HEC issues alert over overseas courses
Key takeaways
- The HEC warned that not every format will automatically be accepted in Pakistan after Spring 2026.
- The warning applies not only to students planning to study abroad but also to those already enrolled in foreign universities.
- Despite the tougher stance, the HEC clarified that applications for degree equivalence will continue to be processed through its online system, with each case evaluated individually on its own academic merits.
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
Add ARY News on Google AAResize The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) has cautioned students to carefully verify the status of foreign degree program before enrolling, as international universities increasingly adopt online and hybrid learning models. The HEC warned that not every format will automatically be accepted in Pakistan after Spring 2026.
The HEC said that degrees officially registered as conventional on-campus programs but completed entirely through online or blended learning modes will no longer be recognised in Pakistan after Spring 2026, unless such delivery methods are formally approved by the relevant regulatory authority in the university’s home country.
The HEC urged both prospective and current international students to ensure that their chosen programs are properly accredited and that any physical attendance or residency requirements are fulfilled in accordance with official regulations.