The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan recently issued a statement advising students to be cautious about Transnational Education (TNE) Policy violations by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The HEC officials expressed serious concern over the observation that a number of Pakistani institutions collaborating with foreign universities to offer qualifications under the TNE Policy were violating HEC policies while granting admission to students. As a result, the students who graduate from these institutions are facing difficulties in obtaining recognition/equivalence of their degrees from the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
The HEC has further stated that to get their degrees recognized/equated by HEC, students must have completed twelve (12) years of education as per the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and have equivalence issued by Inter board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) at the time of admission in a degree program. In case any violation is found at any stage, HEC shall not recognize these degrees and will withdraw the No Objection Certificate (NOC) immediately.
The HEC officials have disseminated this information for the awareness of parents and students. It is important for students to be cautious about the institutions they choose to obtain their degrees from, as non-recognition by HEC can have serious implications on their careers. It is advised that students and parents thoroughly research the institutions and their TNE collaborations before enrolling in any program. This will help avoid any future problems related to recognition and equivalence of degrees.
In conclusion, the HEC’s recent advisory serves as a warning to institutions and students alike about the importance of following the rules and regulations set forth by the Commission. The HEC’s role in regulating and standardizing higher education in Pakistan is crucial, and it is important for institutions and students to comply with its policies and guidelines to ensure that the degrees earned are recognized and valued in the job market.
