HEC’s new dual degree policy has paved the way for Pakistan-America University partnerships.
LAHORE – The Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) newly introduced policy on dual, dual and joint degree programs has paved the way for Pakistani universities to formally collaborate with foreign institutions to offer internationally recognized qualifications.
The Dual, Dual and Joint Degree Program 2026 Policy, recently released by the HEC, establishes a legal and academic framework for local universities to partner with foreign institutions. Under the policy, students enrolled in such programs can graduate with qualifications recognized in both Pakistan and partner countries.
The policy requires universities to obtain a No Object Certificate (NOC) from the HEC before starting any joint, dual or dual degree programme.
The National Institute of Technology (NIT) says it is gearing up to become the first Pakistani university to apply for NOC under the new framework for degree programs being developed in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) in the US.
According to HEC policy, the foreign partner institution must either be listed in UNESCO’s Global Higher Education Database or be among the top 1,000 universities in an internationally recognized global ranking. NIT says ASU meets these criteria.
The institution also noted that more than 400 Pakistani students are currently enrolled at ASU and described the partnership as an opportunity to increase access to international higher education for local students.
NIT founder and chancellor Muhammad Shahzeb termed the HEC policy as an important step towards making foreign-accredited education more accessible, saying it would reduce the financial burden associated with pursuing a degree abroad while allowing students to stay in Pakistan.
If approved by HEC, the proposed programs will enable students to complete degree pathways jointly offered by a Pakistani and an American university without transferring abroad.
The NIT said it plans to launch the program after completing the HEC registration process and obtaining the required regulatory approvals.
The post HEC’s new dual degree policy opens the way for Pakistan-America University partnership appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.
Stay updated with the latest alerts on this story:
View Original Coverage
