HEC FATA & Balochistan Scholarship 2026

Last updated: 5 October 2026

The HEC FATA & Balochistan Scholarship 2026 is part of HEC’s official project “Provision of Higher Education Opportunities for the Students of Balochistan and FATA” (Phases I–III). You may see it informally called the “HEC Postgraduate Scholarship for Balochistan & FATA” — that is only an informal label, not the project’s official name.

This scheme belongs to the Balochistan Government Schemes 2026 education category. It funds MS/MPhil study only at HEC-recognized universities in Pakistan — there is no PhD component and no study-abroad component. Alongside it, the project runs a separate undergraduate component (Phase-III: 5,000 undergraduate scholarships). This fact-checked guide covers eligibility, the real quota structure, the scholarship amounts, how to apply, and the current status.

Quick Scan

Who This Scholarship Is For

This scholarship is for students holding a Balochistan or erstwhile FATA domicile. For the undergraduate track, the father’s domicile is also required, and domiciles are verified by the district administration. Selection is on merit plus district/agency quota, through an aptitude test and academic credentials weighted 50/50 (undergraduate applicants need at least 50% in the test).

• Undergraduate track: maximum 22 years of age, with 12 years of education and at least 60% marks.
• MS/MPhil (postgraduate) track: maximum 35 years of age, with 16 years of education and at least 60% marks.
• You must have completed the required qualification on or before the closing date — result-awaiting students are not eligible.
• You must not be availing any other HEC or government scholarship at the same time.

Scholarship Amount & Coverage

The undergraduate component (Phase-III) covers:

• Tuition fee including hostel charges: up to Rs. 200,000 per year
• Monthly stipend: Rs. 12,000
• Book allowance: Rs. 10,000 per annum
• Settlement allowance: Rs. 20,000 one-time (UG Phase-III)

Stipend & Additional Grants

The MS/MPhil component covers:

• Tuition and other charges: up to Rs. 60,000 per semester
• Monthly stipend: Rs. 10,000
• Book allowance: Rs. 6,000 per annum
• Settlement allowance: Rs. 10,000 one-time (PG)

Note: there is no PhD funding, no study-abroad funding, and no thesis/dissertation grant under this project.

How to Apply

1. Create an account and apply online through the HEC e-portal: eportal.hec.gov.pk. Applications are online-only — hard copies are not entertained.
2. Complete your profile and select the project “Provision of Higher Education Opportunities for the Students of Balochistan and FATA”.
3. Pay the non-refundable application fee of Rs. 500 (Rs. 1,000 for PG Batch-V). Applications are not free.
4. Appear in the mandatory HEC Aptitude Test once scheduled.

There is currently no verified opening or deadline — ignore any claims of a 15 February 2026 opening or a 31 March 2026 deadline, as neither could be verified. Keep checking HEC’s official website for the next announcement.

FAQs

Is the Balochistan/FATA quota really 90/10?

No. The quota between Balochistan and erstwhile FATA (now merged into KP) is 50:50. The 90/10 figure is something else entirely — it refers to FSc completed inside vs. outside Balochistan/FATA, not the provincial split.

What is the age limit for this scholarship?

For the undergraduate track, the maximum age is 22 years. For the MS/MPhil track, the maximum age is 35 years as of the closing date, with no age relaxation.

Is there an application fee?

Yes. The application fee is Rs. 500, non-refundable (Rs. 1,000 for PG Batch-V). Applications are not free.

Is the scholarship open right now? When is the next intake?

The Phase-II intake is closed. HEC has announced 1,000 undergraduate scholarships for 2026–27 “to be advertised”, but no dates have been published yet. Watch HEC’s official website for the next announcement.

Final Take

The HEC FATA & Balochistan Scholarship remains one of the biggest fully funded opportunities for students from Balochistan and the merged districts — 8,343 scholarships awarded so far, with 4,583 students having completed their studies (HEC press release, 6 March 2026). Remember the key facts: MS/MPhil only (plus a separate undergraduate component), a 50:50 Balochistan–FATA quota, a Rs. 500 non-refundable application fee, and no thesis grant. With the Phase-II intake closed and the next undergraduate announcement still “to be advertised”, keep your documents ready and check HEC’s website for the latest.