HEC Public Advisory: Strict Enforcement of Residency Requirements for Foreign Degrees — Effective Post-Spring 2026

Issuer: Higher Education Commission (HEC), Sector H-9, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Purpose: To notify graduates of foreign chartered universities and students currently admitted under on-campus/conventional modes that HEC will strictly enforce residency and mode-of-study requirements from the Spring 2026 semester onward.

Key requirements and actions:

- HEC will not recognize any foreign degree that is registered as an "On-Campus" or "Conventional" program if the student completed the program fully online or via blended learning.

- Recognized foreign degrees must be listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) maintained by UNESCO and be recognized in their country of origin.

- The foreign university/degree-awarding institute must have approval from its national regulatory authority to offer the degree via distance/online/blended learning for HEC recognition when such modes were used.

- Students enrolled in on-campus/conventional programs must meet and document the physical residency/presence requirements of the awarding country; failure to comply may result in non-recognition of the degree by HEC.

How to apply / submit documents: Each application/recognition request is processed on individual merit and requires submission of detailed supporting documents online at https://services.hec.gov.pk/.

Effective date: Enforcement effective immediately following the Spring 2026 semester.

Note: Adherence to HEC guidance and provision of complete documentation is essential to secure recognition of foreign degrees.