The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has opened applications for the HEC Research Awards 2026-27, offering cash prizes of up to Rs1 million to researchers and scholars.
The awards are designed to recognize high-quality research, encourage intellectual development and highlight work that can contribute to society and human welfare.
The last date to apply is October 31, 2026. Applications must be submitted online through HEC’s research portal.
HEC Research Awards Categories
HEC is offering awards in three main categories.
Best Researcher: The winner will receive a certificate and a cash prize of Rs500,000. Applicants must have been residents of Pakistan for at least three years at the closing date.
Best Young Researcher: This category also carries a Rs500,000 cash prize. Applicants must be under 40 at the closing date and have lived in Pakistan for at least one year.
Best Publication: The selected publication will receive a Rs1 million cash prize. Eligible work must be a scholarly book or journal article and meet HEC’s detailed publication requirements.
For journal articles submitted under the Best Publication category, HEC requires publication in an HEC-recognized W-category journal and at least 100 citations. Eligible books must be published by a recognized academic press.
Which Fields Are Included?
Separate awards are available across three broad groups covering fields such as social sciences, law, education and management; engineering, technology, computer science and mathematics; and life sciences, health sciences, pharmacy, agriculture and veterinary sciences.
How to Apply for HEC Research Awards 2026-27
Applicants must submit the online application through the HEC Research Awards portal and upload the required documents.
HEC lists supporting requirements including a CV of up to two pages, three letters of support, relevant publications, a declaration certificate and a two-to-three-minute video demonstrating the impact of the applicant’s research or publication.
Applicants should complete all required sections carefully before submission. The official deadline is October 31, 2026, and researchers are advised not to wait until the final day to apply.
