HEC allows students to pursue two degrees at a time

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) on Sunday issued a new policy for dual, double and joint degree programmes.

Under the new policy, a formal framework for educational collaboration between Pakistani and foreign universities has been introduced, while students have also been allowed to pursue two degrees at a time.

According to the HEC, the new policy would provide students with international quality education, joint degree programmes and better opportunities for academic linkages with global universities.

Research collaboration, student mobility and educational partnerships will be promoted through the policy.

Read More: HEC approves policy on dual, double and joint degree programmes

The new policy has given special importance to quality assurance, transparency and institutional accountability so that degree programs can be run according to world standards.

The HEC said that this policy had been prepared keeping in mind modern educational needs and global trends.

According to HEC officials, the new policy would strengthen the process of internationalisation in Pakistani universities while also improving the global recognition and employment opportunities of graduates.

Chairman HEC Dr Niaz Ahmed Akhtar and Executive Director Dr Zia-ul-Haq had termed this policy a significant development in the higher education sector.

Earlier this month, HEC approved a policy on dual, double and joint degree programmes to facilitate structured academic collaboration between Pakistani higher education institutions and recognised local and foreign partner institutions.

The policy was introduced in view of the growing globalisation of higher education, increasing student mobility, international academic partnerships, and the need to align Pakistani higher education with global standards.

It provided a formal regulatory framework for universities seeking to offer collaborative degree programmes at undergraduate and graduate levels.

The policy provided for three forms of collaborative academic arrangements, namely dual degree programmes leading to the award of two degrees in distinct or closely related fields, double degree programmes leading to the award of two degrees in the same discipline by partnering institutions, and joint degree programmes involving the issuance of a single degree jointly awarded and signed by collaborating institutions.

Read: HEC bans establishment of sub-campuses of varsities

HEC had stated that such programmes may only be offered where universities enter into formal collaborative arrangements in accordance with the approved policy.

Institutions would be required to obtain necessary statutory approvals, execute a detailed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ensure credit mapping, define admission and exit requirements, disclose fee structures, provide student protection arrangements, and seek HEC’s NOC before launching any such programme.

The policy would benefit students by expanding access to international learning opportunities, credit mobility, joint supervision, global academic exposure and improved employability.