The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan has announced six-month research fellowships in China for Pakistani students enrolled in MS and PhD programs under its Academic Collaboration initiative of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Consortium of Universities. Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi'an, China, is one of the host institutions actively inviting Pakistani researchers. A specific research group at NWPU is looking for scholars in engineering, AI, and aerospace fields right now. You get to work in world-class Chinese laboratories, publish research papers, and build an international academic network, and the entire experience is financially supported. No application fee, fully funded with a monthly stipend. Travel and insurance covered. If you are an MS or PhD student in Pakistan with a strong research background, this is your chance to go international without leaving your degree program.

Key Details about Fellowships in China

• Program Name: HEC CPEC Six-Month Research Fellowship in China

• Host University: Northwestern Polytechnical University — NWPU

• Coordinating Body: Higher Education Commission of Pakistan

• Framework: CPEC Consortium of Universities

• Country: China

• Duration: 6 months

• Open to: Pakistani and AJK nationals enrolled in MS or PhD programs

• Application Deadline: August 14, 2026

• Application Fee: None

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Financial Benefits

This fellowship is designed to remove financial barriers so researchers can focus entirely on their work. Selected candidates receive a comprehensive funding package, including:

• Monthly Living Stipend: Generous allowance to cover daily expenses in China.

• Travel Coverage: Round-trip international airfare included.

• Health & Safety: Full medical insurance coverage throughout the stay.

• Academic Guidance: Direct mentorship from world-class professors at NWPU.

• Research Output: Opportunity to author high-quality journal papers and conference proceedings.

Target Fields of Research

The host research group at NWPU is actively seeking scholars specializing in modern engineering, automation, and computer science domains:

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

• Intelligent Fault Diagnosis

• Prognostics & Health Management (PHM)

• Remaining Useful Life (RUL) Prediction

• Aerospace Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Electronics / Electronic Engineering

Who Can Apply (Eligibility)

To be eligible for this fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a Pakistani or AJK national

• Must be a full-time MS, MPhil, or PhD scholar currently enrolled at a recognized Pakistani higher education institution

• Must have an approved research topic that is directly connected to their degree program and feasible to complete within six months

• Must secure an official acceptance or invitation letter from a Chinese university or laboratory stating the research area, host supervisor name, and duration of stay

• Both the Pakistani home university and the Chinese host university must be members of the CPEC Consortium of Universities

• The research area must align with the host group's active research directions

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Required Documents for Application

If you plan to apply, ensure you have the following documents ready to submit:

1. Updated Academic CV

2. Brief Research Proposal (1–2 pages focusing on your proposed work in China)

3. Official Academic Transcripts

4. List of Publications (if applicable)

5. Proof of Enrollment (Active MS/PhD student status from your home university)

6. HEC Fellowship Eligibility Proof (if available)

How to Apply

Step 1: Contact the NWPU host supervisor first.
Email Dr. Umar Saleem at engrumarsaleem15@nwpu.edu.cn with your CV and a short paragraph about your research background. Request an official acceptance letter. Without it you cannot proceed.

Step 2: Confirm your university is in the CPEC Consortium.
Check with your home university's research office that both your Pakistani institution and NWPU are registered CPEC Consortium members. Both sides must qualify for your application to be valid.

Step 3: Prepare your research proposal.
Write a clear one- to two-page proposal explaining your planned research at NWPU, how it connects to your degree, and why it is achievable in six months.

Step 4: Gather all required documents.
Collect your transcripts, degrees, CNIC, enrollment certificate, research synopsis, and host acceptance letter. Compile everything into clean PDF files before submitting.

Step 5: Submit through HEC official channels.
Go to hec.gov.pk and submit your complete application package. Coordinate with your home institution's research office to complete the official HEC CPEC routing process.

Step 6: Follow up with your institution.
Confirm with your university's focal person that your application has been formally routed through HEC. Keep copies of every document you submit.

Official Links

Official HEC Award Details Page

HEC Program Overview Page

Online Application Submission Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this fellowship open to students from all Pakistani universities?
No, both your home institution and NWPU must be registered CPEC Consortium members. Confirm with your university's research office before applying.

Do I need to pause my degree to go to China?
No. The fellowship runs alongside your degree, and your research in China must directly connect to your thesis work.

Is the monthly living stipend fixed?
It varies by host group. Confirm the exact amount directly with Dr. Umar Saleem before applying.

What if my university is not in the CPEC Consortium?
You cannot apply through this program. Contact NWPU directly about self-funded visits or explore other HEC bilateral programs instead.

Can I publish research papers during the fellowship?
Yes. Working under NWPU professors gives you direct access to ongoing projects and opportunities to co-author international journal papers.

What happens after the fellowship ends?
You return to your Pakistani university and continue your degree. Many CPEC fellows use this experience to apply for full scholarships at Chinese universities afterward.

Apply on the official website link provided below