Pakistan, US renew Fulbright-HEC partnership to support 66 PhD scholars

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan and the United States have renewed their partnership under the Fulbright-HEC programme, with the two countries agreeing to support 66 Pakistani PhD scholars over the next five years.

The renewed agreement has been signed between Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan, marking another step towards strengthening academic and educational ties between the two countries.

The partnership will remain in effect from Financial Year 2026-27 through Financial Year 2031-32 and will cover a range of prestigious academic and professional exchange programmes. These include the Fulbright Master’s and PhD Programmes, the Visiting Scholar Programme for post-doctoral researchers, the Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Programme, and the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Programme.

Under the renewed partnership, 66 PhD scholars are expected to receive support over a five-year period, providing Pakistani researchers and academics with opportunities to pursue advanced studies and engage with leading institutions in the United States.

The initiative is aimed at contributing to the development of highly skilled human resources while promoting research, innovation and academic excellence.

It will also provide scholars and professionals with opportunities to gain international exposure, develop specialised expertise and establish academic networks.

The agreement reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and the United States to expanding educational cooperation and investing in human capital.

Through these programmes, both sides seek to encourage greater collaboration between academic institutions, researchers, faculty members and professionals.

The renewed partnership is also expected to strengthen institutional connections between universities and higher education organisations in Pakistan and the United States.

It will create additional opportunities for Pakistani students, scholars and faculty to participate in international academic programmes and benefit from educational and research exchanges.

The Fulbright programme has played a significant role in promoting educational and cultural links between Pakistan and the United States over the years.

The latest agreement is expected to further broaden these ties by supporting advanced academic research, professional development and knowledge exchange.

The partnership will therefore serve as an important platform for Pakistani scholars and professionals to enhance their academic and research capabilities while contributing to stronger long-term educational relations between the two countries.