International Research Support Initiative Program/HEC

The interviews for the 59th Batch of the International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) will commence on 20 August 2026 and continue until 1 September 2026.

More than 600 PhD scholars will be interviewed for the award of the prestigious IRSIP scholarship. As part of the interview process, each applicant will deliver a 5–7-minute presentation followed by a question-and-answer session with the experts.

The interview will focus on:

Subject Knowledge, Research Competence & Communication Skills

Demonstration of research expertise, subject understanding, and presentation skills.

Research Proposal & Scientific Merit

Novelty, objectives, methodology, feasibility, and expected outcomes of the proposed research.

Justification & Preparedness for IRSIP

Relevance to PhD research, need for international exposure, planned activities, preparedness, and anticipated outcomes.

Host University, Supervisor & Research Facilities

Suitability of the host institution and supervisor, along with the available research facilities.

National Significance & Emerging Knowledge Trends

Potential contribution to national development and alignment with global research priorities.

We wish all participating scholars the very best of luck.

HEC has developed Alumni Portal for HEC Scholars. All HEC scholars including IRSIP are encouraged to register on the portal.

alumni.hec.gov.pk

Applications are now open for HEC's 'International Research Support Initiative Programme' (IRSIP) Batch 59.

For detailed criteria:
https://tinyurl.com/hecIRSIP

Apply now at: scholarship.hec.gov.pk

Updated Deadline: May 15, 2026

All IRSIP awardees who have been granted a visa, paid the bench fee, or purchased airfare at their own expense are required to submit their payment claims to HEC by 15 May 2026, so that payments may be processed within the current Financial Year ending 30 June 2026.
Please note that any claims received after the deadline will be processed in August/September 2026, subject to the release of funds in the next financial year.
Students selected under the 58th batch are strongly encouraged to apply for their visas on a priority basis.

Congratulations to all the awardees

The IRSIP Award Ceremony of 58th batch will be held online tomorrow at 4:30 PM. Chairman HEC will be the Chief guest.

All awardees are requested to join the session on time. Please note that award letters will be issued only to those students who attend the ceremony.

The link for the online ceremony will be shared via email tomorrow morning.

Looking forward to see all the awardees

Results of 58th batch have been shared with all applicants. Out of 581 applications, 130 candidates have been selected after a strict 3‑stage review (HEC eligibility check, subject expert review, and panel interviews), based on merit and ISCED subject classification.

The next round will be announced after Eid, with revised criteria including relaxation of PhD enrollment duration to 3.5 years.

On behalf of the IRSIP team, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a year filled with success, innovation, and collaboration.
May 2026 bring new opportunities for learning, research, and growth as we continue to strengthen our academic and professional networks. Happy New Year

Thank you Ms. Ayesha for the lovely souvenir on your return from UK under IRSIP.