The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has issued an advisory regarding foreign degrees that will not be recognized after 2026.
The advisory issued by the HEC states that students should exercise caution before taking admission as not every format will be recognized in Pakistan after 2026.
According to the commission, degrees that are officially registered as traditional on-campus programs but are completed entirely through online or distance learning modes will not be recognized in Pakistan after 2026.
This warning applies not only to students intending to study abroad, but also to students who are already studying in foreign universities.
The commission has advised students to get their degrees verified to avoid serious complications upon their return to Pakistan.
The commission clarified that applications for degree equivalence will continue to be processed through its online system, with each case being assessed individually on its own academic merits.
Officials stressed that the advisory aims to protect students from future academic, professional and legal harm, by ensuring that foreign credentials remain compliant with Pakistan’s regulatory framework.
Read also: Important advisory issued for students planning higher education abroad
