HEC Quaid-e-Azam Memorial Fellowship 2026: Eligibility and How to Apply
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced the Quaid-e-Azam Memorial Fellowship 2026 to promote academic research on Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The initiative marks his 150th birth anniversary and invites research synopses exploring his life, vision, leadership, contributions and legacy.
According to the announcement poster, this is a six-month research opportunity for PhD scholars. Eligible applicants should review the official requirements, prepare their research synopsis and arrange the necessary university approvals and foreign host documents.
The last date to apply is 30 October 2026. This guide explains the research themes, eligibility criteria, financial support, required documents and application process.
HEC Quaid-e-Azam Memorial Fellowship 2026 Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Higher Education Commission, Pakistan |
| Programme | Quaid-e-Azam Memorial Fellowship |
| Research Duration | Six months, according to the announcement poster |
| Intended Applicants | Eligible Pakistani/AJK PhD scholars |
| Application Period | 6 October to 30 October 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 30 October 2026 |
| Research Subject | Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah |
| Application Method | Google Form linked through HEC’s official application instructions |
Research Focus Areas
The fellowship announcement identifies the following research themes:
- Vision and thought
- Leadership and statesmanship
- Role and contributions
- Legacy and ideals
- Political, social and constitutional thought
Applicants should develop a focused research question within these themes. A proposal might examine a specific aspect of Jinnah’s constitutional ideas, political leadership or historical contributions. These examples are suggestions for developing a synopsis, rather than additional research topics formally approved by HEC.
Discuss the proposed study with your local supervisor and explain how it connects with your approved doctoral research.
Eligibility Criteria
According to HEC’s published eligibility requirements, applicants must:
- Be Pakistani/AJK nationals enrolled in a full-time PhD at a recognized university in Pakistan.
- Have completed at least 18 credit hours of PhD coursework.
- Have completed at least 18 months, but no more than 3.5 years, of PhD enrolment at application. HEC also specifies enrolment between Spring 2023 and Spring 2025, inclusive.
- Have passed the GAT Subject Test or university admission test when admitted to the PhD programme.
- Have a research topic and synopsis approved by BASR, DASR or an equivalent university body.
- Hold an official research acceptance or invitation from a foreign university, institute or laboratory.
- Select a host university meeting HEC’s top-ranked requirement under QS or THE rankings, overall or by subject.
- Propose a foreign supervisor who is a full-time Assistant Professor or above and has not previously supervised their local PhD supervisor.
Review the official HEC eligibility criteria before preparing an application.
Financial Support and Fellowship Benefits
HEC’s fellowship package lists an economy return airfare allowance of up to USD 1,300, with tickets arranged by HEC. Monthly living allowances depend on the destination:
| Destination | Monthly Living Allowance |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | GBP 750 |
| Austria, Germany and the Netherlands | EUR 975 |
| Rest of Europe | EUR 900 |
| United States | USD 1,500 |
| Korea, China and Malaysia | USD 800 |
| Rest of the World | USD 1,200 |
Bench-fee support is conditional. Any required bench fee must appear in the acceptance letter at selection, and reimbursement requires a paid invoice. Check the official fellowship package for applicable caps and conditions.
Required Documents
HEC’s application instructions list the following documents:
- Foreign acceptance letter or letters, foreign supervisor’s CV and completed HEC proforma
- Approved research topic, university approval and complete thesis synopsis
- Signed and stamped local supervisor recommendation and CV
- Applicant CV, academic records, PhD coursework transcript and test certificate
- Passport copy, or a processing token if the passport is pending
- Applicable NOCs relating to existing HEC funding or employment/study leave
Use HEC’s official checklist to confirm which requirements apply to your circumstances.
How to Apply Online
- Visit the official HEC application instructions.
- Review your eligibility and prepare the required documents.
- Open the Google Form linked on that page.
- Complete the requested fields, provide the required documents and review your application.
- Submit by 30 October 2026 and retain any available submission confirmation.
Important application-link clarification: The supplied poster lists this application form, while HEC’s application page checked on 6 October 2026 lists a different form. Begin at HEC’s official application page and seek clarification if necessary. The contents and submission availability of these forms have not been independently confirmed.
Tips for Preparing Your Research Synopsis
A clear synopsis should explain the research question, its significance, the sources you intend to examine and the contribution your study could make. Avoid proposing an excessively broad study of Jinnah’s entire life when a defined question would be more manageable.
Discuss whether your proposed host can provide suitable supervision and access to relevant research material. Prepare a realistic work plan for the research period and keep your proposal consistent with your university-approved topic.
These are practical preparation suggestions. Follow HEC’s prescribed format and requirements wherever provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this fellowship open to undergraduate students?
The published eligibility requirements are for scholars already enrolled in a full-time PhD in Pakistan.
Is a foreign acceptance letter required?
Yes. Applicants should review HEC’s acceptance-letter conditions before approaching a prospective host.
Does submitting an application guarantee selection?
No. Submission does not guarantee a fellowship award. Applicants must meet the published requirements and follow HEC’s selection process.
Where can applicants ask questions?
The supplied announcement lists qamf@hec.gov.pk for queries, including clarification of the application links.
Final Application Checklist
Before submitting, confirm your PhD enrolment period and completed coursework, check that your synopsis has the required university approval, and ensure your foreign host documents meet the official instructions.
The HEC Quaid-e-Azam Memorial Fellowship 2026 offers an opportunity to research Jinnah’s thought, leadership and legacy. Prepare your documents early, submit by 30 October 2026, and revisit HEC’s official pages for any changes before completing your application.