HEC Punjab's Indigenous PhD Scholarship Program

Indigenous HEC Punjab

In a bid to promote and preserve indigenous knowledge, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Punjab has launched a groundbreaking Indigenous PhD Scholarship Program. This initiative aims to support and uplift scholars from indigenous communities, fostering research that not only contributes to academic knowledge but also preserves and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Punjab.

PhD Scholarship Program

Indigenous knowledge, deeply rooted in the traditions, languages, and practices of local communities, is a valuable asset that often remains underrepresented in academic discourse. Recognizing the need to bridge this gap, the HEC Punjab has taken a significant step towards inclusivity and diversity in higher education.

Features of the Indigenous PhD Scholarship Program

1. Financial Support

   The program provides financial assistance to scholars pursuing a Ph.D. in various disciplines, including but not limited to social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and engineering. This financial support covers tuition fees, research expenses, and a stipend to ensure that scholars can fully dedicate themselves to their studies without financial constraints.

2. Research Themes

   Emphasizing the importance of indigenous knowledge, the scholarship program encourages research that explores and documents traditional practices, folklore, languages, and ecological wisdom specific to Punjab. Scholars are encouraged to contribute to the understanding and preservation of indigenous knowledge within their respective fields.

3. Community Engagement

   The program places a strong emphasis on community engagement and collaboration. Scholars are encouraged to work closely with indigenous communities, fostering a two-way exchange of knowledge. This not only ensures that research remains relevant and respectful but also strengthens the bond between academia and local communities.

4. Language Preservation

   Recognizing the integral role of language in preserving indigenous knowledge, the program supports research conducted in local languages. This not only helps in safeguarding linguistic diversity but also ensures that the findings are accessible and meaningful to the communities being studied.

5. Cultural Sensitivity

   Scholars enrolled in the Indigenous PhD Scholarship Program undergo training on cultural sensitivity and ethical research practices. This ensures that research is conducted in a respectful and responsible manner, taking into consideration the unique cultural contexts of the communities involved.

Impact and Future Prospects

The Indigenous PhD Scholarship Program is expected to have a profound impact on higher education in Punjab. By empowering scholars from indigenous backgrounds, the program contributes to the diversification of academic voices and perspectives. Furthermore, the research outcomes are anticipated to play a crucial role in preserving and revitalizing indigenous knowledge, ensuring its continued relevance in a rapidly changing world.

As these scholars graduate and become ambassadors of indigenous knowledge, the ripple effect is likely to extend beyond academia, positively influencing policy, community development, and cultural preservation efforts.

How to apply in PHEC Indigenous PhD Scholarship Program

If you are interested in applying for the Indigenous PhD Scholarship Program in Punjab offered by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), you can follow these steps.

Eligibility Criteria

• Hold domicile from any district of the Punjab.

• Hold an MS/ M.Phil. Degree from foreign/local university with no 3rd division or grade D in entire academic career.

• Candidate applying for PhD scholarships must have minimum CGPA 3.0 (out of 4.0 in the semester system), CGPA 3.75 (out of 5) or first division (in the annual system) in MS/MPhil/Equivalent degree.

• Have NOC and approved study leave from parent department, if employed.

• Be Maximum 40 years of age (45 year age limit for female) on the closing date.

• Scholarship is meant only for three years, and during the continuance of PhD the awardee shall not do/ join any other job.

• The awarded shall seek admission in any public/private sector university of the Punjab within 9-months after award of scholarship letter.

Aapply process

Eligible students may apply using the PHEC online application form. Complete set of documents must include:

1. A Cover Letter
2. Submit a fully filled printed copy of the online application form. Ensure that the application form is complete in all respects. for apply online contact us.
3. NOC and Study Leave from department/organization (if employed)
4. Photocopy of CNIC
5. Candidate CV/Resume
6. Photocopy of domicile
7. Photocopies of academic documents including:
   1. Matriculation transcript and Degree
   2. Intermediate transcript and Degree
   3. BA/BSc transcript and Degree
   4. BS/ Master transcript and Degree
   5. M.Phil. transcript and Degree
8.  PhD research proposal.