HEC Need-Based Scholarships 2025-26: Financial Support for Deserving Students
The HEC Need-Based Scholarships 2025-26, administered by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, provide targeted financial assistance to academically talented students from low-income families pursuing higher education in public universities and degree-awarding institutions (DAIs). Covering undergraduate (BS) to doctoral (PhD) programs, it includes full tuition waivers, hostel/mess charges, books/supplies, and limited stipends to ensure no student drops out due to financial constraints.
Since 2002, the program has supported over 25,000 students annually, with a focus on equity (50% female quota, rural/disabled priority). Applications for 2025-26 cycle are open through university financial aid offices; no central deadline – varies by institution.
November 29, 2025 Update: 2025-26 cycle ongoing; many universities (e.g., QAU, COMSATS) deadline June 30, 2025. Check your uni's aid office.
Prepared by Abdul Rahman (Lahore higher education consultant), LearnBit.pro has helped 6,000+ students secure funding. From University of Punjab to Balochistan University of Engineering, this guide simplifies access to this vital support.
HEC Need-Based Scholarships 2025-26 Eligibility Criteria
Need-cum-merit based; prioritizes financial hardship and academic potential. Only regular students in HEC-recognized public DAIs.
You Qualify If:
- Enrollment: Regular full-time student in public DAI (BS to PhD)
- Income: Family annual ≤ Rs. 300,000 (all sources; affidavit proof)
- Academics: Minimum 60% marks or no third division in previous exams
- Demographics: Pakistani/AJK citizen; priority females, rural, disabled
- No Other Aid: Not receiving full scholarship from another source
You Don't Qualify If:
- Private/self-finance/part-time student
- Family income > Rs. 300,000/year
- Third division or failed subjects
- Already on full HEC/other govt scholarship
- Non-HEC recognized institution
Quotas: 50% female, 10% disabled/minorities, 20% rural/low-income. Covers 100+ public DAIs (full list on HEC site).
Student Spotlight: Usman from DG Khan (family income Rs. 250,000/year, 65% marks) received aid for MS Physics at UET Taxila. "It covered my hostel – I graduated with 3.2 CGPA," he says.
HEC Need-Based Scholarships Benefits 2025-26
Tailored support based on need; renewable annually on performance.
Tuition Waiver
100% fees covered (semester-wise to university)
Hostel/Mess
Up to Rs. 60,000/year (actual charges)
Books & Supplies
Up to Rs. 6,000/year (reimbursed)
Additional Support: Transport allowance in select cases; no fixed stipend (varies by university). Total value: Rs. 500,000+ per student.
Application Deadlines 2025-26: University-Specific
No central HEC deadline – each university sets its own. Apply early via financial aid office.
| University | Typical Deadline | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Quaid-i-Azam University | June 30, 2025 | fao@qau.edu.pk |
| COMSATS University | July 15, 2025 | scholarships@comsats.edu.pk |
| UET Lahore | June 30, 2025 | fao@uet.edu.pk |
| NUMS Rawalpindi | Ongoing per semester | fao@numspak.edu.pk |
| University of Punjab | July 31, 2025 | fao@pu.edu.pk |
| Your University? | Ask Financial Aid Office | Check uni website |
How to Apply for HEC Need-Based Scholarships 2025-26
100% through university – no direct HEC portal. Takes 10–15 minutes.
Step 1: Visit Financial Aid Office
1 minGo to your university's financial aid/student affairs office or check website.
Step 2: Get Application Form
2 minDownload HEC Need-Based Scholarship form (PDF) from uni portal.
Step 3: Fill Details
5 minEnter personal, academic, family income, program info.
Step 4: Attach Documents
5 minRequired: CNIC, income affidavit (notarized), utility bills, transcripts, fee receipt, domicile.
Step 5: Submit to Aid Office
1 minHand in form + docs; university forwards to HEC.
Step 6: Wait for Result
2–3 MonthsUniversity announces list; HEC disburses funds.
Selection Process: Need + Merit Formula
HEC uses transparent scoring; university committee verifies.
- 70% Weight: Financial need (income, dependents)
- 20% Weight: Academic performance
- 10% Weight: Distance, siblings, equity
- Verification: University visits home if needed
2025 Stats: 40,000 applications; 25,000 selected (62% rate). Rejections: Fake income proof (30%).
Secure Your Education with HEC Need-Based Scholarship
This scholarship removes financial barriers for 25,000+ students yearly. Apply through your university – your future is worth it.
Contact Your University Aid Office