HEC Updates List of Recognized Graduate Programs
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has published an updated list of officially approved MS, MPhil, and PhD programs, making it easier for students to verify which degrees are recognized at the national level. The revised database is now live on the HEC website and open for public access.
Why This Update Matters
The announcement follows a series of HEC-led training sessions for representatives of universities and higher education institutions (HEIs). These sessions focused on the Pakistan Qualification Register (PQR)—a centralized platform that catalogs every accredited degree program in the country.
The PQR isn’t just an administrative tool; it ensures programs are aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), gives HEC a reliable basis for degree attestation, and protects students from enrolling in unapproved courses.
What Universities Were Told to Do
HEC directed universities to regularly update their program details on the PQR system and secure approvals from relevant academic bodies. Focal persons—designated officials who act as liaisons between HEC and their institutions—were reminded of their role in:
- Keeping program information accurate and transparent.
- Addressing verification-related issues quickly.
- Ensuring timely updates to prevent discrepancies in official records.
Students Can Now Verify Degrees Before Applying
The newly updated list provides a clear picture of which programs are active and recognized. HEC has strongly urged prospective students to check both the PQR List and the NOC Issued List before applying to any graduate program.
Skipping this step could be costly: degrees from unlisted programs may face attestation problems, limiting their validity for both local and international opportunities.
Building Confidence in Higher Education
The PQR has become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s higher education system, helping students make safer academic choices, employers verify qualifications, and institutions maintain credibility. By publishing transparent and up-to-date program information, HEC aims to strengthen trust in Pakistani universities and safeguard students’ investments in their education.
