HEC Changes HAT Test Schedule for Overseas Scholarship Applicants

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has revised the schedule for the Higher Education Aptitude Test (HAT) required for applicants seeking overseas scholarships. Candidates have been advised to take note of the revised examination schedule and plan their preparations accordingly.

The HAT will now be conducted on Saturday, September 19, 2026, instead of the previously announced date of September 27, 2026. The change applies to candidates applying under the Overseas Scholarships for MS/MPhil Leading to PhD in Selected Fields, Phase III, Batch IV.

HEC said the schedule was changed because of administrative reasons and unavoidable circumstances. Applicants should therefore follow the revised schedule rather than relying on the earlier test date.

The scholarship programme is aimed at supporting Pakistani students pursuing advanced degrees in selected fields at foreign universities. The HAT serves as an important part of the selection process for eligible scholarship applicants.

HEC had invited applications for the MS/MPhil and PhD overseas scholarship programme through an advertisement issued on August 9, 2026. The commission later released a corrigendum/addendum on August 20 with relevant updates.

The commission has clarified that all other terms, conditions and requirements remain unchanged unless specifically mentioned in the revised notice.

Candidates should carefully check their HEC application details, test information and official notices before appearing in the examination. They should also make sure they are prepared for the revised test date and keep their required documents ready.

Applicants should rely on official HEC announcements for any further changes regarding the HAT, scholarship selection process or application requirements.