The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has opened applications for Batch 60 of the International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP), giving eligible Pakistani and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) PhD students an opportunity to conduct research at a foreign university, research institute, or laboratory.
The fellowship supports a six-month research stay abroad and includes financial assistance such as a return economy-class air ticket and a monthly living allowance. Depending on the destination, selected scholars can receive up to $1,500 per month.
For the latest batch, applications are open until October 30, 2026.
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What Is the HEC Overseas Research Fellowship?
The HEC Overseas Research Fellowship is offered through the International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP). It allows eligible PhD scholars enrolled at recognized Pakistani universities to spend six months conducting research at an approved institution abroad.
The opportunity is intended to help researchers gain international research exposure, work with foreign supervisors and research groups, and access research environments that complement their PhD work.
For Pakistani researchers pursuing doctoral studies, overseas research can also provide opportunities to develop international academic connections and strengthen research collaboration.
Who Can Apply for IRSIP Batch 60?
HEC has specified several eligibility conditions for Batch 60. Applicants must meet the program requirements before submitting their applications.
Eligible candidates must:
- Be Pakistani or AJK nationals.
- Be enrolled as full-time PhD students at an HEC-recognized university in Pakistan.
- Have completed at least 18 credit hours of PhD coursework.
- Have completed at least 18 months of PhD study.
- Have not exceeded 3.5 years of PhD study at the time of application.
- Have enrolled in their PhD between Spring 2023 and Spring 2025 for Batch 60.
- Have passed the GAT Subject Test or the admission test conducted by their university.
- Have an approved PhD research topic and synopsis.
These conditions mean that the fellowship is specifically aimed at researchers who have already progressed beyond the initial stages of their doctoral studies.
PhD Research Topic Must Be Approved
Another important requirement is that the applicant’s PhD research topic and synopsis must already have approval from the relevant university authority.
This is important because the proposed research during the overseas stay should be connected to the scholar’s existing PhD research.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their university records contain the required approval before completing the fellowship application.
Foreign University and Supervisor Requirements
Candidates are responsible for arranging an official acceptance or invitation letter from a foreign university, research institute, or laboratory.
The host institution must be located in a developed country and satisfy the ranking requirements specified by HEC.
Applicants also need to identify an appropriate foreign supervisor whose research interests are relevant to their PhD topic.
The proposed supervisor must be a full-time faculty member at the level of Assistant Professor or above.
This makes it important for students to begin contacting potential supervisors well before the application deadline.
A strong match between the Pakistani scholar’s PhD research and the foreign supervisor’s research area can help ensure that the proposed research stay is academically relevant.
HEC Overseas Research Fellowship Financial Support
One of the major features of the IRSIP program is its financial support for the six-month research stay.
Selected scholars can receive an economy-class return air ticket of up to $1,300.
In addition, HEC provides a monthly living allowance based on the country where the research is conducted.
Monthly Allowance by Destination
| Destination | Maximum Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|
| United States | Up to $1,500 |
| United Kingdom | Up to £750 |
| Austria, Germany & Netherlands | €975 |
| Other European countries | Up to €900 |
| China, Korea & Malaysia | Up to $800 |
HEC may also provide support for approved bench fees, subject to the applicable program limits and requirements of the host institution.
The actual financial support therefore depends on the destination and the expenses covered under the program’s applicable rules.
Documents Required for IRSIP Batch 60
Applicants should prepare their supporting documents before submitting the online application.
The required documents include:
- Official acceptance or invitation letter from the foreign host institution.
- Completed HEC proforma from the foreign supervisor.
- Updated CV of the foreign supervisor.
- Proof that the PhD research topic and synopsis have been approved.
- Complete copy of the approved PhD research synopsis.
- Recommendation letter from the local PhD supervisor.
Applicants should carefully check their documents before submission because missing or incomplete supporting material can affect the processing of an application.
How to Prepare for the HEC Fellowship
Students interested in the HEC Overseas Research Fellowship should begin preparation early rather than waiting until the application deadline.
1. Identify a Suitable Research Supervisor
Look for professors and research groups working in an area directly connected to your PhD research.
Review their recent research work, publications, laboratory facilities, and ongoing projects before making contact.
2. Prepare Your Research Synopsis
Make sure your approved synopsis clearly explains your research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected contribution.
Your proposed overseas research should have a clear connection with your PhD project.
3. Secure the Invitation Letter
An official acceptance or invitation from the foreign host institution is an important part of the application.
Students should contact potential supervisors early because obtaining a response and completing institutional requirements can take time.
4. Organize Your Supporting Documents
Keep digital copies of your academic documents, approved synopsis, supervisor recommendation, foreign supervisor’s documents, and invitation letter ready before starting the online application.
5. Check the Deadline
For IRSIP Batch 60, applications are open until October 30, 2026.
Candidates should avoid leaving the application until the final day, particularly if they still need documents or confirmation from their foreign host.
Why Overseas Research Opportunities Matter for PhD Students
An international research placement can expose doctoral researchers to different academic environments, research methods, laboratories, datasets, and research networks.
Working with a foreign research group may also help scholars establish professional connections that continue after the six-month placement.
However, the usefulness of the research stay ultimately depends on how closely the host institution, supervisor, facilities, and proposed research activities align with the scholar’s PhD project.
Final Thoughts
The HEC Overseas Research Fellowship through IRSIP Batch 60 provides eligible Pakistani and AJK PhD students with an opportunity to spend six months conducting research abroad while receiving financial support.
With monthly allowances varying by destination and reaching up to $1,500 in the United States, the program can help eligible researchers manage some of the costs associated with an overseas research placement.
Students who meet the eligibility requirements should focus on securing a suitable foreign research supervisor, obtaining the required invitation letter, preparing their documents, and submitting their application before the October 30, 2026 deadline.
Students should review the official HEC website for the latest fellowship requirements, application instructions and program information before submitting their applications.
