HEC Public Alert: Associate Degree Admissions Not Recognized

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has issued a formal public alert warning students, parents, and stakeholders against enrolling in two-year BA/BSc or MA/MSc programs. These degree programs were officially phased out by the commission following the academic year 2019.

Why Are These Degrees Not Recognized?

The HEC clarified that despite clear directives, some higher education institutions continued to admit students into these phased-out programs after the established deadlines. The commission has explicitly stated that any degrees obtained from these unauthorized admissions do not qualify for recognition or official attestation by the HEC.

The Policy Timeline

The transition away from two-year degree programs began in 2004 as part of an effort to improve the quality of higher education in Pakistan to match international standards. Universities were granted a transition period until 2016 to phase out these programs, with final extended deadlines set for the academic year 2019 and June 30, 2022.

What Students Should Do

Before securing admission or paying fees, students must verify the status of their chosen program directly through the official HEC website. Enrolling in a program that does not meet current HEC standards carries a significant risk, as the resulting degree will be invalid for employment or further studies.

Last checked: October 23, 2026. Please verify the latest status of any degree program directly on the official Higher Education Commission (HEC) website before applying.