The HEC Postgraduate Scholarship funds MS/MPhil study at HEC-recognized universities for students with a Balochistan or erstwhile FATA domicile, covering tuition, a monthly living allowance, and additional support costs. This scheme belongs to the Balochistan Government Schemes 2026 Education category, run under HEC’s project “Provision of Higher Education Opportunities for the Students of Balochistan and FATA.” This guide covers eligibility, the actual quota structure, and how to apply.
Understanding the Quota Structure
This is the detail worth getting right before you apply. Scholarships under this program split 50:50 between Balochistan and erstwhile FATA applicants — not 90/10. Within each of those two groups, 90% of scholarships are awarded on a population basis to students who completed FA/FSc/I.Com/A-Level or equivalent from the relevant districts, agencies, or Frontier Regions, with the remaining share allocated on open merit within the selected pool. Knowing which ratio applies to which comparison matters for understanding your actual odds.
Eligibility
| Requirement | Detail |
| Domicile | Local domicile certificate from Balochistan or erstwhile FATA |
| Education | 16 years of education completed, minimum 60% marks |
| Age | Maximum 35 years as of the closing date, no relaxation |
| Test | Mandatory HEC Aptitude Test, minimum 50% marks required |
| Existing scholarships | Applicants already availing any other HEC or government scholarship are not eligible |
| University admission | Must separately meet HEC and the specific university’s eligibility criteria for MS/MPhil admission |
Candidates must have acquired their required academic qualification on or before the closing date — results-awaited students are not eligible to apply.
How to Apply
- Create an account at scholarship.hec.gov.pk.
- Complete your profile — personal details, guardian information, domicile documentation, and academic history.
- Select the program titled “Provision of Higher Education Opportunities for Students of Balochistan & Erstwhile FATA,” postgraduate track.
- Fill the application form carefully, ensuring every detail matches your official documents.
- Pay the non-refundable test fee (historically around Rs. 500) through the 1Bill invoice generated on the portal, via mobile banking, ATM, or bank counter.
- Confirm your payment status using the “Verify Online Payment” option before final submission.
- Appear for the mandatory HEC Aptitude Test once scheduled.
Applications are online-only — hard copies are not entertained.
Results Explained
After the closing date, HEC uploads a provisional shortlist with a waiting list on its website. Applicants typically get a short window — around five days — to report any data-entry error from their own submission, with supporting evidence, before the list is finalized. Once the final shortlist is published, it’s final — HEC does not accept further review requests, including requests based on improved or re-totaled results after the closing date.
Payment / Benefit Details
| Benefit | Amount |
| Tuition and other charges (including hostel fee) | Up to Rs. 60,000 per semester |
| Living allowance | Rs. 10,000 per month |
| Books allowance | Rs. 6,000 per annum |
| Traveling allowance | Rs. 5,000 per annum |
| Initial settlement allowance | Rs. 10,000, one-time |
Students already enrolled in medical, dental, or engineering programs are not considered against reserved seats under this scheme, though they may still be considered for a scholarship offer if they qualify on merit.
Solve — If Something Goes Wrong
- Unsure if you’re Balochistan or FATA “IN” or “OUT” category: Check the IN/OUT category explanation on the official HEC scholarship page (hec.gov.pk/site/bf3) before filling your form, since this affects which quota pool you’re assessed against.
- Made a data-entry error in your submitted application: You get a short review window (historically five days) after the provisional list is published — report it with documentary evidence directly to the program’s official email, not through a general HEC inquiry.
- Already receiving another scholarship: You are not eligible for this program simultaneously — you’d need to choose one.
- Missed the Aptitude Test: Appearing in the HEC Aptitude Test is mandatory for every applicant, even those who’ve already cleared NTS/GAT or another entry test.
What’s Next
Complete your application at scholarship.hec.gov.pk before the closing date and pay your test fee promptly, since assistance in case of technical issues is more available before the deadline than after. Watch your email and the HEC website for the Aptitude Test schedule and, later, the shortlist announcement.
FAQs
Is the Balochistan/FATA split really 90/10?
No, the split between Balochistan and erstwhile FATA applicants is 50:50, confirmed directly on hec.gov.pk. The 90/10 figure refers to a different ratio within the program — 90% of scholarships go to students selected on a population basis from FA/FSc/equivalent backgrounds, with the remainder on open merit.
What’s the age limit for this scholarship?
The maximum age is 35 years as of the closing date, with no age relaxation, for the postgraduate (MS/MPhil) track specifically. This is different from the undergraduate track under the same broader program, which has a lower age limit.
Is the HEC Aptitude Test mandatory even if I’ve already taken NTS or GAT?
Yes, every applicant must appear in the HEC Aptitude Test conducted specifically for this scholarship, regardless of any other entrance test already cleared.
Can I apply if I’m already receiving another scholarship?
No, applicants already availing any other HEC or government scholarship are not eligible to apply for this program.
What does the scholarship actually cover?
It covers tuition and hostel fees up to Rs. 60,000 per semester, a Rs. 10,000 monthly living allowance, plus books, travel, and a one-time settlement allowance. Full figures are listed in the Payment/Benefit Details table above.