded scholarship programme administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are intended for candidates from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who want to undertake full-time taught Master’s study at a UK university and would otherwise be unable to afford study in the UK.
Pakistan is included among the countries eligible for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship. Pakistan is also included among the countries eligible for the current Commonwealth PhD Scholarship programme for least developed countries and vulnerable states.
What Does the Commonwealth Scholarship Cover?
For the current Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship, the CSC lists the following financial assistance:
- Approved airfare from the scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award.
- Full approved tuition fees, covered through the CSC’s agreement with the UK university.
- A monthly living allowance of £1,712, or £2,000 for scholars at universities in the London metropolitan area, at the current published rates.
- A study travel grant for study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
- Certain child allowances may be available to eligible widowed, divorced or single-parent scholars with children living with them in the UK.
- Additional financial support may be available for scholars with disabilities following an assessment.
The published stipend figures are current rates and may be updated by the CSC. Applicants should check the official scholarship information before relying on these figures.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Applicants?
Pakistani applicants must satisfy the requirements set by both HEC and the CSC. HEC is the national nominating agency for Pakistan, while the CSC makes the final selection of scholars.
HEC Eligibility Requirements
For the 2027–28 Commonwealth Scholarship programme, HEC requires applicants to:
- Be a Pakistani/AJ&K national and permanent resident of Pakistan/AJ&K.
- Not hold dual nationality.
- Have no upper age limit for this scholarship.
- For a Master’s application, hold a first-division 16-year Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field.
- For a PhD application, hold a first-division 17/18-year Master’s, MS or MPhil degree in the relevant field.
- Not have a second or third division in the terminal/latest degree.
- Provide a valid HAT score of at least 60 out of 100.
Result-awaiting applicants can apply under the current HEC rules, provided they obtain and submit their final degree and transcript before the academic session begins in August/September 2027.
CSC Eligibility Requirements
The CSC also requires applicants to meet its own eligibility conditions. For the 2027–28 Master’s Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of, or have refugee status in, an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
- Be available to start study in the UK in September 2027.
- Hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) first degree, or a lower second-class degree together with a relevant postgraduate qualification, usually a Master’s degree.
- Be unable to afford UK study without the scholarship.
- Provide the required supporting documentation.
The CSC states that there is no age limit for its applications. It also normally does not fund a second Master’s degree. Applicants seeking a second Master’s must provide a justification, and applicants who have already studied at Master’s level at a UK institution or already received a Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship are not eligible under the current rules.
What Is the HEC HAT Test?
The Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) is part of HEC’s nomination process for this scholarship.
For the 2027–28 Commonwealth Scholarship, HEC requires a minimum HAT score of 60 out of 100. Only the general HAT categories HAT-I, HAT-II, HAT-III and HAT-IV are accepted for this programme. HEC specifically states that HAT tests conducted for Pakistani university admissions are not applicable to the Commonwealth Scholarship nomination process.
For the current 2027–28 cycle, HEC states that HAT tests taken on or after 25 October 2024 may be uploaded for consideration. It also states that the HAT scheduled for 25 October 2026, if held as planned, is eligible for the Commonwealth Scholarship nomination process.
If an eligible HAT result is announced after the application deadline, HEC states that it will automatically add the valid score for nomination after the result is announced.
Which HAT Category Should You Take?
HEC accepts the following four general HAT categories:
| HAT Category | Relevant Academic Areas |
|---|---|
| HAT-I | Engineering, IT, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics |
| HAT-II | Management Sciences, Business, Economics |
| HAT-III | Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology, Law |
| HAT-IV | Medical, Biological, Agricultural, Veterinary Sciences |
What Are the Commonwealth Scholarship Development Themes?
The CSC offers its scholarships under six 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
- Access, inclusion and opportunity
Applicants should explain how their proposed study relates to development challenges and how the knowledge and skills gained through the scholarship could contribute to development in Pakistan.
The CSC also asks applicants to explain their expected development impact, including the outcomes they aim to achieve, the expected timeframe, beneficiaries and how the impact could be measured.
How To Apply For The Commonwealth Scholarship From Pakistan In 2027
The application requires two separate applications: one to the CSC and one to HEC. HEC states that applicants must complete both applications within the required deadlines.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Before starting the application, prepare the required academic and supporting documents.
For the CSC Master’s application, the required documents include:
- Proof of citizenship or eligible status.
- Full transcripts for higher education qualifications.
- At least two references.
- Other information and statements requested in the application form.
Applicants should also prepare their development-impact responses, study plan, personal statement and career information required by the CSC application.
Step 2: Apply Through the CSC Portal
Create an account and submit your application through CSC Central, the official online application system.
For the 2027–28 cycle, the CSC application deadline is:
20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST
The CSC does not accept applications or supporting documents submitted outside its online application system.
The application system uses two-factor authentication, so applicants should have access to a smartphone or a second email account when registering.
Step 3: Apply Through the HEC Portal
After completing the CSC application, submit the separate HEC application through the HEC Scholarship Portal.
After registering and completing your HEC profile, select Learning Opportunities Abroad and complete the Commonwealth Scholarship application.
For the current 2027–28 cycle, the HEC deadline is:
20 October 2026 at 4:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time.
HEC advises applicants to update their active email address, mobile number and other profile information before submitting the application.
Step 4: Submit Both Applications Before the Deadline
Submitting only one application is not enough.
HEC states that applicants must submit applications through both the Commonwealth and HEC portals. Failure to submit the required application on either portal means HEC cannot accept the application for its nomination process.
HEC also advises applicants to submit early because the online systems may experience heavy traffic close to the deadline.
What Additional Requirements Apply to PhD Applicants?
PhD applicants have additional requirements under the CSC process.
For the 2027–28 Commonwealth PhD Scholarship, applicants must provide a supporting statement from a proposed supervisor at a UK university named in their application. They must also provide references and the other required supporting documents through CSC Central.
The CSC requires PhD applicants to:
- Provide a supporting statement from a proposed UK supervisor.
- Provide at least two references.
- Submit full higher-education transcripts.
- Prepare a development-impact statement.
- Provide information about their proposed study and research.
- Apply to their preferred UK universities and take the necessary steps for admission.
For the current PhD programme, Pakistan is one of the eligible countries. The CSC states that applicants must be available to start their studies in September 2027 and must meet its academic requirements.
What Are the Selection Criteria?
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee a scholarship.
The CSC states that Master’s applications are assessed using criteria including candidate merit, quality of the study or research proposal and potential impact on the development of the candidate’s home country. Applicants should therefore ensure that their application clearly addresses the criteria and the requested development-impact information.
HEC conducts the nomination process in Pakistan. For the current cycle, HEC states that merit for its nomination process is determined strictly on the basis of HAT score, subject to any modification in its merit criteria. The final selection of scholars is made by the CSC.
For the 2027–28 cycle, HEC has stated that 26 nominations are available for Master’s and 30 nominations for General PhD.
Do Commonwealth Scholars Have To Return To Pakistan?
Commonwealth Scholars are required to return to their home country after the scholarship.
The CSC states that scholars commit to returning home at the end of their scholarships to contribute to development in their home countries. For Master’s Scholars, the CSC states that switching to a graduate or other visa to remain in the UK is not permitted.
The current CSC rules do not state a general requirement to remain in Pakistan for exactly two years. Therefore, the commonly repeated “two-year return requirement” should not be presented as a current rule for this scholarship without an official source.
Is IELTS Required for the Commonwealth Scholarship?
The CSC does not require candidates to take IELTS as part of the scholarship application.
However, applicants must meet the English-language and admission requirements of their chosen UK university. The CSC advises applicants to check the requirements of their intended university and course.
Is There an Application Fee?
The CSC does not charge an application fee for its scholarships through its online application system.
Applicants may, however, have to pay the applicable fee for registering for the HEC/ETC HAT test. HEC advises applicants to check the latest ETC information for test registration and fees.
Plan Your Commonwealth Scholarship Application
The Commonwealth Scholarship offers eligible Pakistani students the opportunity to pursue postgraduate study in the UK. Start preparing early, especially if you need to take the HAT, secure references, apply to a university, or contact a potential PhD supervisor. You can also explore scholarship opportunities and study options through ScholarBee as you plan your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IELTS required for the Commonwealth Scholarship from Pakistan?
No. The CSC does not require IELTS for the scholarship application. However, your chosen UK university may have its own English-language requirement for admission.
What is the age limit for the Commonwealth Scholarship?
There is no upper age limit under the current HEC criteria, and the CSC also states that there is no age limit for its applications.
Can I apply with a second-division degree?
HEC requires applicants to have a first division in the relevant terminal degree and states that applicants must not have a second or third division in their terminal/latest degree. For the CSC Master’s route, the normal academic requirement is at least an upper second-class (2:1) first degree, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification.
How much is the Commonwealth Scholarship stipend?
For the current 2027–28 Master’s Scholarship information, the CSC lists a living allowance of £1,712 per month, or £2,000 per month for universities in the London metropolitan area. These are current published rates and may change.
Does HEC charge an application fee?
HEC’s Commonwealth Scholarship application itself does not have an application fee. However, applicants may have to pay the applicable fee for the HAT test through ETC.
