HEC Post Doctoral Fellowship 2025: Your Ultimate Guide

For researchers and academics in Pakistan, the HEC Post Doctoral Fellowship is a golden opportunity to advance their research at some of the world's top universities. This prestigious program, offered by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, is designed to support scholars in gaining international exposure and contributing to the research landscape in Pakistan upon their return. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the HEC Post Doctoral Fellowship 2025.

What is the HEC Post Doctoral Fellowship?

The HEC Post Doctoral Fellowship Program (Phase-III) is an initiative by the HEC to provide 1000 fellowships over a period of 5 years. The program is designed to enable scholars to enhance their research skills and build international collaborations. The fellowship is available for faculty members of public and private sector universities, as well as for researchers in public sector R&D organizations.

The distribution of the fellowships is as follows:

• 70% for faculty members of public sector universities.
• 15% for faculty members of private sector universities.
• 15% for researchers in public sector R&D organizations.

This is one of the most sought-after fully funded post doc scholarships in Pakistan, offering a chance to work with leading researchers in your field.

Key Benefits

The HEC Post Doctoral Fellowship provides comprehensive financial support, which includes:

• A monthly stipend.
• Bench fees for the host institution.
• Return airfare.
• Health insurance.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the hec postdoc fellowship 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A PhD degree from an HEC recognized university.
• A faculty member at a public or private university in Pakistan, or a researcher at a public sector R&D organization.
• A valid invitation/acceptance letter from a top 200 QS world-ranked university.
• A strong research proposal.
• An updated HEC online profile.
• A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer.
• Must not have availed any post-doc fellowship (funded or self-funded) previously.
• Age must not be more than 45 years by October 30, 2025.
• For those with a foreign PhD, 5 years of work experience in Pakistan is required.

For those also considering other international opportunities, the Fulbright Scholarship 2025: A Complete Guide for Pakistani Students offers another excellent path for academic advancement in the USA.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the HEC Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program (Phase-III) Batch-V is October 30, 2025.

Application Procedure

The application process for the hec post doctoral fellowship 2025 is entirely online and requires careful preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the HEC Portal: All applications must be submitted through the HEC's online portal: pdfp.hec.gov.pk.
2. Application Fee: Deposit a non-refundable fee of Rs. 2000/- to A/C No. 1742-79001334-01, Habib Bank Ltd. (in favour of DG Finance, HEC).
3. Create or Update Your Profile: You will need to have an updated profile on the HEC website. Ensure all your personal, academic, and professional information is current.
4. Prepare Your Documents: Gather all the necessary documents in digital format. This includes:
   • A detailed research proposal.
   • A valid invitation/acceptance letter from a top 200 QS world-ranked university.
   • The CV of your proposed host supervisor.
   • Your own updated CV.
   • An attested copy of your PhD degree.
   • A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer.
5. Complete the Online Application Form: Fill out the application form on the portal, providing all the required information and uploading your documents.
6. Submit Your Application: Once you have completed the form and uploaded all documents, submit your application through the portal. Make sure to do this before the deadline.

Important Notes

• Only submitted applications will be considered. Saved drafts will not be processed.
• Incomplete applications or those without the required documents/NOCs will be rejected.
• HEC reserves the right to cancel the process at any stage without assigning any reason.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Start Early: The application process requires significant preparation. Start gathering your documents and drafting your research proposal well in advance.
• Secure a Strong Invitation: Your choice of host university and supervisor is crucial. Aim for a top-ranked institution and a supervisor whose research aligns with your interests.
• Write a Compelling Research Proposal: Your research proposal should be clear, concise, and impactful. It should clearly outline your research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

The sindh hec post doctoral fellowship 2025 and phec postdoc programs are also excellent opportunities for researchers in their respective provinces. However, the HEC program is open to all eligible candidates from across Pakistan.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official HEC Post Doctoral Fellowship page.

This fellowship is a gateway to becoming a part of the global research community. If you meet the criteria, don't miss this chance to elevate your research career.