International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP)—A Golden Opportunity for PhD Scholars in Pakistan-Apply Now

Introduction:

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has introduced the International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP), offering six-month research fellowships abroad for full-time PhD scholars in Pakistan. This initiative aims to enhance research quality, develop international collaborations, and expose Pakistani students to advanced research facilities worldwide. If you are a PhD scholar in Pakistan, this program can be a game-changer for your academic and research career.

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Objectives of IRSIP:

The International Research Support Initiative Program is designed to:

1. Improve the quality of doctoral research in Pakistan.

2. Build a critical mass of highly qualified professionals contributing to Pakistan’s development.

3. Facilitate the transfer of scientific and technological knowledge for economic progress.

4. Provide opportunities for training and research work in world-class universities.

5. Promote international collaboration between Pakistani and foreign researchers.

6. Introduce Pakistani talent on a global platform.

7. Align the standard of PhD research with international benchmarks.

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Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for IRSIP, candidates must fulfill the following conditions:

✅ Must be a Pakistani/AJK national enrolled in a full-time PhD program in Pakistan.

✅ Must have completed at least 18 credit hours of coursework.

✅ The applicant must have completed 18 months but not more than 3 years in their PhD program (for the 57th meeting & onward).

✅ Must have passed the GAT Subject Test or University Admission Test at the time of PhD enrollment.

✅ Must have an approved PhD research topic and synopsis from the Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR) / Directorate of Advanced Studies and Research (DASR) or an equivalent body.

✅ Must have an official acceptance letter from a foreign university/institute listed in the top 200 universities worldwide, as per:

1. Times Higher Education World University Rankings
2. 
   

3. QS World University Rankings
   ✅ The foreign supervisor should not be a former supervisor of the local PhD supervisor.

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Important Notes:

📌 Scholars who are already availing another HEC scholarship can still apply but must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their HEC dealing officer.

📌 For selection committee meetings after June 2013, only top 200 universities will be considered for ALL disciplines (agriculture, biological sciences, engineering, social sciences, etc.).

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How to Apply for IRSIP?

If you meet the eligibility criteria, follow these steps to apply:

1. Online Application Process

💻 Apply through the HEC Online Portal: https://scholarship.hec.gov.pk/#/auth/login

📑 Upload the following required documents:

1. Acceptance Letter from a Foreign University

2. CV of the Proposed Foreign Supervisor

3. BASR/DASR Approval Letter for PhD Topic & Synopsis

4. Complete PhD Thesis Synopsis

5. Recommendation Letter from Local PhD Supervisor

6. CV of Local PhD Supervisor

7. NOC from HEC (if availing another scholarship)

8. NOC from Department/Organization (if employed)

9. CV of the Applicant

10. Copy of Passport

11. Copies of Academic Documents (including PhD coursework transcript)

12. GRE/NTS Result Certificate

📌 Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only applications submitted via the HEC Online Portal will be processed.

https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/scholarshipsgrants/IRSIP/Pages/default.aspx

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Acceptance Letter Requirements:

The acceptance letter from the foreign university should include:

✔ A brief overview of the research to be conducted.

✔ Details of research facilities available at the host university.

✔ Research plan & activities for the foreign visit.

✔ Duration of research (in months).

✔ Bench fee amount (if required). If not mentioned, no claim will be entertained later.

✔ Breakup of bench fee utilization (if applicable).

✔ Terms & Conditions of the invitation.

✔ Complete contact details (email, phone, fax) of the foreign professor.

📌 It is mandatory to submit a Foreign Supervisor Form along with the acceptance letter.

📌 Download the Foreign Supervisor Performa from the HEC Online Portal and attach it to your application.

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Deadline for IRSIP Application:

📅 The deadline for the 57th batch is 30th March 2025.

📌 The next batch will be announced after the current batch closes.

Apply now before the deadline to secure your place in this prestigious research fellowship program!

🔗 Apply here: https://scholarship.hec.gov.pk

📧 For queries, email: irsip@hec.gov.pk

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Conclusion:

The International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) is a fantastic opportunity for Pakistani PhD scholars to gain international research exposure in world-class institutions. This program not only improves research quality but also builds strong academic collaborations between Pakistan and foreign universities. If you are a PhD student looking for international research opportunities, this is your chance to apply and take your research career to the next level!

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Get in Touch with Us:

Feel free to contact us if you have any inquiries, feedback, or collaboration requests. You can reach us through:

1. 📧 Email: mtayyab03008@gmail.com
2. 🌐 Website: pakcareerhub12.blogspot.com
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5. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayyab301

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