The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has sanctioned a new policy to regulate dual, double, and joint degree programs, fostering structured academic partnerships between Pakistani universities and recognized local and international institutions. This initiative responds to the increasing globalization of higher education, rising student mobility, and the growing demand for international academic collaborations.
The policy establishes a formal framework for universities to offer collaborative degree programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. It outlines three types of academic arrangements: dual degree programs, which result in two degrees in distinct or related fields; double degree programs, awarding two degrees in the same discipline from partner institutions; and joint degree programs, where a single degree is jointly conferred and signed by the collaborating universities.
HEC mandates that such programs can only be launched when universities enter into formal agreements compliant with the approved policy. Institutions must secure all necessary statutory approvals, sign detailed memoranda of understanding (MoUs), conduct credit mapping, define admission and exit criteria, disclose fee structures transparently, implement student protection measures, and obtain HEC’s no-objection certificate (NOC) prior to program commencement.
This policy is designed to benefit students by broadening access to international educational opportunities, facilitating credit transfer, enabling joint supervision, and providing global academic exposure that enhances employability prospects. Additionally, it aims to assist Pakistani universities in strengthening international partnerships, updating curricula to meet global standards, improving quality assurance mechanisms, and boosting the worldwide recognition of Pakistan’s higher education system.
In a significant development, HEC seeks through this policy to encourage responsible internationalization of higher education while ensuring the protection of academic standards, safeguarding student interests, and maintaining institutional accountability.
