HEC Pakistan – Study in China for Six Months under CPEC Consortium

Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has announced an exciting opportunity for MS/MPhil and PhD scholars to undertake a six-month research placement in China under the CPEC Consortium of Universities. This program aims to strengthen Pakistan-China academic linkages and promote research in national priority and emerging fields.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be a Pakistan/AJK national.
• Must be a full-time MS/MPhil or PhD scholar at a recognized Pakistani higher education institution.
• Proposed research work in China must be directly connected to the applicant’s degree and feasible within six months.
• Official acceptance/invitation required from a Chinese university or laboratory stating research area, host supervisor, and duration.
• Host university must be a member of the CPEC Consortium of Universities.

For PhD Applicants

• Completion of PhD coursework.
• Eligible after 18 months of enrollment and up to a maximum of 3.5 years.
• Research topic and synopsis must be approved by BASR, DASR, or equivalent competent university body.

For MS/MPhil Applicants

• Completion of at least 18 credit hours.
• Must have entered the thesis/research stage with topic approved by the host university department.

Priority Research Areas

• Emerging Technologies: AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Cyber Security, Robotics, Automation.
• Water, Environment & Climate: Water treatment, Desalination, Climate resilience, Environmental engineering.
• Energy & Green Technologies: Renewables, Smart Grids, Green Hydrogen, Energy Efficiency.
• Advanced Industry & Earth Resources: Manufacturing, Materials, Minerals, Geosciences, Marine Technologies.
• Agriculture, Food & Biotechnology: Precision Agriculture, Food Security, Agricultural Biotechnology.
• Infrastructure, Transport & Logistics: Sustainable Cities, Ports, Supply Chains, Bridges, Tunnels.
• Health & Life Sciences: Biomedical Sciences, Telemedicine, Public Health, Infectious Disease Control.
• Society, Economy & CPEC Studies: Economics, Trade, Chinese Studies, Culture, Media, Tourism.

How to Apply

• Visit the official HEC website: www.hec.gov.pk/Site/ACCU.
• Submit the online application and send a printed copy to HEC.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide a signed printed copy with required documents.
• Application Deadline: 14 August 2026.

Contact Information

Dr. Farida Anjum
HRD Division, Higher Education Commission
H-8, Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: cpec.consortium@hec.gov.pk
Website: www.hec.gov.pk

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)