The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has announced the Faculty Development Program for Pakistani Universities (Batch-IV) for 2024-25. This program offers scholarships to faculty members of public sector universities in Pakistan and AJK to pursue a PhD degree at HEC-recognized institutions. The selected candidates will receive funding for a maximum period of four years, which includes12 months of research at a foreign university. If you’re interested in applying, this detailed guide help you understand through the eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and tips to maximize your chances of selection.
The Faculty Development Program (FDP) is a scholarship initiative under the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, aimed at improving the quality of higher education. It provides support to faculty members of public sector universities, allowing them to pursue a PhD at recognized institutions within Pakistan. The program focuses on enhancing research standards, academic expertise, and the overall education system in Pakistan. The application deadline is March 10, 2025.
Levels: PhD
Fields: All Fields
Offered By: Higher Education Commission HEC : (Click here to view all scholarships by this authority)
Local
Merit Based
All Pakistan
HEC Faculty Development Program Eligibility Criteria
Make sure you fulfill the following eligibility criteria before applying:
- Must be a Pakistani/AJK national.
- Must have an MS/MPhil or equivalent 18 years of education.
- The maximum age limit is 45 years at the time of application.
- Must be a full-time regular faculty member of a public sector university/DAI.
- Must have at least two years of consecutive teaching experience in the parent/serving university.
- Must have at least 60% marks in the annual examination system or 3.0 CGPA out of 4.0 in the semester system.
- Must have a valid HAT/GRE General Test score with at least 60% passing marks (May 2023 – May 2025).
- Applicants already enrolled in a PhD before Spring 2024 or those availing of other HEC/government/university scholarships are not eligible.
- Visiting or adjunct faculty members cannot apply.
Application Procedure
To apply for the HEC Faculty Development Program 2024-25, follow these steps::
- Online Application:
- Visit the HEC website at https://scholarship.hec.gov.pk/.
- Fill out the online application form.
- No hard copies or documents are required at this stage.
- Application Processing Fee:
- Deposit a non-refundable fee of Rs. 1000/- via 1Link 1Bill Invoice at banks/ATMs/internet banking/mobile banking.
- Select 1Link 1Bill Invoice payment in your mobile banking app.
- Click Bill Payment, enter the consumer number generated by the HEC portal, and pay the amount.
- Verify the payment on the HEC application portal.
- Final Submission:
- Complete the application and submit it online.
- Ensure you receive an acknowledgment of submission.
Selection Process
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following three criteria:
- Academic Merit (Calculated via Academic Evaluation Formula)
- HEC Aptitude Test (HAT/GRE General Test scores)
- Interview by Subject Experts
The National Scholarship Management Committee (NSMC) will make the final selection.
Important Guidelines & Conditions
- Selected candidates must secure PhD admission in a non-parent university.
- Candidates may pursue research at a foreign university under collaboration/MoUs with Pakistani institutions.
- The selection of discipline will align with the needs of higher education institutions.
- Intra-disciplinary admission may be allowed under HEC Graduate Education Policy 2023.
- Before admission, the university must meet all HEC PhD program requirements.
- Any error/omission in the application may lead to cancellation of the scholarship.
- HEC reserves the right to accept/reject applications.
Benefits of the Faculty Development Program
- Full tuition fee coverage for PhD studies.
- Monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Funding for research work.
- Opportunities for foreign research collaborations.
- Career growth and promotion opportunities in academia.
How to Maximize Your Chances of Selection?
- Score high in HAT/GRE General Test: A strong score improves your academic merit ranking.
- Ensure your research area aligns with the needs of higher education institutions.
- Submit a well-documented application with no errors or missing details.
- Select a reputed HEC-recognized university for your PhD.
- Demonstrate a strong teaching record with impactful contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can faculty members from private universities apply?
No, the program is only for faculty members of public sector universities/DAIs.
Q2: Can I apply if I am already enrolled in a PhD?
No, candidates enrolled in a PhD before Spring 2024 are not eligible.
Q3: Is there an age relaxation policy?
No, the maximum age limit is 45 years.
Q4: How do I prepare for the HAT/GRE General Test?
Practice verbal, analytical, and quantitative reasoning through past papers and study guides.
Q5: Can I apply if I am on a contractual teaching position?
No, only regular faculty members are eligible.
Q6: What happens if I miss the application deadline?
Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Leave a Reply