The policy will benefit students by expanding access to international learning opportunities
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan on Saturday approved a policy for dual degree, dual degree and joint degree programs to facilitate structured academic collaboration between Pakistani higher education institutions and recognized local and foreign partner institutions.
This policy was introduced in the context of increasing globalization 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 programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The policy provided for three forms of collaborative academic arrangements, namely dual degree programs leading to the award of two degrees in distinct or closely related fields, dual degree programs leading to the award of two degrees in the same discipline by partner institutions, and joint degree programs involving the award of a single degree awarded and signed jointly by the collaborating institutions.
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HEC said such programs can only be offered when universities enter into formal collaboration agreements in accordance with the approved policy. Institutions will have to obtain necessary statutory approvals, sign a detailed memorandum of understanding (MoU), ensure credit mapping, define admission and exit requirements, disclose fee structures, provide student protection provisions and seek the NOC of HEC before launching such a programme.
The policy will benefit students by expanding access to international learning opportunities, credit mobility, joint supervision, global academic exposure and improved employability.
It will also help Pakistani universities strengthen international partnerships, enhance program relevance, improve quality assurance and increase global recognition of Pakistani higher education.
Through this policy, HEC aims to promote responsible internationalization of higher education while preserving academic standards, student interests and institutional accountability.
